Overview
Humanities research degrees allow you to delve deep into human culture, society, and history. UK humanities research activity in 2020 was nearly 50% higher than the global average, demonstrating the strength and relevance of the field (HEPI March 2023).
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.
Study across a wide range of disciplines
Our Master of Research degree spans a wide range of disciplines in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. They include communications, media, culture, literature, film and cinema, history, law, linguistics, philosophy, politics, and religion. Strengths at Stirling include:
- Eighteenth-century and Victorian studies
- Gothic studies
- History of the book / history of reading
- Renaissance studies
- Scottish studies
- French language and literature
- Spanish and Latin American language and literature
- Translation
- Communication and media
Our experts who have recently supervised students on the course include:
- Professor Christine Ferguson
- Professor Katherine Halsey
- Dr Andrew Hass
- Dr Kelsey Jackson Williams
- Dr Christina Johnston
- Dr Aedin Ni Loingsigh
- Professor Nina Parish
- Dr Angus Vine
Gain research and transferable skills
On the MRes Humanities you’ll:
- learn different methodologies and research practices;
- construct an annotated bibliography of relevant materials;
- express your ideas in coherent writing and argumentation;
- develop and use academic self-reflection techniques;
- enhance your communication skills;
- engage in academic networking activity;
- showcase your ability to focus deeply on a topic of interest.
Be part of a diverse research community
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities welcomes students from all backgrounds and supports innovative, cross-disciplinary projects. Our diverse, international research community collaborates on new initiatives, contributing to the faculty's vibrant research culture.
Beyond your department, you’ll also have the chance to connect with researchers across the university through the Institute for Advanced Studies.
Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities we have a dedicated Employability and Skills Officer. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Stirling is a diverse and exciting community of world-leading scholars. We have particular strengths in the study of bibliography, book history, and publishing, translation, Scottish studies, Renaissance and eighteenth-century studies, and Gothic studies amongst many others.
Find out more about research in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
A research proposal is required along with your application. It should be a maximum of 1,500 words.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
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.
Modules
Teaching
You’ll attend individual supervisory sessions and/or weekly seminars, depending on the pathway you choose. The research skills training will provide opportunities for various different learning environments. In addition, you’re entitled to take existing advanced level (level 10 or 11) tuition in the subject areas concerned and/or, where appropriate, to undertake language tuition at all levels in French, Spanish and Latin or in earlier varieties of English (Old and Middle English). Postgraduate tuition in palaeography and letterpress printing is also available.
All contributing staff are engaged in on-going research at the forefront of their disciplines, and are the authors of numerous books, articles and studies on a wide range of relevant subjects. Contributing staff also currently hold more than £1.5 million of research funding in their fields, collaborate with leading scholars from Japan to Oxford, and regularly publish with Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and other internationally acclaimed academic publishers.
You’ll be part of a thriving academic community that includes a rich research culture and seminar programmes of visiting academics and industry speakers.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork of any variety will be undertaken as needed and as arranged between you and your supervisor(s). Stirling has a rigorous risk assessment procedure which will ensure your safety during any fieldwork undertaken.
Assessment
Assessment is marked on Stirling's 100-point scale and is a made through a series of essays and portfolio activities culminating in a capstone dissertation.
Classroom hours
Because of the highly personalised nature of the MRes Humanities, semester timetables will vary considerably from student to student. In an average month, you can expect to:
- undertake much self-directed research;
- meet with your supervisor(s) a number of times;
- attend some seminars and workshops;
- engage with other postgraduate students formally and informally;
- attend audited lectures or seminars, depending on the activities you undertake as part of our Graduate Training Skills modules.
In the summer months, you will have regular meetings with your dissertation supervisor.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
An MRes in Humanities prepares you for advanced doctoral research or a dynamic career beyond academia. You'll graduate with highly transferable skills such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural insight, that are in demand across a wide range of fields including:
- Public sector and charity
- Education and teaching
- Marketing, media and PR
- Publishing and journalism
- Business and HR
- Banking and Finance
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities works closely with a wide variety of local and national employers and community organisations. This means you’ll have access to a variety of work-related networks.
Many Stirling MRes Humanities graduates have gone onto PhD study at Stirling and other universities. Others have taken up roles such as:
- Research Assistant to MPs in Parliament
- Senior Research Executive
- Specialist Study Skills Tutor
- Child Poverty Co-ordinator
- Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) Teacher
