MA History of the Book at University of London

Programme overview

The MA in the History of the Book at the Institute of English Studies is the oldest postgraduate programme in this field. It studies the making, manufacture, distribution and reading of books, newspapers, magazines, ephemera, digital text and manuscripts, from clay tablets to computer screens. A parallel MRes option replaces taught modules with a longer dissertation.

What you will study

Six taught modules (one compulsory research methodologies module plus core and optional modules such as The Medieval Book, Technologies of the Book, Modern Pamphlets, and Bookshops and Booksellers) and a 15,000-word dissertation. Options include London Rare Books School courses and an internship in a London bookselling firm or special collections library.

Career pathways

Alumni have gone on to careers in academic librarianship, museum curatorship, publishing, art, and the print and antiquarian book trade; some progress to PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normal minimum entrance requirement is a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Candidates who do not meet the formal academic requirements may be considered on the basis of alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience. English language for applicants whose first language is not English (or who are not nationals of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the UK Home Office): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component, or Trinity College London ISE III at CEFR C1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening; IELTS results must be no more than two years old at enrolment and Trinity results no more than four years old. Applicants who completed a bachelor's or master's degree in a majority English-speaking country (except Canada) need no further evidence. Applications open 1 November 2026 and close 31 July 2027 for the September 2027 start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,710 a year (2026/27). Full-time MA/MRes in History of the Book Source

International applicants: GBP 18,668 a year (2026/27). Full-time MA/MRes in History of the Book Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year (full-time); 2-3 years (part-time)

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