Master of Publishing and Communications

This subject focuses on the structural editing of texts in a range of genres, including instructional, polemical, scholarly and narrative works. Students will learn how to analyse the reading practices characteristic of different genres, and will be given practical experience in editing texts to meet the requirements and expectations of various projected readerships. The subject will also familiarise students with protocols for effective author/editor communication and acquaint them with the ethical and legal responsibilities that govern editors' participation in the publishing process. On successfully completing this subject, students will have a sound grasp of strategies for appraising the rhetoric and structure of texts in a wide range of genres.

This subject focuses on the key communication skill of editing. It introduces students to the linguistic conventions of editorial English, the use and interpretation of copy-editing symbols, and the parameters of a variety of house styles. Students will also learn the principles and practice of editing on screen and the procedures required to ensure editorial transparency and accountability in an electronic environment. The subject offers an overview of the major components of the editing process, with an emphasis on editing for consistency and cohesion. On successfully completing this subject, students will have a sound grasp of the linguistic and procedural aspects of copy-editing.

This subject provides an overview of the major factors affecting the local and global production, marketing and distribution of books, magazines and electronic publications. It considers the impact of political, social and economic conditions, technological changes, and changing industry practices. Students will gain a critical understanding of professional practices and current issues in various sectors of the industry in the context of global developments.

This subject provides students with the skills to write at an advanced journalistic level. Lectures will present students with techniques that will enhance skills in interviewing, news judgement, narrative technique, researching, framing ideas, developing contacts and using off the record information. Students will also deal with issues of fairness and objectivity, plagiarism, libel and codes of conduct. On completion of this subject, students will have developed advanced skills in print and online feature writing.

This subject studies the elements of successful communication in business and professional contexts - and these elements also translate into one’s personal communication. We study key skills, both written and oral, and take a resolutely practical approach to communication in all forms, including presentations, copywriting, emailing, project reports, media releases and marketing and public relations. We examine the role of communication within the organisation and develop practical tools for effective communication and negotiation. We use practical examples to develop our ability to build rapport, our presentation skills and our body language.

This introductory subject is designed to induct graduate students into the major issues and current thinking in web-based communication; to familiarize students with the major channels and platforms in use in this field; to develop an understanding of online genres, and teach essential writing and editing skills for online contexts. Students will gain practical experience in writing in a number of different styles and formats and will learn to publish their work on a digital platform.

This subject teaches students practical skills in creating documents using the industry-standard software, Adobe Indesign through practical workshops that take the student from beginner to intermediate skill levels. It also introduces students to the concepts and practice of print production and design, and outlines the underlying principles of publishing design and page layout, the characteristics of good typesetting, the interrelationship of images, space, colour and text and the importance of design briefs. Through reference to the history of printing, this subject will extend students’ understanding of the impact of changing technologies on typography, graphic design and production processes, enabling them to develop a critical awareness of trends in the field. A brief insight to some of the specific design and publishing challenges of ePublishing is also provided.

Please note: Students should subscribe to Adobe Indesign via Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of the subject in order to be able to complete assignments out of class time.

This subject addresses ethical issues and legal constraints involved in publishing for print and digital media. It will review existing ethical codes and the mechanisms established to police them, as well as offering an overview of how publishing practices are shaped by legislative provisions relating to such matters as intellectual property, privacy, defamation and respect for cultural differences. On successfully completing this subject, students will have gained an understanding of a wide range of ethical and legal considerations.

As the print publishing market in all its forms adapts to the impact of new technologies, this subject examines the resulting seismic changes, the impact of digital technologies on the publishing supply chain and the shifting strategic contribution of marketing to the publishing process. We study the changing structure of the market, including analysis of the changing role of wholesales, bricks and mortar retailers (both specialist and non-specialist) and online providers on the supply side, and examine demographic, cultural and social factors influencing the structure of demand. We explore factors affecting the competitive environment, including the impact of digital technologies on the print supply chain and the interaction between old and new media. We use case studies to highlight the issues of market segmentation, branding and product placement. Assessment tasks focus on researching specific market segments and developing practical, costed, commercially-astute marketing strategies.

This subject examines diverse understandings of audiences and introduces research approaches to investigating audience practices and patterns of consumption in a changing media landscape. It provides a detailed understanding of the different ways in which questions of media impact and audience power have been theorised, conceptualised and examined across the history of media research. Students will be encouraged to deepen their understanding of contemporary audience research methodologies from both administrative and critical points of views and to develop critical evaluation skills deployed in relation to these. Approaches examined will include early media effects studies rooted in the behavioural paradigm, and sociological studies of public beliefs and opinion formation, as well as political economy of globalisation and its (re)construction of audiences and approaches inspired by cultural studies that explore audiences as culturally situated and as active sense makers. Students will consider different audiences, media and genres across the course and engage in focused study of selected audiences and processes of reception.

This subject provides students with an advanced understanding of relevant theory and practice in contemporary public relations. Lectures will introduce case studies and practical accounts from industry professionals dealing with public relations functions including stakeholder relations, media relations, government relations, investor relations and issues/crisis management. This will be complemented with theoretical perspectives and examination of ethical considerations to situate the key issues and challenges of public relations in a global context.

This subject seeks, through research and investigation, to encourage students to reflect on how journalism has developed and changed over time, in order to gain a critically informed perspective on its present and possible futures. Students will reflect on the question of what drives journalism history, and different perspectives that have been provided on this question, in work that has focused on the contribution of sociopolitical, economic and technological change to shaping and transforming journalism. This is addressed through engagement with key areas of research and debate surrounding journalism history, as well as a consideration of different traditions and histories of journalism in different social and political cultures. Such work provides a resource for critically informed consideration of how history has shaped the present landscape of journalism and challenges facing the field. It also supports informed engagement with the problem of how such challenges might be addressed, and journalism's possible future(s).

This subject teaches the writing and editing skills needed in the technical writing profession. The emphasis is on preparing instructional materials (also known as user documentation), both for printed and online delivery. Students will learn how to plan a documentation project, how to tailor writing for various audiences (local and international), how to write effective procedures, how to build subject-specific thesauri, and how to index and design documents.

This subject introduces students to the history of the book and its relationship to changing reading practices. It will focus specifically on the changing technologies and aesthetics of book production, the relationships between reading and other cultural practices, the changing roles of publishers, booksellers and authors, the evolution of libraries as repositories and gatekeepers of approved knowledge, and the role of government in establishing a legislative framework to regulate the book trade.

A research topic selected in consultation with the supervisor. Enrolment in the thesis is across two consecutive semesters and students must enrol in the subject in each semester to ensure they are meeting the full 37.5 point requirement for the year-long subject.

Refer to PUBL90022 Publishing and Communications Thesis Part 1 for details

This subject is an introduction to the qualitative and quantitative methods used in researching the cultural sector, with a focus on publishing and writing. The course will cover applied research design, and implementation, analysis and communication of results. Particular focus will be paid to the application of research to the writing of a Master’s minor thesis in publishing and communications.

This subject introduces students to research skills for students planning, researching and writing a thesis in the School of Culture and Communication. Research Principles and Practices explores traditional and contemporary research practices and the differing methodological approaches guiding research practices in the School of Culture and Communication. It explores key research principles and practices including: defining an academic field, establishing a research question, identifying key words and key texts, developing a literature review, preparing and presenting a research proposal. Research Principles and Practices provides students with specific research methodologies and academic practices that will facilitate their research projects. It will also provide information about copyright, ethics and the conduct of ethical research.

Developed from at least the fifth century BCE onwards, the metalanguage of rhetoric (writing on writing, or discourse on discourse) is today inextricably imbricated in both practices and critiques of media language. This subject examines the highly controversial history of rhetoric, always already embedded in philosophy, as well as its competing definitions, and various appearances, influences, and even metamorphoses, in writing practices and in theories of communication from the time of Aristotle through to the age of electronic media. At the same time, the subject addresses current practices of media writing within national and global media spheres. It views these through the lens of the metalanguage of rhetoric, encouraging critical engagement with both media writing and rhetorical theory, and most importantly with students’ own writing practices.

Students enrolled in this subject will be assisted to find a placement in a professional working environment where they will gain direct exposure to professional practice in their chosen field. They will work under the guidance of a senior staff member, with additional support from the subject co-ordinator. As well as taking part in the host organisation's day-to-day work, students will undertake a research project of concrete and practical benefit to the host organisation or the broader industry. The research topic will be negotiated between the student, the organisation's management and the subject co-ordinator. Students seeking to undertake the research internship in their current place of employment must consult the subject coordinator.

Social enterprises are businesses that exist with the specific purpose of solving social and/or environmental problems through trade. These enterprises merge the best features of business and the non-profit sector to create innovative solutions that address both social and market gaps. Within these enterprises, success is thus measured in social and/or environmental terms, in addition to financial sustainability.

This multidisciplinary subject has been developed in partnership with Unbound, a Melbourne-based social enterprise leading innovative education programs on social change through entrepreneurship across the Asia-Pacific region. The subject equips students with a critical understanding of social entrepreneurship, and provides them with a practical opportunity to develop their own start-up social enterprise. Groups will be formed according to personal interest and students will work in small project teams to conceptualise, develop and pitch a viable social enterprise initiative. Students are also expected to test their idea in the marketplace in real time, for example, liaise with external organisations to receive feedback on your product/service and/or develop a minimal viable product that can be showcased.

To support the development of ideas, the subject draws from case studies, field trips and guests speakers from the Victorian start-up ecosystem that share their personal experiences and advice as successful social entrepreneurs. Students will also have the opportunity to receive direct support on their idea during a feedback salon with academics, business leaders and social enterprise practitioners.

Upon completing this subject, students will develop a critical understanding of the nature of social enterprise in contemporary society and the practical requirements for developing sustainable social enterprise projects. The subject also uniquely provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world solutions in real time.

This subject introduces students to advanced aspects of editing for digital media. It focuses on the methods, systems, trends and technological developments taking place in digital media industries, and presents a portfolio of key skills and knowledge required in contemporary editing and content management. Taking the publishing industry as its professional context, it focuses on software for digital authoring, editing, content management and content marketing; the principles of workflow in the digital office; digital publishing and ebook production processes and systems; and the creation of video for the internet. Students will gain a practical understanding of a range of applications and systems that are industry standards, and develop deeper literacy around digital media and e-communication.

This subject is designed to further develop the skills and extend the experience of those students already in gainful employment in a publishing or communications environment. With the support of the subject coordinator and the mentorship of a senior staff member in their place of employment, they will investigate their company's business in order to understand its position within the broader industry. As well as taking part in their ongoing day-to-day work, students will undertake a research project of concrete and practical benefit to their organisation. The research topic will be negotiated between the student, the organisation's management or employee's mentor, and the subject coordinator. Students will develop skills in conducting effective and timely research, analysis and report-writing, and will also gaining deeper insight into a particular model of contemporary publishing and communications practice. They will exercise the skills in writing, editing, print and web production they have developed through their university studies and apply them directly to their current professional environment.

This subject provides an overview of magazine writing, editing and publishing, with special emphasis on the skills needed to successfully produce magazines today. We examine how magazine editors conceive of audiences, and how they create print and digital magazines that serve the needs and desires of those audiences. Students will study how editors turn ideas into stories,  and work with the magazine production team to give a story its final form. Students will learn how writers pitch ideas to editors, and to research and write magazine feature stories. We study the commercial aspects of magazine publishing – advertising, sales, marketing and promotion – and investigate innovative magazine business models in a time of great change and disruption in publishing. We examine how a magazine develops from concept to finished product, including launch proposal, project planning, scheduling and budgeting. Our focus is not solely on print, but on the magazine as a form that continues to evolve in response to social and technological change.

This subject addresses ethical issues and legal constraints involved in publishing for print and digital media. It will review existing ethical codes and the mechanisms established to police them, as well as offering an overview of how publishing practices are shaped by legislative provisions relating to such matters as intellectual property, privacy, defamation and respect for cultural differences. On successfully completing this subject, students will have gained an understanding of a wide range of ethical and legal considerations.

Working under the supervision of a staff member, a student will produce a substantive publishing project, equivalent to 5000 words of written assessment. The project will be part of a larger team publishing project led by staff. The subject coordinator's permission must be sought in order to enrol.

This subject involves travel to New York to undertake a five-day intensive to be taught at a New York based university. The program will involve instruction by senior figures in the US publishing industry, from established firms and the recent start-ups that are re-shaping the industry.

As the print publishing market in all its forms adapts to the impact of new technologies, this subject examines the resulting seismic changes, the impact of digital technologies on the publishing supply chain and the shifting strategic contribution of marketing to the publishing process. We study the changing structure of the market, including analysis of the changing role of wholesales, bricks and mortar retailers (both specialist and non-specialist) and online providers on the supply side, and examine demographic, cultural and social factors influencing the structure of demand. We explore factors affecting the competitive environment, including the impact of digital technologies on the print supply chain and the interaction between old and new media. We use case studies to highlight the issues of market segmentation, branding and product placement. Assessment tasks focus on researching specific market segments and developing practical, costed, commercially-astute marketing strategies.

This subject introduces students to the processes by which book publishers evaluate proposals and build their lists. Through seminars and hands-on workshops, students are introduced to the business and management aspects of book publishing that underpin list-building, and to the processes involved in selecting and commissioning titles, researching potential markets, building a distinctive list, choosing formats (print and digital), and providing effective commentary on work in progress. The subject also examines the management of publishing enterprises, including project costing, production management and quality control, distribution, management of suppliers, the negotiation of contracts, and the sale of subsidiary rights. On successfully completing this subject, students will have acquired advanced skills in manuscript appraisal, a detailed knowledge of the characteristics of a successful book publishing list, and a wide-ranging understanding of financial and management systems in the publishing industry.

This subject will introduce students to the principles and practices associated with the development and structural editing of a range of texts from four specialised genres: fiction, trade non-fiction, children’s books, genre fiction and educational publishing. Students will be presented with manuscripts across these specialised genres, by a combination of Publishing and Communications staff and guest lecturers from the relevant fields. Each genre will be covered in detail over two or three weeks of the semester. On successful completion of this subject students will have acquired advanced skills in manuscript appraisal and editing.

Students will produce drafts of work in progress, engage in peer editing and workshops, present readings, attend seminars conducted by experienced writers, and will have an opportunity to receive professional feedback from publishers and editors. Students must consult the coordinator to discuss subject preparation prior to enrolment.

This subject involves pre-learning. Students are required to read any set texts and the subject reader at least once before the Intensive commences. Students are required to write a 1,000-word draft of their creative assessment piece before the Intensive commences to be distributed for workshopping. Students are also required to read and provide written feedback on their classmates' creative drafts before the Intensive commences.