Children's Publishing

At Bath Spa we take an innovative approach to publishing, so that when you graduate your skills will be up-to-date. Working in our industry-standard computer labs you’ll learn to create your own publications, from print to digital, using the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as industry events and experiences, such as live book events and podcasts.  

Children’s Publishing involves practice-based, creative experimentation, and intellectual and critical engagement with ideas, research and stories. You’ll learn how to use your creativity, imagination, critical judgement and commercial awareness to conceptualise, shape and produce engaging content. A creative-digital-tech approach is a distinctive feature of the course, drawing on our expertise in both digital and print publishing.

A particular strength of this MA is its full 360-degree coverage of the industry, allowing you to develop an awareness of audience, market and product development, and enhance your skills in anything from picture and activity books to young adult fiction (YA). You’ll gain valuable insight into the various departments of children’s publishers, from editorial and production to design and marketing, and learn about important aspects of  international publishing, including  translation, rights, illustration, and sales.

In-built flexibility enables you to tailor the course to suit your interests and chosen specialism, such as books for infants, educational books, children’s magazines or comics. You’ll graduate with a good understanding of the industry and a stunning professional portfolio demonstrating relevant knowledge and experience in your chosen specialism.

Trimester one

You’ll be introduced to the children’s publishing landscape and learn about the particulars of publishing children’s and YA books internationally. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the vital role of sales and marketing and how they influence new publication decisions. You’ll learn to analyse consumer insight and the competitive market as well as how to devise a compelling marketing campaign. You’ll learn about merchandising strategies and managing brands.

You’ll also learn about new product development including commissioning for children, working with agents, brands and partners, and current trends and issues in children’s publishing.

Visiting industry experts will share their knowledge and expertise in a wide range of specialist areas, from rights to digital marketing and commissioning strategy.

Trimester two

You’ll develop specialist skills in desk editing, production, design and layout skills using industry software. You’ll learn about the relationship between text and image across a number of formats, including picture books, and how to  work with illustrators. You’ll also gain an understanding of print management and sustainable and ethical production processes. Visiting industry experts will help you to turn your ideas into products with commercial potential.

You’ll learn about the evolution of digital content for children, such as audiobooks and podcasts, and develop your own story app.

Trimester three

Supported by your tutors, you’ll complete an industry project or dissertation, developing your ideas into a finished proposal and an in-depth exploration of a topic of your choice. 

Our Publishing tutors are experienced in the industry, and will provide you with specialist careers coaching during your studies. There is also the opportunity for work experience and support with applying for paid internships with industry partners.

You’ll develop a professional digital portfolio to present yourself and your work to the industry. 

This course includes or offers the following modules. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.

• The Children's Book Market
• Creating Content
• Making Books
• Multiplatform Publishing
• Industry project or Dissertation

You’ll be assessed through industry-related coursework with regular feedback from course tutors. You’ll present creative and strategic industry project reports and pitches, publication samples, industry-standard documentation and reflective writing.

You’ll take part in tutor-led workshops taught by subject experts and industry practitioners in the first and second trimesters.

In the final trimester you’ll have the opportunity to apply your subject knowledge and creativity to develop your own original industry project or dissertation. This will be taught through one-to-one tutorials and technical publishing workshops.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Previous students have taken part in industry field trips to key events such as the Bath Children’s Literature Festival and the international London Book Fair. These events offer industry networking opportunities and possible work experience opportunities.

Staff have excellent industry links - nationally and regionally. Our students have worked with international, award-winning children’s publishers such as Book Island, Parragon and Chicken House, and we develop work experience opportunities for students through our relationships with publishers, agents and children’s festivals. 

Children’s and Young Adult books are internationally successful, high-growth areas of publishing in terms of innovation, revenues and employment.

You’ll receive expert advice on developing an appropriate industry CV to accompany your digital portfolio, as well as specialist publishing careers advice.

MA Children’s Publishing graduates will gain transferable skills that prepare them for a wide range of roles within the publishing industry such as:

• Editorial
• Design and production
• Sales, marketing and publicity
• Digital content development
• Merchandising
• Education 

You might also set up your own businesses or continue your studies at PhD level.

You'll be taught at our Newton Park Campus.

We provide full access to the Adobe suite, as used within the industry, as well as a variety of equipment in our workshops and support from experienced Technical Demonstrators. You can also hire what you need, such as DSLR cameras and bookbinding equipment, through our free equipment loan service. We offer access to international journals, databases and reference sources through our Library services.