Publishing Media

This module explores the development of the market sector and the current shape and business practices of publishing for children and young adults. Topics include picture books, co-editions and translatability; the sector's links to other leisure industries, merchandising and content reuse; editing and censorship; age ranging and gatekeeping; literacy and reading campaigns; and promotion.

This optional module offers an advanced insight and understanding of an evolved content industry that increasingly depends upon brand status for commercial viability. The focus is on innovative brands and media companies that engage, inform and entertain specialist audiences across multiple platforms via content, events, products and experiences. It is about 360 degree brand management and will incorporate developing and managing a brand across web, social media, and content creation.

Fiction and non-fiction publishing are perennially popular business models within the publishing world, and the globalisation and digitisation of the consumer book landscape have only enhanced one of the most dynamic and creative sectors of the industry. Within this module, you will explore the range and depth of pitfalls and possibilities intrinsic to this ever-changing aspect of publishing. You will gain an understanding of the importance of verticals in consumer publishing and as well as the elasticity of the role of the author.

This module provides you with an understanding of the nature of scholarly communication and the current debates surrounding topics such as research funding, open access and peer review. The convergence of books and journals in this area and the emergence of new publishing and business models to suit the market are investigated along with the development of digital solutions.

This module enables you to engage with the dynamic nature of a rapidly evolving part of the publishing industry. The technological basis for the products themselves are examined and the strategic reasons for developing them critically appraised. You will learn about the process and management of digital product design and development.

This module offers you the opportunity to design a course of study to suit your own interests and concerns. It might be to study an area not specifically taught during the course, to conduct a study based on your work experience, or a study that fits with your career or business plans. Practical projects are suitable as an independent study, but should be accompanied by an analytical report. You will organise and carry out a work schedule set by yourself will determine a set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria in collaboration with the module leader and a supervisor.

This module introduces the management of rights in the fast-moving world of global publishing. As well as looking at the acquisition of rights from the author, and the different rights contracted, the module covers the rights function within the publishing house and its responsibility for licensing a range of products.

Crafting and telling a story are central to all forms of publishing, and increasingly key in all industries worldwide. This module will build on knowledge from Semester One’s compulsory modules in order to examine and practise the techniques involved in writing and shaping narratives across all forms of fiction and non-fiction, as well as for promotional and brand purposes. Through a range of taught presentations, workshops, and guest lectures, you will learn to identify and implement methods which optimise the potential of narratives across a range of genres and platforms, and for multiple purposes.

This module examines the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the publishing industry. It begins by adopting a wide remit of both ‘CSR’ and ‘publishing’ and seeks to understand and critique how the industry incorporates CSR into their remits and how this is reflected in their practice. Grouped thematically, the topics on this module explore the relationship between the growing value of CSR more widely in society and the way that the publishing industry is responding.