History of the Book (MA/MRes) at University of London, School of Advanced Study on FindAMasters.com

Full time & Part time See Course MA, MRes 1 year full time, 2-3 years part time

FindAMasters summary

The MA/MRes programme in History of the Book at the University of London offers a fascinating exploration of the making, distribution, and reading of books throughout history. This programme provides a unique understanding of literary, cultural, social, intellectual, and technological processes. With a wide range of module options, you can delve into specific topics such as bindings, book illustration, textual editing, digital publishing, and the history of reading. The programme boasts unrivalled library and museum resources in central London, and there are opportunities for placement work in the rare book trade or libraries and archives sector. A First or Upper Second Class Honours degree is typically required, but alternative qualifications and relevant experience will also be considered. Pursuing this degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in various fields, including academic librarianship, museum curatorship, publishing, and the antiquarian book trade. Furthermore, this programme can serve as a stepping stone for further research at MPhil or PhD level.

About the course

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The History of the Book studies the making, manufacturing, distribution and reading of books, and thus offers a unique way of understanding different literary, cultural, social, intellectual and technological processes in history. The subject extends to include newspapers, magazines, chapbooks, ephemera, digital text and all kinds of printed or written media. It also includes the manuscript book in all its forms from the pre-classical, classical and medieval periods.

The MA degree in the History of the Book is the oldest postgraduate programme in this growing area in the humanities. You'll study six taught modules and complete a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Entry Requirements

The normal minimum entrance requirement would be a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree from a university in the UK, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard (for example a grade-point-average of 3.0 or higher).

We will consider applications from candidates who do not meet the formal academic requirements but who offer alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience.

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Fees

Please see the university website for further information on fees for this course.

Student Profile

Janet Reed

I work as a freelance indexer and proof-reader and found out about the MA in the History of the Book from a client. I decided to take the course because I have always been interested in the book as an artefact as well as the history of information transmission.

The course has encouraged me to make more use of electronic resources and I have become more self-reliant in my research techniques. The course covers the history of the book from the time of clay tablets and papyrus scrolls to the present day with electronic documents. It gives an overview of various technological and stylistic changes through the centuries.

As an indexer I am interested in the development of indexing as a profession within the book trade and my master’s project is on the history and development of indexing, covering manuscripts, printed books and the development of professional bodies for indexers.

After I graduate, I intend to return to full time indexing and to expand my business to a full-time venture. As a result of my further study, I could go into several areas of work including information management, indexing, public sector administration and anywhere that requires an enquiring mind and a can-do attitude.

History of the Book (MA/MRes)

University of London, School of Advanced Study Postgraduate Courses

FindAMasters summary

About the course

Entry Requirements

Fees

Where will I study?

University of London, School of Advanced Study

Where is University of London, School of Advanced Study

Student Profile

Janet Reed

History of the Book (MA/MRes)

University of London, School of Advanced Study Postgraduate Courses

FindAMasters summary

About the course

Entry Requirements

Fees

Where will I study?

University of London, School of Advanced Study

Where is University of London, School of Advanced Study

Student Profile

Janet Reed

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