MRes Humanities
Stirling, United Kingdom
Master degree
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Visit the website for fee information.
Key Summary
Overview
Humanities research degrees allow you to delve deep into human culture, society, and history.
Our Master of Research in Humanities is your opportunity to dive deep into a subject you're passionate about, while building the research skills that will set you apart in academia, the cultural sector, or beyond.
The course combines specialist training in research methods with the freedom to pursue a substantial, independent research project of your own design. You’ll work closely with a dedicated academic supervisor, gaining personalised support as you develop your ideas and sharpen your skills.
The MRes in Humanities is a great platform you can use for personal growth, career advancement, or as a pathway to PhD study.
Studying for the MRes Humanities will allow you to develop your own research agenda from beginning to end in conjunction with your supervisor(s).
The course follows two semesters, which run from mid-September to late December, and from January to the end of May. The following summer period is for writing your dissertation.
The course is made up of the following elements.
Research preparation
This module allows you to begin work on a topic of particular significance to you personally – one that is similar to but not identical to your subsequent dissertation. It’s assessed by a written assignment of 5,000 to 6,000 words.
Dissertation preparation
Taken in Semester 2, this module consists in developing the theme and outline for the dissertation itself, which may include:
- a detailed outline of the proposed argument;
- a literature review or an extended relevant book review;
- a description or proposal for the application of a methodological framework;
- or a combination of the above, depending upon the exact nature or the research in question.
You’ll be supervised by the same member of staff whose expertise correlates with the research interest in Module 3. The module will feature a structure of five supervisions and one written assessment. The written assessment will be tailored to your proposed dissertation focus in consultation with the supervisor(s).
Research skills
Our innovative Arts Graduate Training for graduates stretches over both semesters, and enables you to build up a portfolio of skills preparing you for academic and professional life. The portfolio is adaptable to individual experience and requirements, and covers:
- basic skills - presentation, bibliography, specific research methods, library research;
- employability skills - career development event, broaden language knowledge;
- breadth of knowledge - conference attention, reading participation group, prepare essay of presentation on a topic beyond own research.
You’ll work with your supervisor(s) to select tasks from a menu of activities relevant to your future ambitions and their necessary qualifications.
Dissertation
Subject to successful completion of all elements of the assessment in both Semesters 1 and 2, you will embark on an in-depth dissertation exploring the research topic of your choice, as agreed by and with your supervisor(s). Where feasible, you are encouraged to present your theme at an appropriate forum such as a postgraduate conference.