Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course provides practical guidance for selecting the most appropriate journal for your research. Learners will explore the factors that influence journal selection, evaluate different publication models, assess the suitability of their own manuscripts, and develop the skills needed to identify journals that align with their research goals. The course also examines how editors evaluate submissions and how to recognize and avoid predatory publishers.  

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Identify key factors to consider when evaluating and selecting a journal for your research 

    1. Evaluate different publication models and use this knowledge to make informed publishing decisions 

    1. Assess the suitability of your manuscript for different journals based on scope, article type, and editorial expectations 

    1. Explain the qualities editors look for when determining whether a manuscript is appropriate for review and publication 

    1. Compare and contrast journals using relevant evaluation criteria to support journal selection 

    1. Identify the warning signs of predatory publishers and journals 

    1. Select the most appropriate journal for your research and publishing objectives 

    From time to time, we will refer to SAGE’s own specific publishing practices so that we can give you the most specific and practical guidance possible. However, these processes will likely be applicable to other journal publishers. If in doubt, always check their guidelines.

    • Video Transcripts

      You can access all video transcripts here. 

    • Pre-Course Self Assessment

      Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

      You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

      • Module One: Where to Start When Choosing a Journal

        This module will help you to:

        1. Identify the key considerations when evaluating journals
        2. Identify the different types of publication models in order to make informed decisions about where best to publish your article 

      • Module Two: Evaluating Your Own Article

        This module will help you to:

        1. Recognize the different types of journal articles  
        2. Prepare manuscripts that fit the journal scope and have the adequate qualities to be reviewed and accepted  
        3. Become familiar with the key things that an editor looks at when deciding whether an article is a suitable fit for a journal   

      • Module Three: Evaluating the Journal

        This module will help you to:

        1. Recognize the different factors to consider when evaluating journals
        2. Use these factors to compare and contrast journals to make your final journal selection 
        3. Recognize the warning signs of predatory publishers 
        4. Select the most appropriate journal for your research 

      • Post-Course Self Assessment

        Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

        Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

        You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

        • Completion: Certificate

          Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

          If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

          • Give Feedback About This Course

            Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

          • Accessibility

            We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

            For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

            • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
            • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus.