The MA in Publishing combines the industry expertise of our on-site publishing house (Liverpool University Press) with the academic excellence of a Russell Group institution, currently ranked within the world top 100 for English (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The programme has a specific focus on academic and trade publishing, and offers in-house professional support alongside the industry knowledge of our esteemed delivery partners at Liverpool University Press (LUP).
Your future employability is a key consideration of the programme. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake relevant work experience, and will develop industry-standard digital skills (in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, for example). Career coaching will be provided by the LUP team, and you’ll be prepared for entering the job market through support to develop your CV and participation in a mock interview. You’ll gain insight into editorial, production and marketing, and see the global publishing industry in practice through a subsidised visit to the London Book Fair.
LUP is the third oldest university press in the UK, and this new MA is the first in the Russell Group to be co-developed with an on-site academic publisher. It builds on the existing strong relationship between the Department of English and LUP, best exemplified by the successful and award-winning Pavilion Poetry imprint.
This programme is ideal for graduates of humanities or social science subjects who are interested in pursuing a career in publishing, book/journal production or related fields.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll take three compulsory modules and choose one optional module.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH SKILLS AND PRACTICE (ENGL700) | 15 |
| COMMISSIONING AND PRODUCTION IN CONTEMPORARY PUBLISHING (ENGL715) | 15 |
| SALES AND MARKETING IN CONTEMPORARY PUBLISHING (ENGL717) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll take three compulsory modules and choose one optional module.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FROM MANUSCRIPT TO DIGITAL PRINT (ENGL714) | 15 |
| GENRES IN CONTEMPORARY PUBLISHING (ENGL716) | 15 |
| CAREERS AND THE FUTURE OF PUBLISHING (ENGL718) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your studies will conclude with an independent project conducted over the summer. This may be either a research project, or a practical publishing project.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PUBLISHING PROJECT (ENGL722) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The principal mode of delivery will be a two-hour seminar which will promote group discussion and team working. This will be complemented by practical sessions using Adobe Creative Suite and in the University’s Special Collections and Archives, as well as masterclasses from external partners (such as authors, publishers or agents). In-person teaching will be supplemented by technology supported learning (e.g. Canvas discussion boards).
The programme uses a diverse range of authentic assessment methods which are keenly aligned with the demonstration of practical skills used within the publishing industry. Examples include:
Each module includes (shorter) formative and (longer) summative assessments as a feedback/forward mechanism.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The Department of English, based in the School of the Arts, is committed to small group teaching and encouraging a more rewarding learning experience, with ideas shared and explored amongst peers and tutors. You’ll have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries.
Liverpool University Press (LUP) is the UK’s third oldest university press, with a distinguished history of publishing exceptional research since 1899, including the work of Nobel prize winners and award-winning poetry in our Pavilion Poetry series. A leading voice within the academic and scholarly publishing community, and publishing partner to the British Academy, LUP’s mission is to champion high-quality global scholarship, fostering knowledge, culture, and debate through the publication of impactful books and journals.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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This programme is designed specifically with employability in mind. You’ll gain industry insight with publishing professionals to discuss career options and pathways, alongside software training to foster practical skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to arrange a period of work experience at a publishing house of your choice, and the LUP team will provide career coaching which includes CV development and mock interviews.
Graduates will be well-equipped to seek employment in a variety roles in the publishing industry or the wider bookselling trade, such as commissioning, sales, marketing, publicity, rights management, bookselling. Explore our Publishing Work Placement Opportunity for some examples of the roles which former Department of English students have secured following an undergraduate work placement with LUP.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Optional field trip to London Book Fair (subsidised; student cost TBC). We estimate that students will need to budget a maximum of £100 towards the cost of travelling to/from their optional work placement.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 undergraduate degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This should be in a humanities or social sciences subject, eg English Literature, Communication Studies, Media, History, Business, Marketing. Applicants will be required to submit a sample of written work, eg an essay from their undergraduate studies as part of the application process. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 March 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions