Build essential skills and knowledge needed in the publishing industry, while also studying the latest literary texts, issues and cultures.

Learn about the many different roles, processes and aspects of the publishing industry. Extend your knowledge and understanding of contemporary literature. Deepen your skills by meeting with industry professionals. Get involved with literary festivals to further develop your skills and to engage with an external literary partner.

Course overview

The focus of the publishing side of the MA is on contemporary publishing, with a particular focus on independent publishing, small presses and emergent themes in writing. You will engage with a diverse and inclusive range of creative and critical texts in a variety of forms, enhancing your knowledge of the current publishing landscape. You will develop creative skills surrounding the reading, generation, selection, development and publication of new texts.

Meanwhile the literature side of the course will focus on theoretical, political, social and cultural currents in contemporary literature, broadly defined as the literature of the twenty first century. Our diverse and inclusive syllabus champions the voices of writers who have been culturally marginalised. You will be supported and encouraged to develop as a literary critic who challenges and questions texts and the wider literary context.

York is a fantastic place to be if you love books and reading. There is a rich literary history in the city, and each year, the city celebrates its literary heritage with the York Literature Festival, for which our department organises many events. We are also instrumental in the annual York Big City Read with our partner institution, York Explore.

You will be encouraged to take a professional approach to your study and attend the variety of events provided by the York Centre for Writing, which include visits from agents, publishers, editors and writers and fosters an important sense of belonging and community. You will also have opportunities to take part in field trips.