MRes programmes

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) supports advanced provision in research-led Masters programmes (MRes). These 1- or 2-year full-time or part-time degrees provide a frame for flexible advanced study, leading to the award Master of Research.

In FAH MRes supports advanced postgraduate students as they develop bespoke and independent projects across several MRes programmes. Each of our four MRes Programmes requires the student to complete a high-quality extended supervised-research dissertation or project alongside taught modules supporting research skills and subject-specific development.

See all our MRes programmes

Master of Research (MRes): Research preparation, supervised independent scholarship and advanced project working

Our independent-bespoke approach to advanced MRes degrees can takes several forms, but always supported by close supervision from field leading academics. The hallmark of the FAH MRes is focussed flexible research-led development. This can include traditional forms of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary academic research but, also, extends into advanced reflective professional practice, for instance developing research-led examinations of changes and developments in work-based settings.

  • Our specialist programmes include ‘doctoral preparation’ Master’s degrees. These “Research Preparation” MRes programmes provide extended opportunities for advanced work for students and specifically for those intending to transition to apply for funding towards PhD study.
  • Our MRes programmes can also support free-standing independent research and scholarship projects. These allow a developing researcher to complete a bespoke, time-limited supervised piece of work while receiving specialist input linked to method, and overseen by leading experts in the field, perhaps pursuing a long held interest or extending previous work at a higher level.
  • MRes can be tailored, too, to provide a focussed academic frame for advanced level employment related work, extended reflection and application of theory, method and research to ‘live’ real-world problems. Again, supervision draw of leading academic experts across the Faculty’s discipline areas.
  • MRes students combine the flexibility of independent and bespoke study with membership of a focused cohort of advanced level students, staff and supervisors. Students on these programs are encouraged to take an active role in the research culture and life of the faculty.
student with book

A welcoming community

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities welcomes students from all backgrounds, and has a longstanding tradition of supporting innovative, cross-disciplinary and forward-looking projects. Our research student community is international, diverse and plays a key role in the research culture of the Faculty, with staff and students working together on new initiatives. Students in Arts and Humanities can participate in the wider culture of the University through the Institute for Advanced Studies.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities’ MRes suite overview

MRes Historical Research

Our postgraduate degree in historical research enables you to become a research-oriented historian, equipped to undertake research at a Doctoral level. You will have access to a wide array of specialist supervisors reflecting the deep and expansive skills and experience of the University of Stirling history division.

MRes Humanities

Our Humanities MRes offers you the opportunity to pursue research-oriented Masters study across a range of subjects in Humanities. Tailor the course to your own interests. You will have access to a wide array of specialist supervisors including in areas such as Scottish Literature, Gothic Imagination, literary history and cultures, transnational literatures, Translation, heritage, cultural and critical studies, and across a wide range of humanities subjects and approaches.

MRes Media Research

Our Masters in Media Research provides you with the skills needed to carry out advanced, interdisciplinary research in the broad field of media and communications studies. You will have access to a wide array of specialist supervisors including in areas such as PR and promotional communications, digital media, digital cultures and technologies, film, journalism and television, production research and wider aspects of social/cultural research consultancy.

MRes Publishing Studies

Our research-focused Masters course in Publishing Studies helps you to develop an analytical and research-driven approach towards publishing. You will have access to a wide array of specialist supervisors across the publishing field.

Supervisory expertise

Students who successfully enrol on one of our MRes programmes can draw on the research and supervisory expertise of international researchers. As you develop your application you are encouraged to work with your potential supervisor(s) to create an advanced, deliverable and engaging project appropriate for the MREs award.

Find out more about our Arts and Humanities research