MLitt Publishing Studies

University of Stirling

Publishing is the foundational communication industry. It has enabled the sharing of ideas and information globally for over 600 years. It’s a profession that brings stories to life and empowers through knowledge. The UK’s publishing sector is worth an extraordinary £11 billion overall to the economy. International demand for UK publishing is expected to grow by 20% in the next decade (Publishers Association, 2024). Our MLitt Publishing Studies covers all types of publishing including print, digital, consumer and specialist. You’ll learn how to plan, edit, produce, market, and manage publications across all formats. You’ll also explore major industry challenges such as diversity, sustainability and the rise of AI. Our Publishing Studies MLitt is run by the Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication, a world-leading centre for postgraduate study in publishing. The Centre’s staff are active researchers in the field, with extensive publishing industry experience. Scotland is an excellent place to study publishing. It has a rich literary heritage and a dynamic publishing sector. Gain practical skills for a career in publishing We have designed this course to train the publishers of the future. You’ll develop expert knowledge of the publishing process. You will gain practical skills by producing your own publication. In the process, you'll learn to use InDesign and Photoshop software. You’ll produce professional marketing plans and business development reports. You also get unlimited access to Nielsen Book Scan, a key source for sales data in the industry. Work experience and placements Opportunities to apply your skills on a work placement or an internship at a publisher, or any organisation that has an element of publishing. Gain experience by working for our in-house publisher, Stryvling Press and the University of Stirling Human Rights Journal. Guest speakers and experts Hear from guest speakers and publishing professionals. Previous speakers include: Richard Charkin, former Global MD of Bloomsbury Publishing and President of the International Publishers Association Marion Sinclair, Former 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) Connect with an active publishing community You can participate in industry events such as the London Book Fair, the Scottish Book Trade Conference and the Society of Young Publishers Scotland Conference. There are hundreds of book fairs and literary events on our doorstep such as the Edinburgh Book Festival. 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 MLitt in Publishing Studies is a one-year, full-time course designed to help you develop your career in publishing. You also have the option to take this course part-time over two years.

Arts and Humanities