Renaissance Studies

The MRes in Renaissance Studies is aimed at those who are interested in the literary and broader cultural aspects of the Renaissance and who wish to acquire a more specialised knowledge of this field. A primary objective is to investigate factors that contribute to the distinctiveness of the cultural productions of Northern Europe, including Scotland.

Programme Objectives

The research-based MRes programme aims to:

• Introduce you to key areas of critical debate in Renaissance Studies by comparing different canonical accounts of the period
• Explore the distinctiveness of northern Renaissance culture, including Scotland.
• Develop a critical understanding of the variety of genres, media and signifying practices employed by Renaissance writers and visual artists
• Equip you with the technical skills necessary for conducting research in this field, presenting information and constructing scholarly arguments

Entrance Requirements

An upper second class or first class single or combined Honours degree in English Literature or a cognate discipline (e.g. Linguistics, History, Art History, Intellectual History, Languages) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with other qualifications or appropriate experience may be admitted on the recommendation of the Programme Director.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

Full-time: MLitt: one year; Diploma: eight months;
Certificate: four months

Part-time: MLitt: 27 months; Diploma: 21 months;
Certificate: nine months

September

Application procedure

Use the online enquiry service to find out more or to request a prospectus.

If you are ready to apply you can fill out an online application form now.

Structure and Content

The core of this MRes programme is a sustained period of independent study, assessed by coursework over two semesters. This involves a programme of directed reading and research, to be agreed by each individual student with his/her supervisor, and tailored to his/her interests.

In addition, students take two taught modules from a menu including:

• Politics and Renaissance Drama: Shakespeare and His Contemporaries
• Renaissance Sovereignty: Politics and Representation
• Writing and National Identity
  

Please note that not all these optional modules may be offered in each academic year.

Arts Research Training

Our innovative training for graduates enables students to build up a portfolio of skills that prepare them for academic and professional life. All graduate students will work with their supervisors to select what’s right for them from a menu of activities. Each student will build up a portfolio of skills every year. On a taught postgraduate degree, you may be given specific guidance on what activities you need to undertake for those qualifications.

Dissertation

The most significant piece of work on the programme will be a dissertation of 15,000 words on a subject of your choosing in consultation with a member of English Studies. You may choose to develop work initiated on one of the modules you have studied. Those who do not embark on the dissertation may be awarded a Diploma.

Timetable

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

RAE Rating

Over half of our submissions in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) were found to be ‘Internationally Excellent’ or ‘World-leading’.

Career Opportunities

Completing a Master’s degree as a prelude to further academic research is a route encouraged by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Advanced education in the Arts and the practical experience of research and the production of a dissertation are significant transferable skills for many careers.