"It’s possibly the best place in the world to study the subject": my MA in the History of the Book

He now works for the rare bookseller where he completed his internship during his degree. On the day of his graduation, Zach shared why the Institute of English Studies was the ideal place to pursue his master's.

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Choosing a master’s 

I chose this degree because it's one of the best of its kind. It combines very serious academic work on one hand with very real, practical experience on the other. I also chose it because London is one of the best places in the world to study or work with rare books and manuscripts. 

I think the most surprising thing about the degree was the sheer range of the subject and the range of expertise.  

The Institute of English Studies has teachers and researchers from all aspects of book history, ranging from medievalists to people working on contemporary publishing. 

It also has people with experience in archives, the book trade and many other aspects of book history. 

One of the great things about the degree is the chance over the summer to do an internship. You can do the internship at a library or archive, in the book trade or at an auction house.

I had a great interest in the rare books trade, particularly in London, and my experience at one of the leading booksellers in London was fantastic. I'd like to carry on working with rare books, specifically in the book trade in London. 

Advice to prospective students 

I would definitely recommend the MA in the History of the Book – it's a unique degree with excellent teachers and fantastic resources and opportunities available to students, in possibly the best place in the world to study the subject.  

I'd advise prospective students to look at the range of modules on offer to see if the particular periods or themes covered interest them, and I'd also recommend that they handle rare books and manuscripts as much as they can. 

Learn more about the Institute of English Studies or explore the range of degrees offered by the School of Advanced Study.