Module: PUB5100-20 The Independent Magazine

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Neil Baber

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.baber@bathspa.ac.uk

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied either PUB4000-20 Introduction to Publishing OR JPU4000-20 Introduction to Journalism.

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides a solid grounding in international contemporary magazine publishing and gives you practical experience in developing a new magazine.

You will be introduced to the different magazine roles across editorial, production and marketing and to various business models, as the sector responds to shifting channels of distribution and income. You will learn about researching and developing magazine brands for niche audiences and the ways in which brand identity informs decisions about editorial content, design and marketing.

Independent magazine publishing is a vibrant area of the industry in which high-quality print magazines often appear in tandem with digital publication. You will work in small groups to research, develop and create a proposal for a new independent magazine on a subject/topic of your choice. Taking on a defined role you will have an opportunity to develop specialist experience in your chosen field – which might be editorial, design and production, promotional events, digital marketing or photography. You will also learn how to source, credit and manipulate images effectively.

2. Outline syllabus:

• International magazine industry

• Identifying and producing content for a target audience e.g. brand awareness

• Roles and processes in magazine publishing

• Sourcing, crediting and manipulating images

• Collaborative working and project management

• Ethics and professional conduct

• Development of an indie magazine

• InDesign and Photoshop skills, and elements of magazine design

3. Teaching and learning activities

The module will be taught through lectures, practice-based workshops, tutor-guided independent project work, and industry talks.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Report: competitor analysis (1,000 words)

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Magazine proposal package (equivalent to 4,000 words)

• % Weighting: 80%