Combine training in archival research skills with tailored theoretical and methodological approaches aligned to your proposed research project. Under expert supervision, you’ll produce a major piece of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge and offers ideal preparation for PhD study.
Introduction
This MRes provides a personalised and focused introduction to postgraduate research. It will enable you to develop into an independent researcher and produce an original research project, supported by an expert in archives.
The programme provides intensive preparation for doctoral research and your future career. We’ll guide you through the research process, equipping you with transferable skills, including critical thinking, project management, written and verbal communication, and problem solving.
Training in research methodologies will be tailored to archival research and your specific research proposal. You’ll co-design a bespoke reading list and individual assessment tasks in preparation for a substantial piece of research.
You’ll discover how to develop a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyse and present your findings. Record-keeping theory and best practice will be complemented by a two-week placement at an archive repository. This will develop your cataloguing skills and test your understanding of archival description.
You’ll be supported by academic experts in the Department of History. Our team of MRes supervisors are actively engaged in archival research that spans medieval record keeping through to contemporary public policy and open government.
Who is this course for?
You should have a very well-developed research proposal that has already been discussed and approved by your prospective supervisor in the Department of History prior to submitting your application.
What you'll learn
Record-keeping theory and skills and their application to records management and archives
Record-keeping standards and best practice for the identification, classification, cataloguing and indexing of records
The value of records and their effective management in legal, financial, political and cultural contexts
How to design a robust research proposal
How to identify relevant evidence and sources
How to plan and conduct a major piece of original, independent research
How to collect, interpret and analyse data and present your findings
Project management and problem-solving skills
How to prepare a bibliography
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
RECORD-KEEPING THEORY AND PRACTICE (HIST577)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
This core module introduces students to the key concepts associated with record-keeping and encourages them to consider how they may be applicable in various environments and for different purposes.
RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY DIRECTED STUDY (HLAC503)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
In light of the knowledge acquired in your subject / discipline-specific theory module you will be encouraged to consider the appropriate theoretical and methodological approach for your specific research project. Under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in your research area, you will be guided individually to create and carry through a programme of focused reading which will allow you to develop your knowledge of current approaches to research in your field. Assessment tasks comprise the building blocks necessary for successful completion of your particular project, for example a feasibility study, bibliography or preliminary literature review.
HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
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
HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
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
Compulsory modules
HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
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
The programme involves a combination of seminars, one-to-one supervision, small group work, independent study and a two-week placement at an archive repository.
The course structure enables a student-centred approach with tailored reading and additional skills development, as well as guidance on ethical approval protocols as needed.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through a learning blog, literature review and workplace practice report, as well as two additional written assignments you’ll co-design with your tutors.
These tailored assessments could include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals. The most suitable forms of assessment will depend on your intended research.
The main piece of assessed work will be your dissertation.
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 History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries, including the University of Liverpool’s own Special Collections and Archives.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why History at University of Liverpool?
we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
The programme will immerse you in research and practical analytical techniques and develop a wide range of transferable skills. You’ll demonstrate communication skills, problem-solving, time management and the ability to work on your own initiative.
You’ll graduate ready for further study at postgraduate level, including MPhil or PhD research, and be prepared for a range of specialised careers. The MRes also meets the training requirements of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Many MRes graduates continue their studies and progress to doctoral research, studying an MPhil or PhD.
MRes History graduates have also gone into a wide range of professions. These include:
Academia
Media
Public sector management
Business consultancy
Civil service
Non-governmental organisations.
4 in 5 History students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
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 can be in any relevant subject discipline.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at Liverpool, a pre-master’s, delivered by our partner, University of Liverpool International College, can help you gain a place. 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 which may interest you.
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.
