Humanities MRes

This degree is your opportunity to undertake research into a topic of your choice, whilst gaining a detailed understanding of how researchers approach their investigations across a range of humanities subjects. You will engage in debates about:

• The relevance and importance of humanities in the 21^st century
• How humanities inform and interact with other subject areas
• Your project, it's relevance and the possible impact of your research

Engage in an extended thesis working with a supervisor. You will apply knowledge established in the 2 taught modules to undertake your thesis.

You will work with staff who are internationally regarded researchers and practitioners. The School of Humanities has a thriving research culture and MRes students are central to this. We host PGR activities, such as the RAW (Research Action Workshop) research series, an annual research event and research celebration.

Your degree will be an opportunity for collaboration, building your own professional network through our connections. We collaborate with a range of partners, such as York Literature Festival, the York International Shakespeare Festival, and the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, all of which include events on campus as well as in the city. We have undertaken project work with a range of local, regional and national partners such as:

• Bar Convent
• Yorkshire Air Museum
• Yorkshire Film Archive
• National Railway Museum
• Castle Museum
• Church of England

How you will study

You must study this postgraduate course full time.

The course will take 1 year to complete.

You will study 2 modules worth 30 credits each, as well as 1 module worth 120 credits.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the course specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will be allocated an academic tutor in your first week of study. You will be able to develop a supportive relationship with your tutor whilst also working on a set programme of personal, academic and professional development. Workshops and seminars will form the majority of your time spent on campus with your tutor.

Independent research is a key component of this course. Guided by your tutors, you will develop and enhance your skills in investigating resources to find the information relevant to your chosen topic. Throughout, you will have access to the University's resource library but will be encouraged to find your own research materials.

Your learning will be informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. Our academic teams are constantly investigating, interrogating and contributing to their respective fields. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

You'll be required to demonstrate your research and increasing knowledge through different assessed mediums. A significant proportion of your time will be dedicated to the completion of your thesis, which is an independent research project. This will be supervised by academic staff members, who are nationally and internationally recognised for research excellence. Your thesis makes up the majority of your final grade.

Qualifications

Qualifications

A 2:1 in Humanities or a closely-related discipline. If your first degree is not in Humanities, we will consider applications on a case-by-case basis to ensure that you have covered sufficient levels of Humanities and research methods during your first degree.

If we have further questions about your application, you may be invited to a short interview.

Research proposal

Your research proposal should

• Be up to 1500 words
• Identify the research question you would like to examine
• Briefly outline the theoretical background to your proposed research
• Outline the methods you may draw on

This is a non-binding research proposal and changes to your approach and the specifics of your topic will be possible.

You will be required to submit this outline research proposal in line with an advertised project area. In order to be accepted onto the course this outline application must be acceptable to the proposed thesis supervisor.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.5 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to the Humanities MRes is:

• £7,000 for full time study
• £3,500 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master's course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to the Humanities MRes is:

• £11,800 for full time study

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Humanities MRes take you?

A research degree is your opportunity to develop incredibly transferrable and desirable skills in investigation and data analysis.

You are also preparing yourself for a potential career within the academic sector. These roles include a lecturer of higher education or a university researcher.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £5,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.