Why study publishing and editing at Monash?
- Publishing and Editing Programs
- How Do I Apply?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Industry Relevance
- Research Activities
- Student Comments
Overview
Monash University has offered a Graduate Publishing and Editing program since 1996, and graduates of the program have been employed widely in the publishing industry, both in Australia and overseas. Monash University’s Master of Publishing and Editing meets a specific industry need and is designed to equip graduates for a diversity of careers in the publishing industry.
Publishing is a vibrant, rapidly changing international industry. Australia’s information-age economy and English-language culture means that Monash University’s graduate programs offer an ideal environment for local and international students who wish to study Publishing and Editing.
For more information for international students, see choose your study options.
Why study publishing and editing at Monash?
- To understand the business of publishing and the work of the author, publisher, editor, designer, production manager, publicist, sales manner, sales representative and bookseller.
- To acquire advanced skills in editing, producing, promoting and selling print and electronic publications.
- To examine publishing methods and new technologies; copyright and other intellectual property rights; national and international sales and marketing of publications; publishing project commissioning and management.
- To explore the rich history and culture of publishing, to examine the history and changing culture of reading, debates in the industry and the community concerning the value and significance of books and the challenges posed by e-commerce, new technologies and international trading.
The following Publishing and Editing programs are available:
2183 Master of Publishing and Editing
2695 Master of Arts*
2846 Master of Arts by research and coursework
0020 Doctor of Philosophy*
[*indicates research-only programs]
Coursework Programs
The Master of Publishing and Editing (72 pts) is the most comprehensive course of its type. It is open to candidates with a recognised bachelor’s degree. This may be in Arts, Science, Law, Commerce or any equivalent qualification from Australia or overseas. Credit may be obtained for industry experience or relevant qualifications.
The Master of Publishing and Editing (72 pts) is the ideal program for those who wish to enter the publishing industry, or to enhance skills and further their career.
The Master of Publishing and Editing is a fee-paying program that may be completed in 18 months (full-time) or 3 years part-time.
The Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Editing (1357) is a fee-paying program that may be completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). Students are required to enrol in the Master of Publishing and Editing but may exit with a Graduate Diploma.
The Graduate Certificate in Publishing and Editing (24 pts) is a fee-paying program that may be completed in 6 months (full-time) or 1 year part-time. Students are required to enrol in the Master of Publishing and Editing but may exit with a Graduate Certificate.
The Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Editing is an integral part of the Master of Publishing and Editing and is a standard qualification for the publishing industry. It is the basis for further study for the 72 point Masters degree.
Research Programs
The Master of Arts by research and coursework (72 pts) includes 24 pts of coursework and is classified as a research qualification as it also comprises a major supervised thesis or project on an aspect of publishing. The course is open to those who possess an honours degree, or equivalent, at H2A level or above. It is a non fee-paying program.
Doctor of Philosophy Advanced research in fields related to the study of Publishing is encouraged and doctoral supervision is available. Interested students should consult with the program coordinator, or any of the accredited supervisors who teach in the program. Scholarships may be available for intending students.
Applying to become a research student
Careers in Publishing
Our vocationally oriented program in publishing and editing is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the publishing industries. Monash University is Australia's largest international university and our graduates are employed in publishing both in Australia and overseas. Graduates will:
- acquire advanced skills in editing, producing, promoting and selling print and electronic publications
- examine publishing methods and new technologies; copyright and other intellectual property rights; national and international sales and marketing of publications; publishing project commissioning and management
- understand the business of publishing and the work of the author, publisher, editor, designer, production manager, publicist, sales manager, sales representative and bookseller
Reasons to Choose the Monash Graduate Program
The Monash Masters Program in Publishing and Editing offers the best balance between industry-oriented and professional and research-based skills. Staff who teach in the program have a mix of academic and research-based skills and direct publishing industry experience.
Master of Publishing and Editing
Course Structure
Students must complete three core units and one elective at 4th year level to the value of 48 pts, and electives to the value of 24 points at 5th year level.
Core units:
| APG4670 | Authorship, editing and text |
| APG4800 | Publishing history, culture and commerce |
| APG4801 | Publishing processes and new technology |
4th year elective units:
| APG4672 | Advanced editing |
| APG4674 | Selling the book and publication rights |
5th year elective units:
| APG5864 | Publishing industry project |
| APG5865 | The publishing firm (6 points) |
| APG5866 | Publishing internship project (6 points) |
| APG5672 | Advanced editing |
| APG5673 | The professional editor (6 points) |
| APG5674 | Selling the book and publication rights |
| APG5859 | Publishing Research Thesis (24 pts) |
| APG5860 | Publishing Research Thesis Pt 1 |
| APG5861 | Publishing Research Thesis Pt 2 |
All subjects are 12 points in value unless otherwise indicated.
Students undertake APG5859 Publishing Research Thesis (24 points) or APG5860 Publishing Research Thesis Pt 1 (12 points) and APG5861 Publishing Research Thesis Pt 2 (12 points) with permission from the program co-ordinator.
International linkages/networks and opportunities
On application, students may arrange to complete an overseas-based publishing internship, or may arrange to complete one or more units of the Masters program in a partner graduate publishing program in Canada or the UK. Students have completed study components in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.
Teaching Location
The Caulfield campus of Monash University, where the Publishing and Editing courses are taught, is 12 minutes by train away from Melbourne and the dynamic, cosmopolitan centre of Australia’s most liveable city. The campus is a lively, multicultural environment for over 14,000 students and staff engaged in a wide range of activities, surrounded by beautiful inner metropolitan garden suburbs. Learn more about the location of the campus.
How do I apply?
The application process can be quite involved and you will need to supply information to the university. View detailed information about the application process on the Faculty of Arts Future Students website.
The closing date for domestic applicants for the Semester 1 intake is 30 November.
Only Full Fee places are available. Most domestic students qualify for a government loan under FEE-HELP to repay full fees for postgraduate study. This scheme is similar to CSP and HECS-HELP and is repaid through the tax system. Further information is available at government support and loans.
International applicants may apply any time through Monash International.
English language requirements
To gain entry to courses in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University as an international student, as well as meeting academic requirements, applicants must also meet Monash University's English language requirements. View details of English language requirements.
Teaching in the Program
Ms Nikki Anderson
Nikki Anderson has worked in the literary arena for over a decade, including as a literary agent in Spain and Australia, rights and permissions manager at Lonely Planet Publications and acting publisher at Spinifex Press. As an arts administrator, she has managed writers’ festival programs, assisted writers-in-residence, and planned and executed author tours and exhibitions throughout Asia. She currently freelances as a literary and communications consultant, and manages the Australian Embassy Beijing's annual Australian Writers Week.
Dr David Dunstan
David is an historian, researcher and writer. He has worked in journalism, with government and cultural institutions and in universities. He is a graduate of Monash, Melbourne and RMIT universities and worked with Museum Victoria developing its publications list. He joined Monash University in 1994 and helped to establish its Graduate Publishing program in 1996. He is a former Director of the National Centre for Australian Studies, has a special interest in the history of Australian print media and public policy and is the author of many works of Australian history. He is a research supervisor, a reviewer and contributor to the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Ms Trischa Mann
Trischa joined the Monash Graduate Publishing Program in 2012, and is an author, editor, indexer and publisher. Her career encompasses professional, managerial and teaching roles in law, publishing and universities. Her industry roles include in-house Tertiary Editor at Longman, then Managing Editor at Pearson Professional. She has worked independently as a freelance editor, indexer and publishing consultant and is the author of several books. She is completing a PhD on judicial education.
Dr Louise Poland
Louise completed her doctoral thesis on Feminist Presses and Publishing Politics in Australia at Monash University. She is the author of many journal articles and studies of publishing in Australia. In 2010 she completed (with Dr Kath McLean) ‘A Case for Literature: the effectiveness of subsidies to publishers, Australian literary publishing and its economies’ for the Australia Council. She has taught in the Graduate Publishing program since 2004 and in 2011 was appointed Lecturer in Publishing. She is an accredited supervisor of higher degree research. Louise co-founded the Pu-R-L (Publishing Research List) in 2000 and is currently working on a comparative study of Australian and Canadian publishing.
Ms Sandra Loy
Sandra has had extensive experience working in a variety of management roles from production through to editorial and design. As an independent publishing professional she has managed medium to large projects for trade and educational publishers, including Pearson Australia, Penguin, HarperCollins Publishers and ABC Books. Her scope of work include acquisitioning, concept development, book packaging, print and digital production and writing for non-fiction, illustrated and children’s books. Currently, Sandra is consulting at Pearson Australia Group as part of the workflow content management program.
Ms Fleur Romano
Fleur has over fifteen years' experience in publishing and corporate communications.
A qualified writer, editor and communications consultant, Fleur has been an editorial and production manager for books, websites, annual reports and other corporate publications. She has been a principal copywriter for ASX 100 listed companies and a plain English trainer for in-house technical staff (scientists, lawyers, financial planners, doctors). Fleur owns Refresh Communications, established in 2008. Refresh provides strategic and tactical communications for a wide range of organisations. Fleur is experienced in training in both professional and university settings.
Ms Dana Rowan
Dana Rowan began her professional life as Assistant Editor at Northeastern University Press, Boston, where -- in the days before editing courses -- she received her training from a highly respected Boston-area editor. Upon returning to Australia, Dana worked as Senior Editor at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, for four years. She then returned to Melbourne and became a freelance editor, specializing in the humanities (academic) and in particular the visual arts. In the early 1990s she began teaching copyediting at RMIT, and did so for ten years; she was joint course coordinator of the RMIT Editing and Publishing program for some years. She has taught copyediting in the Monash Publishing and Editing program since the early 2000s, while continuing to work as a freelancer, and has provided editorial training in various professional contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to work full-time and study full-time. Is this recommended?
We advise against working and studying full time. Full-time study requires a commitment of 35-40 hours a week of classes, preparation, reading and assignments. Students who do less study receive poor results.
I have an undergraduate degree - which course is best for me?
You will be required to apply for the 72 pt Masters (18 months full time) but may complete a shorter program of approved study by exiting from the program with either the Graduate Certificate in Publishing and Editing (24 pts) or the Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Editing (48 pts). Part-time study is available.
I want a job in the publishing and editing industry but am uncertain as to whether I want to complete the full Masters degree.
You should still apply for the Masters (18 months full-time) and begin seeking work. Part-time study is available should you need to move from full- to part-time enrolment. Students gain enough skills to apply for employment in Australia and overseas and may leave the program with less than a Masters qualification. However, most students apply for and complete the Masters.
I want to do the most basic course and get a job. Is this acceptable?
The Graduate Diploma is designed as an exit point for students who wish to acquire the standard qualification for the industry.
I already have extensive skills and industry experience in editing but want to develop other aspects of my knowledge. How should I proceed?
You can apply for credit for one or more units that your experience and/or qualifications may already cover. However, you will be required to provide documentary proof of this. Please consult the program coordinator.
I want to specialise as an editor. Can I do this?
Yes, editing tuition is an essential component of the program. Students who wish to specialise in this field may complete additional non-compulsory units such as Advanced Editing and The Professional Editor and may undertake further supervised editorial work in the unit, The Publishing Industry Project. Those who wish to pursue another career path may chose to enrol in units such as Selling the Book and Publication Rights or The Publishing Firm.
How flexible is the program?
Some electives in other programs or even units in other Faculties can be taken with approval.
I want direct hands-on industry experience. Is it available?
Students at fifth year have the opportunity to complete industry internships. These are units that comprise a program of tuition and assessment in addition to a carefully identified, fully supervised industry placement.
I do not have an honours degree and want to equip myself to undertake a higher research degree in a publishing-related field. Can I do this?
Yes. Your fifth-year-level component can comprise a fully supervised Publishing Research Thesis (24 pts) either full-time over one semester or part-time over two. This externally examined, 18,000-word thesis can facilitate entry to higher-degree research in the form of a doctorate, which may be undertaken at Monash University or elsewhere.
I have a Science degree. Is this an appropriate qualification to enter the Graduate Publishing program at Monash?
Yes it is. Scientific editing and publishing is a possible career path.
Is there an opportunity for internship experience in the program?
An internship is a popular component of the program at 5th year. This is a supervised academic unit in addition to involving an industry placement experience.
Is there provision for an overseas study experience?
Yes this can be incorporated in the program with Monash Study Abroad involvement. Please see study abroad and exchange.
I already possess a Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Editing and would like to upgrade my qualifications. How can I do this?
You should enrol in the Master of Publishing and Editing, or the Master of Arts by research and coursework, and apply for credit for the units that your experience and/or qualifications may already cover. Please consult the program coordinator. Alternatively, if you possess an honours degree (H2A or above) or equivalent, you may wish to acquire a doctoral qualification by writing a thesis on a publishing-related topic. In this case, you should consult the program coordinator or any of the accredited doctoral supervisors who teach in the Graduate Publishing program.
Industry Relevance
The Graduate Publishing and Editing Program is a highly regarded, industry-relevant program, taught by publishing industry practitioners, academics and industry guest lecturers who possess hands-on experience as well as a thorough knowledge of the publishing industry. For example, lecturer Dana Rowan is a professional editor whose passion for finely crafted language, evident throughout two decades of teaching prospective editors at both Monash and RMIT University, underpins student learning in Monash’s editing units. Trischa Mann has broad industry experience as an in-house and freelance editor, indexer, and project manager, working for a range of commercial publishers, government agencies and private clients. As an author, she has received two industry awards in educational publishing.
Students are provided with an opportunity to complete an internship in any publishing sector of their choice, and are encouraged to participate fully in publishing industry conferences, seminars and other events. As part of their final-year program, students not already working in the publishing industry may complete optional careers workshops designed to assist them in making a successful transition to the publishing industry. In 2011 students participated in the Australian Booksellers Association Fair in Melbourne and will do so again in 2012 in Sydney. Students attend industry functions such as book launches. Industry speakers are a feature of the program.
Research Activities
Publishing and Editing staff members are actively engaged in research into the publishing industry. For example, Dr Louise Poland and Dr David Dunstan are currently undertaking comparative research on the Canadian and Australian publishing industries.
Both Dunstan and Poland are accredited supervisors and available for doctoral supervision. Publishing Studies is a growing field of academic research world-wide. Teachers in the program are widely travelled and frequent contributors to conferences in Australia and overseas.
Further Information
For further information about the Graduate Publishing Program or undertaking research into Publishing at Monash, please contact:
Dr David Dunstan, program coordinator and Senior Lecturer, at david.dunstan@monash.edu
Dr Louise Poland, Lecturer in Publishing and Editing, at louise.poland@monash.edu
Student Comments
Sarah Bailey The great thing about Monash's publishing program is that you can tailor the program, research and internship to your requirements. This ensures that you gain the most relevant experience possible to your interests and ensure your employability. My interest in digital publishing was fostered this way and I am now the CEO of Australia's first independent digital trade publisher, Really Blue Books. (CEO and Publisher, Really Blue Books)
Anna-Maria Rivera I highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in books, publishing or editing. It provides an insight into the industry and valuable tools for the professional.
Hugo Britt The Monash Master’s program combines the right mix of research-based and practical subjects. The lecturers have real experience of the publishing industry and bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge to the course. (Editor, John Wiley & Sons)
Clare Patience My Monash studies opened the door to the magazine publishing world and I’ve been working as a chief sub-editor and now features editor since 2003.
Saskia Adams The Monash University Publishing and Editing course provided me with excellent instruction and hands-on training for a career in the publishing industry. (Senior Editor, Penguin Books)
Janne Scavenius I’m quite sure the Monash publishing program is the reason I now have a job as an editor in a small publishing house in Oslo. We publish books about philosophy and architecture. It is quite exciting and I enjoy it very much!
Victoria Taylor The course gave me an understanding of a broad range of topics across publishing, including book production, graphic design, essential practical knowledge for the editor, and the history of publishing. (Senior Editor, Cengage)
