Study publishing abroad

Publishing is the study of how books, magazines, journals, and digital texts are produced, marketed, and consumed.

You’ll develop a detailed understanding of publishing operations, including planning, designing, and editing. You’ll also build your professional skills by working closely with authors and learning about copyright law. As well as looking at the history of the industry, you’ll examine contemporary trends, like the rapid emergence of digital publications.

Studying publishing abroad will put you at the forefront of a rapidly changing global industry. You’ll see how texts are modified, translated, and distributed to meet the needs of readers in different countries and cultures. You’ll have the chance to visit foreign publishing houses, work alongside leading publishers, and improve your employability.

You can study publishing at various undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Two-year associate degrees lay the foundations for entry-level employment or further study on a bachelor’s program.

Bachelor’s degrees in publishing are normally studied over three or four years, depending on your university. While you can study publishing as a stand-alone subject, you’re more likely to find it paired with another field as part of a joint-honors BA. Some of the most common pairings include English, creative writing, history, media, and business.

Master’s programs lasting one or two years are the most popular choice amongst aspiring publishers. To enroll in an MA course, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, but qualifications in the humanities and social sciences are often preferred.

A PhD is the highest formal qualification available. These research-based degrees require at least four years of study, but programs can last up to seven or eight years.

As a publishing student, your timetable will be made up of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. You’ll probably be assessed through a mixture of essays, exams, presentations, and research projects.

Every university publishing program will offer different elective modules, so you can tailor your program to reflect your interests and strengths. However, most will cover these fundamental topics:

• History of publishing
• Creating text for publication
• Digital publishing
• Cultural contexts of publishing
• The editorial process
• Print and society
• Legal and ethical publishing
• Publishing issues and innovations

A degree in publishing will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and industry insight you’ll need to begin a successful career in the field.

You’ll also acquire a wide range of transferable communication, analytical, and creative skills that can be applied across several roles and sectors, including:

• Publisher
• Editor
• Teacher
• Author
• Public relations officer
• Advertising specialist
• Literary agent
• Sales manager

Gaining as much relevant work experience as possible during the university holidays is vital if you’re hoping to secure employment in this increasingly competitive profession. Most universities have a career service that can help you find placement opportunities and apply for them.