Course details
- Entry requirements: Related 2:1 degree (or equivalent)
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.
If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
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. It is taught via synchronous methods and online asynchronous materials. Over the whole session, there are regular workshops covering key skills for research and for professional life. These are supplemented, in Semester 1, by seminars on ‘’Philosophy through Words’ that consider the philological development of philosophically significant terms. In Semester 2, students study formal reasoning.
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.
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.
On this module, students will undertake a piece of original research in their chosen field. 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.
On this module, students will undertake a piece of original research in their chosen field. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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.
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
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.
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:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £4,712 |
Part-time place, per year | £2,356 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £21,850 |
Part-time place, per year | £10,925 |
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 tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans.
Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.
Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in philosophy or a 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. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. 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 |
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IELTS |
6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing, and 6.0 in speaking, reading and listening View our IELTS academic requirements key. |
International Baccalaureate |
Higher Level (Grade 5) |
TOEFL iBT | 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23. |
INDIA Standard XII | 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards |
WAEC | C4-6 |
Hong Kong use of English AS level | C |
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Do you have a question about this course? Call or email the student experience team.
To discuss your research proposal, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 11 May 2023 / / Programme terms and conditions /