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MA Publishing

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Introduction

Books and creative digital content development are at the heart of this industry-focused and flexible publishing course. Tailor assignments to your career ambitions and interests, and develop a highly transferable skillset.

Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.

The shaping and publication of ideas, stories and research is central to culture and the knowledge economy. On our MA Publishing, you’ll explore contemporary publishing from children’s books, poetry and fiction to academic, illustrated and informational digital publications.

Gain an in-depth understanding of publishing processes, from the transformation of original ideas into inspiring and informative content to reaching audiences through social media marketing. Develop your research skills and showcase them in a final Major Project that can take the form of a dissertation or an industry project.

Graduate with a highly-transferable skillset in copywriting, editing, digital content, and project management, together with a professional digital portfolio. Career destinations might include book or magazine publishing, charities or cultural organisations, fashion or food brands.

"ARU's MA Publishing course gave me the opportunity to build my professional network and to take up internships while I was studying. I feel really grateful, because eight years later, I'm where I want to be in my career."

Christofere Fila, MA Publishing graduate. Now Assistant Commissioning Editor / Development Editor, Hodder Education, Hachette UK

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

SARAH KENDLE

“During my six-week internship I learned... how digital is shaping the whole of the industry, from online protection to data storage and even virtual reality. Digital is the future. There are certainly going to be some surprises in the publishing industry in the next few years."

SARAH KENDLE

MA Publishing graduate. Now Content Developer, Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Read more about Sarah's publishing internship

Facilities and showcase

Practical experience

All MA Publishing students have the opportunity to:

  • gain valuable insights via industry projects, work experience and field trips
  • enhance their employability by taking specialist ARUCPD modules such as data literacy, new product development, social media, entrepreneurship, and business and sales development
  • gain up-to-date skills thanks to our Industry Board of publishing professionals who support the course.

Outstanding student support

Join our postgraduate student community and:

  • benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
  • learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more
  • make the most of studying in the picturesque city of Cambridge, with its wealth of cultural connections and opportunities.

Take a closer look

Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.

Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.

Alternatively, take a guided tour and meet our students.

Careers

Our MA Publishing will help you develop skills and knowledge for a career in the publishing industry, or any field that involves copywriting, editorial work, digital marketing, or project management.

All our students work on industry briefs and receive support to find work experience and internships. You'll have the opportunity to work on publications such as our MA Creative Writing Anthology.

You’ll graduate with an industry-ready CV and digital portfolio.

Our graduates work at companies such as Bloomsbury, Hachette UK, Wiley Capstone, Pearson, Cambridge University Press and Macmillan Publishers.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

If you studied for the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma initially, you can choose to complete further modules and top-up to a full Masters degree.

Apply now for MA Publishing

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

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Benefits of postgraduate study

Improve your employability, progress in your career, and take on an intellectual challenge with our flexible postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate study at ARU