The Institute of English Studies is a research institution associated with the University of London. Established in January, 1999 and a member of the School of Advanced Study, the Institute is a centre for advanced study and research in literatures in the English language, the history of the book, palaeography and manuscript studies. It is located in the heart of Bloomsbury at the University of London's Senate House. The campus is easily accessible by tube, bus and mainline train, which provide direct links to the London airports.

The Institute of English Studies exists to facilitate advanced study and research in English Studies in the wider academic community, national and international, as well as within the University of London. It promotes these objects by providing provision for academic discussion and the exchange of knowledge and ideas through its Research Seminar and Conference Programmes, publications and visiting fellowships. Under its Centre for Manuscript and Print Studies, it hosts a portfolio of research programmes, provides programmes of study at postgraduate level in a research environment, and promotes research training through the National Research Training Scheme in English language, literature, palaeography and the history of the book.

The Institute of English Studies also has close connections with the Bibliographical Society and the Malone Society, hosting their administrative offices. The Institute's activities attract those interested in the English language and its literatures. Its approach is interdisciplinary, and it co-ordinates a substantial amount of inter-institute activity within the School of Advanced Study.