MRes Publishing Studies

University of Stirling

Publishing is evolving at a rapid pace. Digital platforms, self-publishing, and new revenue models are reshaping the industry. The MRes Publishing Studies equips you to keep up with these trends, develop evidence-based strategies for publishers, and enhance your professional profile with strong analytical expertise. This research-focused Masters degree lets you customise your publishing studies to your area of passion. It provides a pathway to PhD preparation through specialised research in publishing. It also offers publishing professionals the chance to focus deeply on issues relevant to their current practice. On this research Masters in Publishing Studies you’ll: explore the history, culture, and contexts of Scottish, UK, and global publishing develop an analytical and research-focused approach to publishing have the option to gain hands-on experience with digital publishing tools and strategies showcase your ability to carry out independent research and concentrate on a topic of interest. Study at a dedicated publishing research centre The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication runs the MRes Publishing Studies. You’ll benefit from their 40+ years' experience of conducting research activities. Staff at the centre regularly collaborate with industry, publishing organisations, and other universities. Research areas include: Digital publishing Contemporary literary publishing Literary prizes Book festivals Small press publishing Publishing and the visual arts Academic publishing and open access debates For those preparing for PhD study it offers opportunities to apply for funding. Connect with an active publishing research community There’s plenty of opportunities to build your professional network though guest speaker events. Past speakers include: Richard Charkin (Former MD of Academic Publishing at Oxford University Press and President of the International Publishers Association) Marion Sinclair (Chief Executive, Publishing Scotland) Federica Trogu (Campaigns at Penguin Audio) Kate Neilan (Senior Marketing Manager at Harper NonFiction) Hannah Todd (Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit) Kiren Shoman (Executive Vice President, Editorial & Global Executive Lead, DEI at Sage) You can also attend industry events such as the Scottish Book Trade conference and the London Book Fair. Gain practical publishing experience On our Publishing Studies Masters degree you can choose a work placement module. You’ll undertake an internship at a publisher, or any organisation that has an element of publishing. It’s a great chance to apply your learning in a workplace. You'll plan and project manage a professional publishing project. At the end of the course you’ll have a portfolio of work which you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers. Comprehensive employability and skills programme Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market. The MRes Publishing Studies is a one-year, full-time course designed to enable you to research aspects of contemporary or historical publishing. There is also an option to take the course part-time over two years. The course benefits from access to the modules in the MLitt in Publishing Studies as well as independent research modules. The course differs from the MLitt Publishing Studies in the time and weight allocated to independent research. At the heart of the MRes course is an extended dissertation project of up to 25,000 words, on a topic developed by you, with the support of the Centre’s staff.

Arts and Humanities