MA Publishing

I'm in a bit of a mare deciding whether to apply to UCL or LCC.

UCL has a great reputation, but it's course isn't that practical. LCC belongs to the University of the Arts (which overall is recognised), and it's course is practical.

What to do?!

If the LCC course is more practical and gives you more experience to talk about in an interview, then I would go for that.

Hello,
I work in publishing at the moment, and quite a few of my colleagues have done the MA in Publishing at either UCL or LCC. I'm not sure that it makes a difference in terms of prestige, as both seem to be equally respected. I think you should go with the course that you like the sound of.

As you currently work within publishing, do you think an MA is a worthwhile option? If you don't mind me asking, how did you get in to this industry? And, in your opinion what is the best way to gain work experience? I've been sending out speculative emails and letters, and have just registered for The London Book Fair but seem to be facing wall after wall!

I think it's easier to get a first job in publishing with an MA, rather than without, but it's not essential. I did a couple of internships between my 2nd and 3rd of university, and I think that's what got me my current job. I think it's a good idea if you send out cover letters to smaller publishers, as it's more likely they'll take you on. Though I know it's a very hard industry to get into.
I'll be at the London Book Fair

I think it's easier to get a first job in publishing with an MA, rather than without, but it's not essential. I did a couple of internships between my 2nd and 3rd of university, and I think that's what got me my current job. I think it's a good idea if you send out cover letters to smaller publishers, as it's more likely they'll take you on. Though I know it's a very hard industry to get into.
I'll be at the London Book Fair

I've just been offered a place on the UCL MA and I'm trying to decide whether to accept it at the moment. Although the course at LCC does seem to be a bit more practical, they don't offer a work placement as far as I can see, whereas UCL find you a five-week placement (pretty sure they are the only uni that do this for you rather than making you arrange it yourself). I imagine five weeks' work at a publishers will probably offer just as much hands-on experience as the LCC course - and would possibly be more advantageous as you would make more contacts within the industry and get a better picture of everday working life. They also said at my interview that publishers sometimes offer work experience during the first two terms of the degree (e.g a couple of days a week).

Hello,
I work in publishing at the moment, and quite a few of my colleagues have done the MA in Publishing at either UCL or LCC. I'm not sure that it makes a difference in terms of prestige, as both seem to be equally respected. I think you should go with the course that you like the sound of.