The English MRes allows you to develop and complete a one year full-time or two year part-time independent research project in English Language and/or Literature, in the context of a structured programme of study. The MRes provides excellent preparation if you’re intending to undertake a PhD in English, but is also a good choice if you wish to pursue a research project for purposes of professional development or personal interest.
Introduction
As well as completing a bespoke research skills module you will be working individually with your supervisor(s) throughout the course, and you will become part of the vibrant research community within the English Department and the School of the Arts.
Recent MRes projects have encompassed a broad range of topics, including an investigation of adolescents’ language attitudes towards Liverpool English, a study on code-switching in Spanish-English bilingual children, an analysis of the poet figure in Shelley’s Alastor; or, the Spirit of Solitude, and an exploration of queer racialised identities in contemporary theory and novels.
Please consult the English Department staff pages to learn more about our members of staff and the topic areas for which we can offer supervision.
How to identify key primary and secondary resources relevant to your field of research
How to produce a preliminary and preparatory piece of work
Critical writing skills
Presentational skills for advanced study in English Literature or English Language
Knowledge and confidence to reflect critically and creatively on the practices, contexts and real-world applications of the study of English Literature and English Language.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
You will choose one of the optional modules.
Compulsory modules
Research Resources (ENGL703)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
As a component of the MRes English programme, this module aims to develop subject-specific knowledge relevant to the student’s own field of research. A programme of reading and other forms of research will be developed by the student in collaboration with his or her academic supervisor(s). The supervisor(s) will provide guidance on the programme of research, primarily through individual tutorials, as it develops during the semester. The programme of study undertaken on this module is intended to equip the student with subject-specific knowledge and research resources relevant to the dissertation project to be undertaken on ENGL705. The assessment consists of an annotated bibliography (approx. 30 items with critical annotations, 4500-5500 words).
Optional modules
Research Skills and Practice (ENGL700)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Research Skills and Practice introduces students to the practices, contexts and real-world applications of academic research. Through regular seminars and a variety of assessment methods, it provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in advanced literary study, independent research and para-academic activities. The knowledge and skills practised through this module provide a foundation for the world after Master’s study.
RESEARCH SKILLS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE (ENGL699)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module offers bespoke research skills training for MRes/MA students in English Language. In bi-weekly synchronous sessions, we will cover topics such as research design, ethics, data collection/analysis, and presenting/disseminating research. Some of the later sessions will be student-led, i.e. (groups of) students will be asked to select the reading, prepare a seminar sheet, and lead the discussion. Topics for these sessions will be decided by the students (in consultation with the tutor(s)). By the end of the semester, students will be able to work on their own projects independently, based on the research skills that they have acquired.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
Feasibility Study (ENGL704)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
This module forms a core component of the MRes English programme. It acts as a preparatory module for the final dissertation undertaken on ENGL705. As such, the specific academic content will vary according to the individual research project and will be determined by the student in collaboration with his or her supervisor(s), with whom the student will have weekly meetings. There is no set reading for the module, but students will be expected to acquire and demonstrate detailed knowledge of primary materials and existing scholarship relevant to their areas of research. The assessment consists of a sample chapter (or other preparatory work for the student’s research project), 8000-10000 words in length.
Dissertation (ENGL705)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: semester 2
This is the final dissertation for the MRes English, consisting of a 30,000-35,000-word piece on a subject devised by the student and agreed with their supervisor. This module is a culmination of previous modules studied on the MRes, in which students, with the support of their supervisor, bring to bear the skills, knowledge and confidence they have developed over the course of the MRes programme.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
You will complete your dissertation over the summer.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (ENGL705)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: semester 2
This is the final dissertation for the MRes English, consisting of a 30,000-35,000-word piece on a subject devised by the student and agreed with their supervisor. This module is a culmination of previous modules studied on the MRes, in which students, with the support of their supervisor, bring to bear the skills, knowledge and confidence they have developed over the course of the MRes programme.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
All MRes English students will complete a taught research skills module in Semester one, with one on-campus session per week, shared with the relevant MA cohort.
Class sizes for all master’s programmes in the Department of English tend to be small, and a typical class will include no more than 10 students. The other 3 modules (ENGL703 Research Resources, ENGL704 Feasibility Study and ENGL705 Dissertation) involve a total of at least 30 hours of one-to-one meetings with the supervisor(s), who will guide students through their self-directed study and independent research.
How you're assessed
The assessments for the research skills module depend on the discipline (ENGL699 for English Language or ENGL700 for English Literature) but may include written work (such as a review article and an updated research proposal) as well as alternative forms of assessment (e.g., a radio essay on an aspect of your research).
Two further modules (ENGL703 Research Resources and ENGL704 Feasibility Study) are assessed via an annotated bibliography and a sample chapter, respectively, allowing students to focus on work that is directly relevant to their dissertation (ENGL705, 30,000-35,000 words).
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of English is based in the School of the Arts. We are committed to small group teaching, which encourages a more rewarding learning experience, where ideas are shared and explored with your peers and supervisors. You will be part of a genuine international postgraduate community. You will be able to participate in our lively research culture through attending regular seminars and lectures by guest speakers as well as our own staff and students.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study English
The Department of English is in the top 100 English Language and Literature departments in the world according to QS Top Universities rankings
We are internationally renowned for advancing the study of language, literature, and creative writing and have a strong research ethos
Our programmes offer opportunities to study creative writing and literature from a wide range of periods, as well as a range of approaches to understanding the way in which the English language works
We have a reputation for radical thinking, as exemplified by our success rate in the BBC and Arts and Humanities Council’s ‘New Generation Thinkers’ scheme. In total, five members our academic staff have been selected since the scheme was established in 2010
We are committed to small group teaching. This encourages a more rewarding learning experience, where ideas are shared and explored with peers and tutors
Ranked 10th in sector for research impact classified as outstanding (4*) (REF 2021)
We are host to Europe’s largest collection of science fiction materials which includes the John Wyndham Archive and home to the annual Liverpool Literary Festival.
What students say...
An MRes gives students a unique opportunity to experience the life of a researcher, while guided by and taught under the supervision of world-leading staff. Studying at the University of Liverpool drastically improves your career prospects by offering many opportunities throughout your time in the city, and gives you a degree unlike any other.
The MRes English provides students with rigorous training in research methods in their chosen discipline as well as experience with independent research and self-management. The professional skills that students will develop upon completion of the programme will prepare them well for a wide range of potential employment areas.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
While the MRes is particularly suitable for graduates looking to continue to a PhD, career pathways also include jobs in the arts, culture, creative and heritage sectors, including journalism, copywriting, management in arts and culture organisations and teaching (at secondary and further education levels).
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£4,786
Part-time place, per year
£2,393
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£23,400
Part-time place, per year
£11,700
Fees stated are for the academic year 2024/25 and are subject to change for 2025/26. Some MRes courses incur additional bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which applies to you in your offer letter.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in English studies or a closely related subject.
You will be asked to submit a sample of your written work, which is 2,000-3,000 words in length, as part of the application process. This could be an essay from your undergraduate studies or a similar piece of writing.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MRes, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Do you have a question about this course? Call or email the student experience team.
