Publishing BA

Sabrina O'Neil
Oct 13
4 min read

Updated: Oct 14

Publishing is the process of producing and distributing content such as books, magazines, digital media, and academic works. It brings together creativity, communication, business strategy, and technology to share ideas and information with the public.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Publishing provides students with a thorough understanding of how the publishing industry operates, from editorial and design processes to marketing, rights management, and digital publishing. The course prepares students for careers in both traditional print publishing and the fast-evolving world of digital and online media.

Why Study Publishing?

There are many reasons why students choose to study Publishing:

An interest in books, media, and the communication of ideas.
The opportunity to combine creativity with business and technology.
Insight into every stage of the publishing process, from commissioning to distribution.
The chance to develop professional skills in editing, design, marketing, and project management.
Exposure to real-world publishing environments through placements and collaborations.
A degree that opens doors to careers in publishing, media, and the creative industries.

Course Duration and Structure

In the UK, a BA in Publishing typically takes three years of full-time study. Some universities offer a four-year course with a professional placement or a year abroad.

A typical course structure includes:

Year 1: Introduction to publishing, media and communications, editing and proofreading, design principles, and the history of publishing.

Year 2: Intermediate study of editorial practice, digital publishing, book design, marketing, and project management. Students often take part in group projects to simulate real publishing workflows.

Year 3: Advanced study of publishing strategy, rights and contracts, sustainability in publishing, and a major individual project or dissertation.

Work placements, internships, and guest lectures from industry professionals are common features of most Publishing degrees.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary between universities but typically include one of the following:

A Levels: Including English Literature, Media Studies, or another essay-based subject.
BTEC: A relevant Extended Diploma in Creative Media, Business, or similar.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Including Higher Level English or Humanities subjects.
Other qualifications: Equivalent foundation or international programmes in arts, media, or communications.
English language proficiency: Required for students whose first language is not English.

Some universities may also consider applicants with relevant professional experience or a strong portfolio of creative or written work.

Teaching and Assessment

Publishing degrees combine academic study with practical, industry-focused learning. Students are taught through:

Lectures, seminars, and workshops
Group publishing projects
Editorial and design simulations
Guest lectures and masterclasses from publishing professionals
Work placements and industry collaborations

Assessment methods typically include:

Coursework, essays, and reports
Practical publishing projects
Design portfolios and presentations
Marketing and business proposals
A final dissertation or major publishing project

Skills You Will Develop

A BA in Publishing develops both creative and professional skills, including:

Understanding of editorial processes and publishing workflows.
Skills in copy-editing, proofreading, and writing for different audiences.
Knowledge of design principles, typography, and layout.
Familiarity with digital publishing tools and platforms.
Marketing, publicity, and business strategy.
Communication, teamwork, and project management.
Understanding of copyright, contracts, and ethical issues in publishing.

These skills are highly transferable and valued across the creative and media industries.

Career Prospects

Graduates with a degree in Publishing can pursue a wide range of careers in the publishing and media sectors. Many also enter roles in communications, marketing, and digital content creation.

Typical career paths include:

Editorial and production roles in book or magazine publishing
Digital publishing and online media management
Marketing, publicity, and sales within the publishing industry
Rights and contracts management
Literary agency and author representation
Content creation and editing for digital platforms
Corporate communications, PR, or advertising
Further study in publishing, media, or business management

Employers value Publishing graduates for their ability to communicate effectively, manage projects, and work creatively in fast-paced environments.

Tips for Prospective Students

Read widely across different genres and formats to develop an understanding of the publishing landscape.
Build experience through internships, student magazines, or online publications.
Learn basic design software such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
Stay informed about trends in digital media, e-books, and online publishing.
Practise writing, editing, and proofreading regularly.
Network with professionals at book fairs, literary festivals, and industry events.

Course Variations

Universities may offer several related or specialised degrees, such as:

Publishing (General): Covering all aspects of the publishing industry.
Publishing with Creative Writing: Combining editorial practice with writing and content creation.
Publishing and Media: Exploring the relationship between publishing and digital communications.
Book and Digital Media Studies: Focusing on technological innovation in publishing.
Publishing and Marketing: Concentrating on publicity, branding, and business development.
Year Abroad or Professional Placement: Opportunities to gain international experience or work within the industry.