| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Publishing program at UCA Farnham equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving publishing landscape. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, students develop editorial, marketing, and interpersonal skills essential for success in the industry. Exclusive industry partnerships, guest lectures, and hands-on projects provide valuable connections and real-world experience, preparing graduates for a range of publishing careers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
Delve into the core principles of publishing and acquire the skills to navigate the evolving digital and traditional publishing landscape. Develop the interpersonal skills to work with authors and build marketing strategies that best suit their needs. The program also includes hands-on projects to bring real-world publishing concepts to life. You'll benefit from exclusive industry partnerships, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, preparing you for an exciting career in publishing.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the fundamentals of both traditional and digital publishing methods.
- Train students to become skilled editors, capable of manuscript curation, providing constructive feedback, and balancing authorial vision with market appeal.
- Develop students' interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with authors and creating successful marketing strategies.
- Provide hands-on experience through real-world publishing projects.
- Connect students with established publishing houses through exclusive industry partnerships, guest lectures, and networking opportunities.
Description:
The BA (Hons) Publishing program at UCA Farnham offers a comprehensive education in the field, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the fast-paced world of publishing. Students will engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. The program blends traditional publishing principles with modern digital publishing practices, preparing graduates for success in a variety of publishing roles. The curriculum emphasizes editorial skills, manuscript curation, market analysis, marketing strategy development, and author collaboration. Hands-on projects allow students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios, providing them with valuable experience in the field. The program also features exclusive industry partnerships, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, connecting students with established publishing houses and industry professionals.
Outline
Program Content:
- Core principles of traditional and digital publishing
- Editorial skills and manuscript curation
- Market analysis and marketing strategy development
- Author collaboration and relationship management
- Legal and ethical considerations in publishing
- The evolving landscape of the publishing industry
- Hands-on publishing projects with real-world application
Program Structure:
- 3-year full-time program
- Modules taught in semesters
- Combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study
- Regular assessment through essays, presentations, and project work
Course Schedule:
- Semester 1: Introduction to Publishing, Editorial Skills, Market Analysis
- Semester 2: Manuscript Curation, Marketing Strategy Development, Author Collaboration
- Semester 3: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Publishing, The Evolving Landscape of Publishing, Hands-on Publishing Project
- Semester 4: Advanced Topics in Publishing, Elective Modules, Industry Internship (optional)
- Semester 5: Capstone Project, Dissertation
Individual Modules:
- Introduction to Publishing: Explores the history, structure, and key players in the publishing industry.
- Editorial Skills: Develops critical analysis, writing, and editing skills for effective manuscript curation.
- Market Analysis: Introduces market research methods and their application in the publishing industry.
- Marketing Strategy Development: Learns how to develop and implement marketing strategies for books and other publications.
- Author Collaboration: Focuses on building and maintaining effective working relationships with authors.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Publishing: Examines legal and ethical issues relevant to publishing, including copyright, defamation, and intellectual property.
- The Evolving Landscape of Publishing: Explores the impact of digital technology and other emerging trends on the publishing industry.
- Hands-on Publishing Project: Provides the opportunity to apply learning to a real-world publishing project.
- Advanced Topics in Publishing: Explores specialized areas of publishing, such as digital publishing, academic publishing, or children's publishing.
- Elective Modules: Allows students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals.
- Industry Internship (optional): Gains practical experience in a publishing organization.
- Capstone Project: Undertakes an independent research project on a topic related to publishing.
- Dissertation: Writes a substantial research paper on a chosen topic in publishing.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Essays
- Presentations
- Project work
- Examinations
- Portfolio
- Dissertation
Assessment Criteria:
- Depth of understanding of publishing principles
- Quality of written and oral communication
- Critical analysis skills
- Research ability
- Creativity and innovation
- Project management skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures
- Engaging seminars
- Practical workshops
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- Independent study
- One-on-one tutorials
Faculty:
- Experienced and qualified academics with expertise in publishing
- Active researchers and practitioners in the field
- Industry connections and networks
Unique Approaches:
- Hands-on learning through real-world publishing projects
- Industry partnerships and networking opportunities
- Focus on developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills
- Personalized attention and support from faculty and staff
Careers
Career Paths:
- Editor
- Copyeditor
- Content Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Literary Agent
- Publisher
- Freelance Editor
- Writer
- Communications Specialist
Career Opportunities:
- Publishing houses
- Literary agencies
- Magazines and newspapers
- Online publications
- Marketing and communications agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Education and research institutions
- Freelance work
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are well-equipped to launch successful careers in the publishing industry.
- Many graduates secure positions at prestigious publishing houses, literary agencies, and other media organizations.
- Some graduates go on to start their own publishing ventures or pursue freelance careers.
Other
- The program includes a strong emphasis on professional development, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace.
- Students have opportunities to participate in industry events, such as book fairs and conferences.
- The program also offers a study abroad opportunity, allowing students to gain international experience in the field of publishing.
UK EU International Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 BA course: £9,250 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250 (see fee discount information) BA course: £9,250 (see fee discount information) If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950 BA course: £17,500 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,390. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.
