Master’s in Book and Digital Media Studies

This Master’s programme at Leiden University immerses students in the evolution of written and printed media, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary digital platforms. Through three specializations—Digital Access to Cultural Heritage, History of the Book, and Dynamics in Scholarly Publishing—students engage with primary sources, digital preservation techniques, and the economics of academic publishing. The curriculum blends historical research with hands-on practice, leveraging Leiden’s extensive archives and industry partnerships. Ideal for graduates in humanities, library science, or digital studies, the programme equips students with interdisciplinary skills for careers in heritage management, publishing, or digital scholarship. No research output or publication requirements are attached; admission focuses on language proficiency and academic background.

• Conduct research using primary sources from Leiden’s special collections and archives.
• Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics of textual media and publishing.
• Develop skills in digital preservation, crowd sourcing, and support for digital scholarship.
• Analyze the role and impact of academic publishing in society.
• Engage with industry partners to understand the full publishing chain from authors to readers.
• Participate in seminars and workshops on digital textual media and intellectual property.
• Develop a specialized focus in one of three tracks: Digital Access to Cultural Heritage, History of the Book, or Dynamics in Scholarly Publishing.