International Publishing Management

This MSc provides the training needed by upper-tier managers in the international publishing industries. The programme enables students to analyse issues of strategic management within international publishing; apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge derived from real-world case studies, and research and construct effective case studies derived from the international publishing industries.

Programme Objectives

It aims to develop your expertise and confidence in analysing issues of strategic publishing management, and builds skill and confidence in applying theoretical and conceptual knowledge developed from analysing real-world case studies, all derived from the publishing, communication and creative industries. The programme enables its graduates to handle the increasing scale and complexity of 21st-century publishing with confidence. International publishing businesses are defined as those companies which have (or are developing) business relations beyond the national environment.

International publishing demands much of the expertise needed for any successful enterprise. But publishing depends on the successful creation and management of intellectual property, which is the essential asset of any successful publishing business. This is the distinctive character of the industry, and managing it effectively in a global and digital publishing environment is a key challenge for the senior managers of the future.

Entrance Requirements

An upper second class or better single or combined Honours degree in any subject/s from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification. Applicants are also expected to have existing experience of working in the publishing industries, although applicants with other appropriate experience may be admitted on the recommendation of the Programme Director.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6 (minimum 5.5 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

Modes of Study

Full-time: one year
Part-time: 27 months

September

Structure and Content

The programme begins in September and extends over two semesters (four for part-time students), and includes a period of research in the summer.

The core taught skills developed on the programme will be:

• Risk management
• Knowledge and resource management
• Financial management
• Strategic planning
• Management of publishing marketing and communications
• Management of intellectual property and contract assets
• Management of human resources

Substantial parts of the programme are based on case studies which are purpose-written for the programme. The case study method enables students to develop progressively their management skills. There is a carefully designed programme of lectures, seminars, class exercises, and reading and research associated with each case study module.

The following modules are studied:

• Introduction to International Publishing Management: Introduces students to the case study method and transferable skills used throughout all the case study modules, including teamworking and written and oral presentation skills.
• Publishing dynamics: Investigates different market sectors, introduces concepts of publishing business, finance and intellectual property, and analyses current publishing trends and issues. It also explores job roles and publishing processes, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a publishing career.
• Marketing Management and Communications: Introduces marketing theory and practical publishing examples in order to develop a range of strategies for effective promotion of publishing products, through traditional and digital media, including social networking. The module also explores the publishing supply chain and effective sales.
• Skills for Publishing Management: Enables students to develop management skills crucial to publishing. Areas covered include strategic, operational, risk, financial and HR management.
• Case Studies 1, 2, 3 and 4: The content of the case studies varies from year to year, in order to develop management skills in relation to a range of current publishing trends and challenges.
• Research Case Study: An individual research case study of up to 12,000 words on a topic approved in advance by the Programme Director. The case study must derive from researching a real-world publishing scenario.
  

Delivery and Assessment

Lectures, seminars, small group and one-on-one classes. Assessments are varied, including a mix of individual assignments and group work, written work and presentations.

Timetable

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

RAE Rating

Over half of our submissions in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), were found to be ‘Internationally Excellent’ or ‘World-leading’.

Career Opportunities

This programme provides dedicated and ambitious publishers with an exceptional opportunity to enhance the skills needed for professional success at the highest levels of the industry.