COURSE CURRICULUM

The Publishing and Entrepreneurship curriculum combines creative writing, publishing expertise, and business knowledge to prepare students for careers in the publishing and creative industries. In the first year, students develop a strong foundation through core modules including Introduction to Creative Writing and Publishing, Editorial, Markets and Media, Marketing Fundamentals, Developing an Enterprising Mindset, and Finance and Business Performance. These modules introduce the creative writing process, editorial practices, publishing structures, media markets, marketing principles, entrepreneurship, and business finance. The Introduction to Creative Writing and Publishing module develops professional writing skills while exploring key aspects of the publishing industry, including authorship, editing, traditional publishing, online publishing, and self-publishing. Students strengthen their research, writing, analytical, and time management skills through tutor-led sessions, seminars, guest speakers, and coursework. In the second year, students expand their knowledge through core modules including Writing and Publishing Non-fiction and Print and Digital Production. The Writing and Publishing Non-fiction module examines the commercial and creative aspects of non-fiction publishing, covering topics such as academic publishing, trade publishing, commissioning, audience analysis, market segmentation, publishing business models, and digital platforms. Students also have the opportunity to tailor their studies through optional modules including Copy-editing for Writers and Editors, Writing and Publishing for Children and Young Adults, Writing and Publishing: Gaming, Power, Passion and Persuasion, Sustainability and Responsible Management, Managing Performance through People, and Innovation and Implementation. In the final year, students complete core modules including Independent Study in Writing and Publishing, Freelancing Skills and Working for Yourself, and Developing a Global Enterprise. The Independent Study module enables students to undertake either a research dissertation or a major writing or publishing project, allowing them to demonstrate advanced research, project management, editorial, and creative skills through an independently developed portfolio or dissertation. Optional modules such as Genre, The Written World in the Twenty-first Century, Principles and Practice of Business in the Creative Industries, Skills for Contemporary Publishing, Global Business and Strategy, and Developing Leadership and Management further broaden students' expertise. This interdisciplinary curriculum develops creative, editorial, entrepreneurial, and business skills, preparing graduates for careers in publishing, editing, content creation, writing, literary agencies, creative entrepreneurship, marketing, communications, and the wider creative industries.