Book and Digital Media Studies (MA)
The master’s programme in Book and Digital Media Studies introduces you to the history of the written and printed word, and to theories and practices of publishing as well as digital textual media.
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Master Book and Digital Media Studies at Leiden University
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Throughout the well-rounded core curriculum of Book and Digital Media Studies, you are encouraged to put your acquired knowledge and skills into practice: in the on-site study of medieval manuscripts and early-modern printed books from Leiden University Libraries' world-class collections, in using programming languages such as XML and Python, or in engaging in round table discussions with stakeholders in the book industry. The core courses are complemented by a wide range of electives as well extra-curricular activities, for example the programme’s yearbook TXT.
Learn more about the study programme
Benefit from internship opportunities
Major publishers, for example Brill and Elsevier, and book heritage institutions, such as the National Library of the Netherlands, Leiden University Library and Museum Meermanno (Museum of the Book) offer internship opportunities. The programme also organises regular off-campus activities, including excursions to the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Museum Plantin-Moretus in Antwerp.
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?
Apolline Rinaudo
Graduated in Book and Digital Media Studies
"Passionate about books and history, I found it very interesting to learn how the printing press and books became essential to spread ideas and ideologies in Europe during my studies. I enjoyed the wide range of subjects taught in the programme, from manuscript history to digital media technologies. I developed strong knowledge about the publishing world. While I was in the final stages of writing my thesis, I got in touch with an academic publisher in Leiden. A few weeks later, I started a six-month internship, and two years later, I am still working at Brill. For the different projects I have been involved in, I have used the knowledge acquired during the MA Book and Digital Media Studies."
In which sector do students find jobs?
- 16 Media and journalism
- 16 Information management
- 16 Publishing
- 16 Sports, culture and recreation
- 11 Wholesale and retail
- 5 Research
- 5 Education
- 5 Government and semi-government organisations
- 5 Non-profit organisations
- 5 Business services
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Media Studies - Book and Digital Media Studies 2016-2020.
Find out more about the career prospects
Book and Digital Media Studies degree
Book and Digital Media Studies at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a master’s degree in Media Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).
