Discover the Open Publishing Series — three online courses from SFU’s MPub program, launching Sept 2025. Get a sneak peek at what you’ll learn.
Last month we announced the launch of the Open Publishing Series, a collection of three online courses developed in collaboration with the Master of Publishing (MPub) program at Simon Fraser University (SFU) as part of SFU’s new scholarly communications stream.
With support from PKP, these courses are made available to learners from around the world — not just those pursuing a degree at SFU! Courses open for registration in September 2025, but this month, we’re sharing a preview of the new courses and what you can expect.
How the program works
Each course is designed to stand on its own, but when taken together, they offer a solid and practical overview of the scholarly publishing landscape, from its institutional and societal context, to the editorial practices that uphold its quality, and to the technologies that enable its dissemination and preservation.
Making Knowledge Public (PUB 611)
Learn how knowledge produced at universities makes its way into society, the public value of this knowledge, and the diminishing attention given to this public mission. The course offers scholars and publishing practitioners alike a critical examination of how universities function by exploring academic career incentives, the economies of prestige that govern them, and the role of education in the institution.
Journal Management and Editing (PUB 603)
Students will delve into content curation, peer review processes, editorial strategies, publication ethics, and journal integrity, equipping them with expertise to navigate the growing landscape of academic journal publishing. The course will cover the practical skills and tools necessary to operate a journal as well as the considerations necessary to ensure high editorial quality and integrity, with topics including the roles of editor and journal manager, editorial workflows and peer review processes, copyright considerations, and publication ethics. Open access publishing will be emphasized throughout the course.
Technologies and Infrastructure (PUB 604)
Students will explore the technologies and infrastructures necessary to support the publishing, discovery, preservation, and linking of scholarship. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn about the tools and services that create the “scholarly record,” equipping them with expertise to navigate the growing landscape of technologies for academic publishing. The course will cover various aspects of academic publishing, including content management systems, metadata standards, digital preservation techniques, open access platforms, and the role of libraries and repositories. Open source technologies will be emphasized throughout the course.
What makes these courses different?
The Open Publishing series is the first of its kind to bring Masters-level courses to learners from around the world, offered simultaneously for credit for SFU Masters of Publishing students and as stand-alone offerings to learners worldwide. Designed with students and practitioners in mind, each course offers:
- Learning designed for students and practitioners, with content that bridges theory and hands-on learning
- Useful tools, resources, and takeaways
- Guidance from expert instructors with deep experience in scholarly publishing
- Asynchronous, online delivery during the term, flexible to fit diverse schedules and time zones
- Up-to-date, research-informed content that reflects the latest trends and best practices
- Clear pathways for skill-building and professional growth in the field of scholarly communication
In an era of disinformation, polarization, and growing mistrust of academic institutions, scholarly publishing is more important now than ever. These courses give you the skills, tools, and connections to navigate this rapidly changing landscape with confidence.
Want early access?
Registration will be opening soon. Sign up below to be notified as soon as it launches, receive important updates, and enter for a chance to win a discount code for the course of your choice.
