MRes in the History of the Book

All students take three taught modules (20 credits each) selected from those available in the autumn or spring term under the guidance of the Course Director and Course Tutor. Each module will consist of ten formal teaching sessions (each of not less than 90 minutes and not more than 120 minutes duration) plus one piece of written coursework.

Students may take courses from the London Rare Books School. This is by approval from the Course Director and Course Tutor and is subject to a small additional charge (£50) to cover catering costs throughout the summer school. Accredited prior learning from the London Rare Books School cn be transferred to the MRes programme subject to the approval of the Course Director. 

Induction Week

The Institute hosts a series of induction sessions to book history and London libraries in the week before classes begin (usually the final week of September). 

The MRes can be taken one-year full-time, to be completed within 12 months, or two-years part-time, to be completed within 24 months.

In order to accommodate part-time study for students we arrange for modules to be taught on one day in the week (usually Wednesday).

One critical aspect of the MRes is that the dissertation topic needs to be considered and agreed by the Course Director so that students can decide upon the three most relevant courses to take. This is unlike the MA where the dissertation topic can be decided upon later. If you are considering applying for the MRes, we encourage you to email the Course Administrator to discuss possible research subjects before submitting an application.

Assessment for the MRes in the History of the Book is by three module essays and a dissertation. Each taught module is examined by one essay of c.5,000 words or a coursework project of a similar scale.

The dissertation is 30,000 words and is due at the end of September. The research and writing of the dissertation is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor who will help structure the research programme, suggested reading, and respond to written work.

The normal minimum entrance requirement for the MRes is an Upper Second Class Honours degree, in any subject, from a university in the UK, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard (for example a Grade Point Average [GPA] of 3.0 or higher).

Applications may also be considered from candidates who do not meet the formal academic requirements, but who offer alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience.

All students whose first language is not English must be able to provide recent evidence (gained in the last two years) that their written and spoken English language is adequate for postgraduate study. This requirement is specified in order to ensure that the academic progress of students is not hindered by language difficulties and that students are able to integrate socially while studying and living in the UK.

Further information can be found on the English language competency section of the School's Entry Requirements page.

MRes students will normally be expected to pass the three taught modules with an average of 60 or above. If that is not achieved, the student will be strongly advised to follow an alternative MA route by taking more taught modules (either through the MA or LRBS programmes) and then submitting a 15,000-word dissertation.

We provide a world-class masters education at the most affordable cost possible, and far below rates for similar programmes within the UK and elsewhere. Please note that if you have successfully taken courses for credit on the London Rare Books School, your total tuition fee will be reduced by the amount you paid to the LRBS.  

Tuition Fees

Applicants are eligible to apply for studentships through the School of Advanced Study.

School of Advanced Study Studentships

Many of our alumni establish successful careers in fields including academic librarianship, museum curatorship, publishing, and art. We have particular success placing students in the print and antiquarian book trade. Some students aim to progress to study at PhD level for a career in academia. Our programmes provide outstanding training in research skills and equip students with the intellectual framework and language proficiency to undertake independent research with confidence and success. Former students have progressed to PhD study at the Institute and elsewhere.