MRes Humanities

The MRes is a one-year, research-oriented taught course. You’re allocated a supervisor or supervisors, and together you’ll plan a curriculum that reflects your interests and needs. Much of your work is made up of self-directed research, with scheduled supervisory meetings to help guide you, discuss your work and review draft submissions. In addition, however, you will have a wide array of learning opportunities that complement your research, including specialist courses giving you the expertise needed to successfully complete your project.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.