The Philosophy MRes allows you to undertake a one year full-time or two year part-time research project in Philosophy. You will receive training in research skills and supervision from one or more academic specialists in their subject area.
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 Philosophy.
This course is excellent preparation for you if you’re intending to undertake a PhD in the Arts and Humanities, but is also a good choice if you wish to pursue a research project for purposes of professional development or personal interest. You will become part of a community of active researchers and will be encouraged to pursue your own research interests in collaboration with an academic supervisor.
Who is this course for?
You should have a very well-developed research proposal that you have discussed and had approved by your prospective supervisor in the Department of Philosophy prior to submitting your application.
What you'll learn
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
Research and Professional Skills (PHIL703)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module is designed to assist students in enhancing the research and professional skills needed for postgraduate study of philosophy and for the conduct of future research in the subject or a career outside academia. Over the whole session, there are regular workshops covering key skills for research and for professional life. These are supplemented, by ‘Insights’ workshops with visiting researchers and participation in the department’s research activities.
Research Resources (PHIL711)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of this module is to develop a scholarly bibliography of research resources relevant to your chosen field of study. With guidance from your supervisor(s), you will identify key primary and secondary resources and survey the existing scholarly literature in your area of research.
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 (PHIL713)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
On this module, which is a core component of the MRes Philosophy degree, students undertake a preliminary piece of research as preparation for the dissertation project (PHIL714). In collaboration with an academic supervisor or supervisory team, students will develop an extended piece of writing (for example, a sample chapter) based on the proposed area of research. The work done on this module will provide an intellectual foundation for the dissertation and will enable the student, with guidance and feedback from the supervisor(s), to define the scope and boundaries of the research project.
Dissertation (PHIL714)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
On this module, students will undertake a piece of original research in their chosen field. This can be in any area of Philosophy in accordance with departmental expertise. This ranges widely across historical and contemporary topics -from logic to aesthetics and literature, science and metaphysics to spirituality, ethics and politics to existentialism. With guidance from an academic supervisor (or supervisory team) students will produce a dissertation of between 30,000 and 35,000 words (or equivalent) based on their independent research.
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
Dissertation (PHIL714)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
On this module, students will undertake a piece of original research in their chosen field. This can be in any area of Philosophy in accordance with departmental expertise. This ranges widely across historical and contemporary topics -from logic to aesthetics and literature, science and metaphysics to spirituality, ethics and politics to existentialism. With guidance from an academic supervisor (or supervisory team) students will produce a dissertation of between 30,000 and 35,000 words (or equivalent) based on their independent research.
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
Your teaching will be delivered through regular supervisory meetings with academic staff with subject-area expertise matched to your specific areas of research interest.
With the exception of one class-taught module on research methods (PHIL703 Research & Professional Skills), there is no group teaching.
You will be invited and encouraged to participate in, and contribute to the wider research culture in the Department. Your main point of contact will be with supervisors who provide one-on-one tutorials.
How you're assessed
You will be assessed by coursework. Preparatory work (e.g. annotated bibliography, research project proposal) is designed to provide step-by-step development of ideas and knowledge that will feed into completion of the final dissertation (30-35,000 words), which is the primary mode of assessment.
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 Philosophy is based in the School of the Arts. Our staff and students have created an environment where critical, independent thinking flourishes, in a city that has a long tradition of welcoming radical thinkers and philosophers. Our friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere makes the exchange of ideas enjoyable, as well as intellectually stimulating.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Philosophy at Liverpool?
Our students’ study some of the most profound questions facing humankind, in a city renowned for its rich history of culture, protest and philosophical debate
Our friendly, down-to earth atmosphere makes the exchange of ideas enjoyable as well as intellectually stimulating
We have a long history of combining research excellence in core areas of philosophy with innovative work at the frontiers of the discipline: from literature to spirituality, Chinese philosophy to animal ethics, neo-Platonism to feminism
Ranked 4th in the sector for outstanding (4*) research impact (REF 2021)
PHILOS-L. Established in 1989, PHILOS-L is the largest Philosophy mailing list in the world. The list boasts over 13,000 members in over 60 countries
We work as part of our amazing city; working with partners in the Bluecoat Gallery, Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, NHS and more to inspire our thinking and the practices of our communities
What students say...
My advice to anyone considering postgraduate study would be to become involved in events/societies and attend guest lectures when possible, making connections is fun and important to your future academic career. Most importantly, enjoy your study while you can because it goes by quickly.
The MRes Philosophy may enhance the career prospects of those working or wishing to work in fields associated with the study of Arts subjects, including teachers, professional writers and librarians. While managerial positions often require the ability to conduct research or project-work and to demonstrate sustained and complex organisational skills in ways encompassed by this programme, its emphasis on oral and written communication skills as well as on IT-based presentation skills will be useful for many types of employment.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The MRes is designed to prepare students too for further research at PhD level, and to enable them to enter postgraduate research, thus offering a first step towards a career in academic teaching and research.
Philosophy graduates can pursue a wide range of careers due to the transferrable skills developed during the course, for example:
Teaching
Lecturing
Social work
Journalism
Civil service.
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 Philosophy or a closely related Arts and Humanities subject.
You are required to submit a sample of written work, totalling 2,000-3,000 words, as part of your application. This could be an undergraduate essay 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 writing at 6.5 and no other component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 21, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with literacy and production not less than 120, and comprehension and conversation not below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with writing at 61, and no other component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with writing at 70, and no other 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.
