The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication is a world-leading centre for postgraduate study in publishing and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022. It offers expertise in contemporary and historical publishing and literary culture, in the UK and beyond.
The MRes Publishing Studies is a research preparation Master's course that offers students the opportunity for tailor-made Master's study in the field of publishing studies. It presents the opportunity to prepare for a PhD through concentrated research with a specialism in publishing. It also offers publishing professionals the opportunity for in-depth examination of issues affecting their current practice.
The course helps you to develop an analytical and research-driven approach towards publishing. It offers maximum flexibility so that you can tailor the course to fit your research interests and professional practice. Graduates from the MRes course often go on to further study, such as pursuing a PhD through concentrated research with a specialism in publishing.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
Work placements
We offer an optional work placement module in the Spring semester. Centre staff will support students in finding work placements and/or internships to enhance their learning.
Research overview
The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication carries out a range of staff and student research activities – including collaborations with industry, publishing-related organisations and other universities. We focus on the history of the book and publishing studies in the 20th and 21st centuries, in Scotland, the UK and globally. Research areas include:
- digital publishing
- contemporary literary publishing
- literary prizes
- book festivals
- small press publishing
- publishing and the visual arts
- academic publishing and open access debates
The following are all recent PhD topics within the Centre:
- The Publishing Industry in the Digital Ecosystem (Carnegie Trust scholarship)
- Industry Shakeup: Independent Publishing and the Plight for Change
- The Shelf-Life of Books: An Exploration of the Lifecycle and Longevity of Books in the UK in the 21st Century (SGSAH/AHRC DTP studentship)
- Women of Words: Gender equality in contemporary writing and publishing in Scotland (an SGSAH Creative Economies Studentship; co-supervised with University of Glasgow and Scottish Book Trust)
- Publishing in Scotland 1968–2018: From Cultural Heritage to Digital Engagement (University of Stirling match-funded studentship, in partnership with Publishing Scotland and HarperCollins)
- British Trade Publishing and India in the 21st Century: Cartelisation and its Postcolonial Impact
Our work has been funded by a number of organisations, including the AHRC, RSE, British Council, Nesta, and Creative Scotland. We also work with partners including Glasgow Life, the Saltire Society and Publishing Scotland.