MRes Humanities

at University of Stirling

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 MRes 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 with 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

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.

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 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in speaking and listening
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 overall with a minimum of 176 in reading and writing and 169 in speaking and listening
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 180 in reading and writing and 169 in speaking and listening
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 62 in reading and writing and 60 in speaking and listening
• IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 21 in speaking and 19 in listening
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 80 overall with a minimum of 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 21 in speaking and 19 in listening
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a minimum of Merit in speaking and listening and distinction in reading and writing, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 105 overall with a minimum of 105 in reading and writing and 95 in speaking and listening
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass with a minimum of 152/200 overall including 38 in reading and writing, and 33 in speaking and listening
   

Undergraduate
 

Direct Entry to 1st Year:
 

Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 65% and above from the following state boards:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Students from other state boards will require Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 75%.
 

Advanced Entry to 2nd Year:
 

Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 75% and above from the following state boards:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Advanced entry is possible on a range of courses. Student applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
 

Please note that advanced entry options for students who have scored 35 in the International Baccalaureate or GCE A-Levels ABB in one sitting will also be considered on a case by case basis.
 

Postgraduate

Students who score 70% in English in Year 12 from the following exam boards won't be required to submit IELTS, if studied within 5 years of our course start date:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Students from other state boards will either need 80% in English if studied within 5 years of the course start date, or a UKVI SELT, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic, depending on the state board, taken within 2 years of our course start date.
 

Students who meet the above criteria, but Year 12 scores are between 6 and 10 years old, will also be required to submit an official letter from their university or college, stating that the medium of instruction (MOI) was in English, and confirming graduation is within 5 years of our course start date.

Overseas (non-EU) students

2022/23 - £17,275    
2023/24 - £17,775
 

Course fees

Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.

• 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.
   

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.
 

European Union and overseas 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.

This postgraduate degree will help you to gain the skills for future research work at the doctoral level, and give you necessary training in and insight into the research environment of Higher Education. If academia is not your professional goal, this MRes has a strong interdisciplinary emphasis that will open up a wide range of fascinating and exciting career possibilities. The skills you will develop here become immensely transferable in a market awaiting highly competent and highly innovative thinkers and leaders.
 

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities works closely with a wide variety of local and national employers and community organisations. This means students have access to a variety of work-related networks.