Manchester Metropolitan launches new Masters in publishing

Manchester Metropolitan University is teaming up with industry professionals including Comma Press for a new Masters course in publishing.

Applications have opened for the course which starts in September 2020 and will be delivered in a collaboration between the Manchester Writing School and iSchool at Manchester Metropolitan.

It promises to "explore the complex anatomies and eco-systems of the publishing industry and their markets in the UK and internationally, as well as the trends, innovations, opportunities and challenges facing this rapidly changing profession."

The course will include a focus on employability, supported by the university’s links with the publishing industry and local literature festivals, and an international focus backed by the Northern Fiction Alliance’s expertise in promoting translated literature.

Livi Michael, leader of the course, said: "We are really excited about this MA which will enrich Manchester's incredibly vibrant landscape of independent presses and cultural opportunities, and reflect the growth of interest in it as a literary capital."

Sarah Cleave, publishing manager at Comma Press, said: "The literary landscape in the UK is slowly starting to change; more publishers–both big and small–are choosing to set up outside London, presenting valuable opportunities for those wanting to break into the industry or gain experience. This programme will help us to shift the dial further and embolden the next generation of publishing talent in the North."

The announcement comes in the same week HarperCollins announced a new Manchester-based division, joining Hachette in moving part of its business to the city.