Outline

Overview

This unit explores the practical and theoretical aspects of book creation in print, digital and audio formats, following inclusive publishing practices. It provides a systematic overview of contemporary book design as well as key technologies, workflows and processes, including the implementation of accessibility standards. Students will acquire sought-after skills in long-form document design and the production of print and digital formats, using various software and digital content development platforms.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Media and Communications
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MECO6930
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Agata Mrva-Montoya, agata.mrva-montoya@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Practical skill	Print design project More information is available on Canvas.	25%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Apr 2026	1,125 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Digital design project More information is available on Canvas.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 May 2026	1,125 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation and Q&A More information is available on Canvas.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2026	1 x 450 wd equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Collaborative design project More information is available on Canvas.	40%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2026	1,800 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Print design project: The challenge is to create the cover design and the internal layout for a printed book, comprising of a collection of short stories and poems. The best design may be used to produce the Sydney University student anthology. This is an exercise in developing your own design ideas in response to a specific design brief. The emphasis is on mastering the basics of Adobe InDesign and understanding the components of book design.

Digital design project: Using the anthology files, students will produce reflowable and accessible EPUB files. The emphasis is on the implementation of accessibility standards, quality assurance and accessibility testing.

Collaborative design project: Working in groups, students will develop a proposal for an illustrated nonfiction title. They will create a design brief, and produce cover design and sample internal pages for print and digital delivery. The emphasis is on creativity, mastering the components of book design for print and digital delivery, developing collaboration and project management skills.

Presentation and Q&A: Students will be asked to prepare a short presentation and respond to questions about the skills and knowledge acquired in the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Multiplatform publishing 101	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 01	Multiplatform publishing 101	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	From Codex to Kindle: the evolution of the book	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	From Codex to Kindle: the evolution of the book	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Reading in the digital era	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Reading in the digital era	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to inclusive publishing	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to inclusive publishing	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Publishing platforms and workflows	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Publishing platforms and workflows	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Book designer at work	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Book designer at work	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Writing and editing for multiplatform delivery	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Writing and editing for multiplatform delivery	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Design for multiplatform delivery	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Design for multiplatform delivery	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Multiplatform production	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Multiplatform production	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Ebooks and ebook apps in focus	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Ebooks and ebook apps in focus	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Listen up: the wonderful world of audiobooks	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Listen up: the wonderful world of audiobooks	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Group project presentations	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Group project presentations	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Publishing futures	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Publishing futures	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Lectures will not be recorded except in specific circumstances.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no set text for this unit. Weekly readings on issues relating to the topics of individual seminars are available on Canvas. Moreover, an extensive list of resources that will help expand your knowledge and skills of book and ebook design and production is also available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the design processes, workflows and production issues involved in the development of books for multiplatform delivery
LO2. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of book design and layout within the contemporary publishing industry, and develop skills in a selection of graphic design and digital publishing software
LO3. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of inclusive publishing and accessibility standards, and acquire the knowledge, tools, and frameworks to produce accessible ebooks
LO4. identify the major factors which dictate the positioning of a title within a particular market sector, and plan its ‘look and feel’ appropriately
LO5. understand the impact of the digital revolution on book production for print, digital and audio delivery
LO6. understand the digital publishing landscape (including formats, devices, platforms and tools) and the economic, legal, social and cultural issues in multiplatform publishing

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The unit has been revised in response to the student and industry stakeholder feedback.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECO6937: Multiplatform Publishing

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links