Publishing

This is a practical course developing student's creative making skills and critical judgment of publications (books, magazines, ebooks, websites, and Apps)

• BSU student magazine, MILK run by Publishing students
• Publishing Lab with professional facilities including two Mac suites with latest industry software and equipment
• Students work on live industry projects 
• Six fully-paid publishing graduate editorial internships at Parragon Books

Why study Publishing?

Publishing (print and digital) taken as part of a Combined Award adds a practical dimension to your study at university and will give you the edge when applying for jobs in terms of practical industry experience and a stunning portfolio of varied work. Our students are the content creators and shapers of a digital future where handmade is important too.

Publishing is one of the UK’s largest creative industries and is in the process of adapting its creative strategy and business models to the challenges and opportunities that digital technology brings. Students learn core skills (e.g. copywriting and editing) and importantly, a wide range of practical digital making skills. Through work on live projects and collaborations, students gain work experience, confidence and a strategic approach to their work. Students don't spend their time glued to a screen, we work in sketchbooks, make physical prototypes, get out and meet people who we might want to work with.

The publishing industry needs people who can think creatively across a range of media, platforms, and markets to develop and promote innovative and engaging content. Publishing students carried out the R&D and branding for a new Bath Spa University magazine, Milk, and launched it as a digital magazine in 2012. Other ventures planned for next year include a commission from TEDxYouthBath for our Social Media Experiment project developed for the international digital think-tank X Media Lab. We work with international and local clients such as X Media Lab, the National Trust and Bath Film Festival. 

Students carry out work experience, and often freelance work, during their course and we support them in that. Our lecturers are all experienced publishers and continue to practice, putting them in an excellent position to help graduates with networking opportunities and in their early careers. We also offer 6 fully-paid graduate internships at Parragon Books.

Ratio of applications to places

No. of places (2011): Variable number as part of a Combined Award