FAQs

What is the MSc Publishing programme about?

MSc Publishing at Edinburgh Napier University offers you the opportunity to gain and develop skills in publishing while being supported by experienced academics and industry experts. It provides you with a broad experience of the book and magazine publishing industry and enables you to gain specific skills which are highly attractive to publishing employers.

We are the first and only Publishing Programme in the UK to be accredited by the PTC, the Periodicals Training Council, the lead body for training for the industry.

This one-year (or two year part-time) publishing programme is for recently qualified graduates who intend to enter the publishing industry, and for people already working in publishing or bookselling who are seeking the opportunity for special training and experience.

MSc Publishing offers a range of specialised skills in editorial skills, marketing, design, production and management as well as that all-important work placement. The dissertation (completed in trimester 3) enables you to embark upon a substantial piece of research into relevant industry issues and practices – many students have used this opportunity to tailor their research to their chosen career path.

Our Postgraduate Publishing programme is located in the world-renowned Scottish Centre for the Book, a centre for research and scholarship into print culture and publishing history, which hosts seminars and conferences and acts as a focus for research into books and reading (www.napier.ac.uk/scob).

Edinburgh Napier University is also the proud holder of the Edward Clark Collection, a major collection of around 4,500 rare and valuable works relating to publishing and print media. Our Live Publishing projects include The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner and The Thirty-Nine Steps, all of which have been published with the aid of the Edward Clark Trust.

All our staff are highly qualified and successful publishing practitioners, and are passionate about publishing, so you can benefit from our wealth of experience and excellent industry links (meet the team).

During your publishing studies, you’ll meet industry professionals and authors, take part in site visits to publishers and printers, and get the opportunity to undertake a work placement. The course also has close links with industry bodies such as Publishing Scotland and the Periodical Publishers Association.

One of the major advantages of our Masters in Publishing is the opportunity it provides for networking with industry professionals. Students can attend the London International Book Fair and the Edinburgh International Book Fair, as well as various book festivals and magazine award ceremonies.

Each month students have the opportunity to meet informally with industry professionals at the UNESCO Literary Salon, and to socialise with publishers from all sectors of the industry at numerous book launches, literary events, author readings, etc.

Links have been established with Calcutta University and the University of Leipzig, among others, as part of our focus on international publishing.

On our MSc Publishing programme you will gain a wide range of skills and specialised professional knowledge and understanding which will make you ideally placed to enter the publishing industry with advanced standing, in the UK or overseas.

What’s involved?

The full-time course is studied over one year and is split up into three trimesters with attendance of approximately 2 to 3 days per week. It is also possible to study by individualised part-time study over two years (approximately 1 or 2 days a week).

The 2012/13 academic year begins w/c 24 September 2012 (see ‘When does the MSc Publishing programme start?’ below for more details).

You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, and through independent study. There are also regular master classes and visits from publishing professionals working at the highest level in the industry. You will also get the chance to publish a project to professional standards and to contribute to publications in both print and online.

Trimester 1

Publishing in Context
Publishing in Practice: From Concept to Creation
Creative Toolkit

These three modules will introduce you to current practices in the publishing industry, and give a basic knowledge of key aspects of the publishing process. Successful completion of these modules will make you eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate.

Trimester 2

Publishing Placement & Professional Development
Publishing in Practice: From Creation to Consumer
Plus one module from the Option Pool, which should allow you to specialise in your chosen area.

At present, you can choose from:

Magazine Publishing
From Script to Screen
Interactive Media
New Venture Creation

These modules introduce you to business development and management, marketing theory and techniques, rights and product exploitation, and experience of the publishing workplace. Successful completion of these modules will make you eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma.

Trimester 3

You will work on your dissertation, an indepth, industry-based research project. On successful completion of this you will be awarded a Masters degree.

How many days will I be in class?

Depending on the group that you are assigned to, full-time students will be in classes for three days a week.

Many of our students combine study and part-time work. This is why we work to consolidate the lectures and tutorial groups so that they are spread across two or three days rather than all five weekdays. We attract students from a range of backgrounds and we are constantly trying to make the programme as accessible as possible. This is especially important as some students who enrol are actually working in the publishing industry and use our MSc Publishing to progress further up the publishing ladder.

How flexible is the programme?

MSc Publishing offers a number of module options in trimester 2 and the dissertation allows you to focus on an area of study personal and relevant to your interests and career needs.

What skills will I learn?

Industry-specific publishing skills: production, design, editing (including writing, copy-editing and proofreading skills), commissioning, sales and marketing skills, all to professional standards. You will gain indepth knowledge of copyright, publishing business and finance.

Latest industry standard software skills, such as: Adobe Creative suite, InDesign, Adobe/Macromedia.

Transferable skills: research, communication (oral and written), IT, presentation, management, financial, critical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Research skills: sustained independent enquiry skills (for essays, assignments, projects, creative productions or the dissertation). Information (and image) gathering for dissemination in a variety of print and electronic delivery platforms. You’ll learn how to formulate appropriate research questions and employ appropriate methods and resources for exploring those questions.

How difficult is the programme for a non-design or non-technical person?

MSc Publishing is structured to be accessible to any student from any background.

While we teach design skills, MSc Publishing does not focus on this alone. We pay equal attention to the principles behind good design, and the ability to critique typography and design, to prepare briefs for professional designers and to manage the workflow, for example, are also taught on the programme.

The Creative Toolkit module (trimester 1) is structured to introduce you to industry specific software. Students who have never touched an AppleMac before or used any type of design package have gone on to excel in this module. The tutor is knowledgeable, friendly and happy to help with any problems that you might have.

We attract students from a wide range of disciplines and so the entire postgraduate publishing programme is similarly designed to take you from first stages to professional ability.

Are there established links between this course and industry?

Yes! Our Postgraduate Publishing degree is taught by industry professionals, endorsed by industry organisations such as the Publishing Training Council, Publishing Scotland and the Periodical Publishers Association, and is supported by the publishing industry both in Scotland and further afield. Guest speakers by industry professionals are a feature of the programme, as are site visits and excursions to such industry events as the annual London Book Fair, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, etc.

In addition, links have been fostered via the live publishing projects and the work placement module (see below).

Staff are members of various professional organisations including, Scottish Print Employers Federation, SHARP (the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading and Publishing) UK APE (the UK Association of Publishing Educators), Women in Business, etc, and are actively involved with a number of organisations such as: Publishing Scotland; Periodical Publishers Association, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature; Scottish Centre for the Book (SCOB); and Scottish PEN.

These links provide the student with industry contacts, professional expertise as well as real experience of how the industry operates.

Is there a work placement scheme?

Yes. Many companies expect students to have experience of working within the publishing industry before applying for their first position. The aim of the work placement is to ensure that you have that experience and to enable you to consolidate and apply your academic study and experience the commercial realities of industry.

Our Professional Publishing Placement module has proven highly successful, even leading to full-time employment for some students. The placements are organised by the Module Leader and every Publishing student is guaranteed a place.

The placement is organised for the student, who makes their selection from a range of relevant host companies. Provision is also made for those students who would prefer to organise their own placement. Find out more …

What kind of jobs do graduates get?

Employment opportunities for our Publishing graduates are extremely good. Our MSc Publishing programme already has an established reputation in the industry, and graduates have an exceptionally high record of employment (95% of graduates are in relevant employment within six months of graduation). Many students secure employment even before they graduate. We keep apace with the rapid technological advances in digital media and in book and magazine production to ensure you have the skills demanded by industry. A growing professionalisation of the industry, mean that publishers need skilled graduates. Our graduates find employment in:

mainstream book publishing (editorial, production, publicity or marketing)
magazine/journal publishing (including the corporate sector, which employs an increasing number of publishing graduates)
digital and online publishing, including selling and managing rights
related sectors such as media, web editors, content providers, design or printing.

This is a vocational course that prepares you for the widest possible range of media careers – publishing, journalism, the arts, PR, cultural and media sectors. See our Alumni page.

Employment prospects are supported by the work placement module which provides work experience in a whole range of publishing positions: book (children’s and general), newspaper and magazine publishers, printers, design consultants, sales and marketing companies, literary agents.

Is the programme available part-time as well as full-time?

Yes. The part-time MSc Publishing runs over two years, as opposed to one year of full-time study. At the moment our Publishing Masters is only taught during the day.

Many of our students choose to study part-time and this is why we have been working to consolidate the lectures and tutorial groups so that they are spread across two or three days rather than all five weekdays. We attract students from a range of backgrounds and we are constantly trying to make the programme as accessible as possible. This is especially important as some students who enrol are actually working in the publishing industry and use our MSc Publishing to progress further up the publishing ladder.

What help is provided before I start to study?

An Induction Week is provided for all new MSc Publishing students at the commencement of their study. During this week you will meet with the Programme Team and receive detailed information about the MSc Publishing programme of study. You are introduced to your timetable, your modules, employment prospects, overseas study opportunities, methods of teaching, learning and assessment and what it is like to be a student on the MSc programme. Additional assistance from research students, representatives from the EDS, Careers Service and lecturers within the School of Arts and Creative Industries may also be provided.

You will also receive general information about the University, join a conducted tour of the Learning Information Centre, receive instruction in the use of the C&IT facilities, attend the Principal’s introductory welcome ceremony and Freshers’ Fayre. During this week you are given a thorough introduction to University life and are encouraged to participate in social events within the University.

MSc Publishing has one of, if not the highest, retention figures in the School, which is in large part due to this engagement by the staff, and to the level of support provided (detailed below).

During Induction Week you may hear from guest speakers or take part in the events and activities which are organised to introduce you to programme staff and your fellow students, allowing a relationship between student and student, and staff and students, to develop from the outset. In addition, regular activities are organised by staff throughout the year, including site visits, excursions to relevant events and more social gatherings. See our Industry Visits page.

Is there a reading list I can get before the programme begins?

It is not necessary to obtain a reading list prior to beginning your publishing studies, as all of the necessary texts are in our campus library. However, you can obtain a list from the Programme Leader if you wish.

The trade magazine, The Bookseller, is very good preliminary reading. You can apply for student subscription rates once you begin the programme.

What help is provided during my studies?

The School provides discipline specific academic support and pastoral support for all students enrolled on the programmes, and the School’s Director of Student Experience provides a point of contact between School, Faculty and University levels of policy and provision.

You will be assigned a Personal Development Tutor who will meet with you formally twice a year. He/she provides a formal contact point for anyone who wishes to discuss personal issues outside the normal tutorial or class contact periods. In addition, the University Student Support Services provides professional counselling, welfare advice, learning support and careers guidance.

Most staff also operate an informal ‘open door’ policy that allows informal contact and dialogue to take place.

An Induction Week is provided for all new students at the commencement of their study (see above).

Online support is also provided. All students are provided with an online Programme Handbook which details many of the issues specific to your study. These include the aims and outcomes of the programme, the LTA Strategy and the various support mechanisms in the School and the University (eg, the mechanisms available should you wish to appeal a decision), and the arrangements for giving you feedback on assessed work.

Most of the modules on MSc Publishing are supported by on-line learning tools and resources (WebCT Virtual Learning Environment).

In addition, each dissertation student is assigned a supervisor to help with this individual indepth research project.

Staff within the School have experience of assisting students with a wide range of disabilities (especially Dyslexia) and the School is committed to helping students achieve their educational potential, regardless of disability, wherever this is reasonably possible.

The School has three members of staff designated as special educational needs tutors: one based at each of the Craighouse, Marchmont and Merchiston campuses.

What do I need to get onto the programme?

We are looking for a good classification (2.2) at degree level or the equivalent. Alternatively, relevant industry experience may also be taken into account. As MSc Publishing involves close work with texts, editing, copy writing, etc, a good level of written and spoken English is required. Applicants whose native language is not English will be required to meet the standard of 6.5 in IELTS or the equivalent standard in TOEFL, the Cambridge Certificate in English as a Foreign Language, or other relevant qualifications. However, if you have been living and studying/working in the UK for some time, then you may not be required to take this test. Please contact the Programme Leader if in doubt.

Is my first degree relevant?

Since we recognise that Postgraduate Publishing attracts individuals from a wide range of disciplines, we do not specify the subject of your first degree. We do specify an award of 2.2 or higher in your first degree but even if you have not achieved a 2.2, we may still consider you for a place depending on your experience, personal statement and references. Please contact us for more information.

Should I include a reference?

It is a good idea to include your reference with your application. If this is taking longer than expected, please send in your completed application with a note to say your reference will follow. If it has been some time since you left university, you can supply an employer’s reference instead of an academic one.

When should I apply?

Any time throughout the year. However places are highly sought after so we recommend you apply as soon as possible. A completed application form should include an academic reference, evidence of commitment to publishing (and evidence of English language skills if appropriate). An online version can be obtained from the university’s Postgraduate Publishing webpage:

full time: www.courses.napier.ac.uk/W54701.htm
part-time: www.courses.napier.ac.uk/W54702.htm

How many places are there on the MSc programme?

Normally between 20 and 30. Classes are small to allow for indepth learning.

When does the MSc Publishing programme start?

2012/13 – starts week commencing Monday 24 September 2012.

The exact start day is yet to be confirmed. During the Induction Week (full details in the section, ‘What help is provided during my studies?’, above), planned activities will introduce you to MSc Publishing, the staff, the individual modules and their assessments and, of course, to the other students!

Successful applicants will be sent details of the exact activities for Induction Week nearer the start date.

MSc Publishing has three trimesters, the dates for the 2012/13 session are:

Trimester 1: 24 Sept – 18 January
Trimester 2: 21 January – 10 May
Trimester 3: 20 May – 30 August

Please go to our website for more information about all years: Edinburgh Napier University Calendar

How much are the fees?

The fees are subject to change each year. Please see the main University website for an up-to-date fee structure: go to www.napier.ac.uk and click through the links from Postgraduate study to find the MSc Publishing full-time (or part-time) course and the relevant fees.

A fee information sheet can also be obtained from Myra Tait in our School Office. Email m.tait@napier.ac.uk or phone +44 (0) 131 455 6150.

The fees can be paid in instalments throughout the year.

If you have any questions about fees or finance, or want advice on how to manage payment for your studies, please email the Fees/Finance Office (email: i.marongwe@napier.ac.uk).

Are there any funds or bursaries available?

Please note that most of our students are self-financing and that bursaries/help with fees can be difficult to obtain. However, UK/EU students may be eligible for an award from the Arts and Humanities Research Board, Professional Preparation Master’s Scheme. For information on this see: www.ahrc.ac.uk/FundingOpportunities/Pages/default.aspx

In addition, we currently (2010/11) have two PSAAS nominations through SAAS. (Please note applicants funded by an English/Welsh local authority or living in England/Wales are not eligible for a SAAS award. Other EU applicants are eligible for fees only.) For full details go to the SAAS website: www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/postgrad.htm

As our two PSAAS funded places are highly sought after, anyone hoping to secure our nomination for a place has to undergo a separate application process. Information about this selection process is only sent out to those candidates who have formally accepted their Unconditional Offer.

We do not have any strict deadlines for these MSc Publishing PSAAS applications, but we usually send out details of how to apply in July/August, so you will need to have applied, been offered a Unconditional place and accepted that place before then. You should also have consulted the SAAS website to ensure you are eligible for SAAS funding.

Please remember that:

Only those applicants who have formally accepted their Unconditional offer to join MSc Publishing will be sent details of how to apply to be nominated for PSAAS funding (this is usually sent out by email @ June/July).
It is your responsibility to check and ensure you are eligible for SAAS funding before applying to us to be nominated for this funding.
We nominate two* applicants for funding and these nominations are then sent to SAAS to be processed; we cannot guarantee the nominations will be accepted.
There are only two* funded places and so you should have alternative plans in place should you be unsuccessful in securing one of our funded places.

Please contact the Programme Leader if you wish to be nominated for these awards.

* Correct for the 2010/11 academic year. Please contact us for more information.

Edinburgh Napier has a number of campuses, where will I be based?

MSc Publishing is based at our stunning Craighouse campus, the fabulous grounds and Grade A-listed buildings of which are situated in the historic district of Morningside.

The campus is set in serene woodlands with excellent views of the city. It is also close to the city centre with frequent buses so you can benefit from the best of both worlds.

What are the benefits of studying at Craighouse campus?

Accessible, supportive staff
specialised Mac labs on campus
e-publishing room for the exclusive use of Publishing students
friendly working environment
stunning, historic setting
close to the city centre with frequent buses.

Does Edinburgh Napier have student accommodation?

Yes. The University has approximately 1,100 student beds in university-controlled flats at various sites around Edinburgh. Obviously, these are highly sought after and it is important that you apply early for a place. For further information, contact our Accommodation Office, tel: +44 (0)131 455 3713 or go to the main University website: www.napier.ac.uk/accommodation

Can I find out more information?

Yes. For more information or to discuss the programme informally, please contact the programme leader:

Avril Gray
Programme Leader, Postgraduate Publishing
School of Arts and Creative Industries
Edinburgh Napier University
Craighouse Campus, New Craig Building
Edinburgh, EH10 5LG

e-mail: a.gray@napier.ac.uk • tel: (+44) 131 455 6192

Myra Tait
School Office
e-mail: m.tait@napier.ac.uk • tel: (+44) 131 455 6150

Can I meet with someone to discuss the programme?

Yes. Formal Open Days take place throughout the year. Please go to our website www.napier.ac.uk for more information. Click on Open Days and follow the links to Postgraduate Open Days.

You are also welcome to arrange a more informal meeting with the Publishing staff. Please contact the programme leader to arrange a visit.