Publishing

MSc Full time

Course Overview

UCAS code:
Duration: 1 year
Study type: Full Time
Napier code: 54701MM

Ours is the only publishing programme in the UK to be accredited by the Periodicals Training Council (PTC), the lead body for best practice in training, development and people management for the industry. The course was reaccredited in March 2011, for the maximum time allowed, and was described as the ‘standard bearer for publishing education in the UK’ – a unique accolade. As such, we provide the specialist training and experience you need to succeed in the fast-paced, vibrant world of publishing.

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MSc Publishing is the first and only Publishing programme in the UK to be accredited by the Periodical Training Council. The PTC is the lead body for best practice in training, development and people management for the business media industry.

Train to become a publisher of books and magazines, in print and online media, with an intensive, practical course that is rooted in the publishing industry - this course offers you the specialist training and experience required to succeed in the fast-paced world of publishing. You'll gain a broad knowledge of the publishing industry and specific skills which are highly attractive to publishing employers.

You'll study modules in publishing practice and have the opportunity to undertake a work placement and a dissertation which enables you to conduct an in depth piece of research into the area of publishing which interests you most.

You'll graduate with an excellent understanding of the industry in an international context, including traditional book and magazine publishing, digital and corporate publishing. The course is structured in a way that you will become familiar with every aspect of the publishing process and get the opportunity to make valuable industry contacts.

Each year students in this course 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.

More information can be found at www.publishingdegree.co.uk.

With close links to the publishing industry, the Postgraduate Publishing programme at Edinburgh Napier is in tune with what employers want. Our industry accreditation proves this.

You'll gain a wide range of skills and specialised professional knowledge and understanding which will make you ideally placed to enter the publishing industry. In addition to developing skills in critical thinking and problem solving, you will develop an in-depth skill set and understanding of the editorial function (for print and online publications), marketing, publicity, business management, production, design and digital technology.

The education you receive and the valuable skills you gain during your time with us ensure that you are fully prepared for entry into the complex global business of publishing.

  • book publishing
  • magazine and journal publishing
  • corporate publishing
  • digital publishing
  • design and printing

What's it like?

The specialist training and experience required to succeed in the fast-paced world of publishing

Career prospects

We are one of the top universities in Scotland for graduate employability, with over 93% of our graduates in jobs or further study six months after graduating.

We have an excellent record of placing graduates in relevant employment because we provide you with the most up to date skills required by a rapidly advancing industry. A work placement module is integral to the programme.

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What's involved

Modular learning

Our courses are structured by modules which gives our students a flexible learning programme. Modules covered by this course:

On offer

Campus life

World class facilities


Why I chose Napier

Requirements at a glance

Entry to the course

International students

Full-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study (per module)

Fees listed are per 20 credit module.

The number of modules studied is dependant on the exit that you wish to achieve, for example:

  • A Grad Cert is 60 Credits (3 modules)
  • A Cert HE/Grad Dip/ HND is 120 credits (6 modules)
  • A Dip HE credit is 240 credits (12 modules)
  • A Degree is 360 credits (18 modules)
  • An Honours Degree is 480 credits

Please note that some part-time courses give modular exemptions for previous study and vocational experience. Advice is available during application.

Fees Table

Fees displayed are correct at the time of publication but the University Court reserves the right to make changes in fees at any time, and without notice, before or after the student's admission to the University.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and will rise each year during your programme of study, at least in line with inflation.

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