Publishing & Communications BA(Hons)

Find your place among the content creators of tomorrow with this two-year accelerated degree. You’ll develop the skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced global publishing industry, from generating and pitching ideas through to exploring the craft of book production.

Key details

Location	Falmouth Campus
Course Duration	2 years
Attendance	Full-time
UCAS code	Y9W5
Contact	01326 254350
Subject to validation during this academic year	✔

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Introduction

Gaining a head start in publishing, you’ll leave with a toolbox of editorial skills and the ability to deliver shareable stories and published content across a range of formats and platforms.

You will:

Work with writers, makers and designers in creative co-working spaces designed to foster talent and collaboration.
Respond to live briefs from our industry partners.
Develop creative problem-solving skills to create value and address real-world problems in the publishing industry.
Build a skillset to help you tackle the complex needs of the publishing and digital content marketplace.
Be ready for industry in just two years with this fast-track degree.

What our students do

Student at lectern in front of West Side Story slide.

Students working in the writers room on Falmouth campus.

Student resting chin on her hands in lecture.

Students sat on sofas and discussing in the writers room.

Male in suit stood at lectern in front of a bright red book cover on a slide behind him.

Course details

What you'll learn

Stage one

You'll learn about publishing histories and futures, build your editorial skills, and gain hands-on book production experience - teaching you to read the book as an object as well as a text. Reflecting the publishing and content creation process, you’ll learn to think creatively and tell shareable stories. You’ll also adapt your work to new platforms and audiences, collaborate with other creatives and industry professionals, and put your entrepreneurship skills into action.

Stage two

You'll focus on multi-platform content, digital marketing practices in the publishing industry, leading trends, innovative publishing business models, and the entrepreneurial mind-set. By working on a collaborative project, you’ll connect your ideas, production skills and content creation with audiences. You’ll also take elective topics in children and young adult writing, games, environment or lifestyle writing.

Stage three

You’ll develop your Major Project, learn about the business of publishing, and consider current and future trends in books and reading audiences. We’ll also explore cultural curation in publishing - including building reading communities, live experiences, and brand partnerships with museums, heritage and art galleries.

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

How you'll learn

You’ll learn through workshops, lectures, seminars, live briefs, field trips, one-to-one tutorials and an industry placement.

Assessment methods

Assessment takes place at mid-points and at the end of each module through a range of methods including portfolios, presentations, project documentation, case studies, industry analyses, field trip reports, exhibitions and essays.
Final-year dissertation.

Staff

Our teaching and support staff have worked in large and small press publishing, creative and digital agencies, media companies and as freelance writers. They offer expertise in writing, editing, publishing, digital content creation and online editorial, with expertise gained in. They’ve also worked with companies like The Guardian, Financial Times, Sony, Stranger Collective, NSPCC, BBC, Arts Council, Simon & Schuster, National Trust, Belfast Book Festival, Conscious Magazine, GitHub, and the National Maritime Museum.

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How to apply

Apply via UCAS

Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.

University code: F33
Course code: Y9W5

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Applying as an international student?

International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.

International applications

Entry requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

Language requirements

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.

If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

Deadlines

UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration)

Late applications will be considered if there are places available.

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

Interview information & application advice

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How to Apply

Get application information including personal statement advice, interview tips and what to include in your portfolio.

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Portfolio Advice

What is a portfolio and how do you make one? Read our guide.

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Personal Statement Guide

How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.

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Interview Information: Publishing & Communications BA(Hons)

Find out what to expect from your Publishing & Communications interview.

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After You Apply

Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.

What we're looking for

We want someone who:

Is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject
Can clearly explain why they want to study English
Knows about literature’s role in the past and present
Has writing skills
Is enthusiastic about writing as part of the creative industries

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees 2020-21

£11,100 - full-time UK/EU

£19,000 - full-time international

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Typical course costs

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Funding

For the two-year, accelerated degree, students may be eligible for an amount of Long Course Loan in addition to the standard maintenance loan, from Student Finance. The exact amount of funding support you'll receive will be calculated by your regional funding body on application.

For further information about funding, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

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