The Communication and Media MRes allows you to undertake a one year full-time or two year part-time research project in Communication and Media. You will receive training in research skills and supervision from one or more academic specialists in their subject area.
Study in a department currently ranked within the world top 75 and 5th in the UK for Communication (Shanghai Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2025).
The programme provides excellent preparation for you if you’re intending to undertake a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 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 conducting interdisciplinary research on topics including: digital and social media; political communication and journalism; media history and theory; film and screen; strategic communication; cultural studies and cultural anthropology; photography; computer games; television and magazines; global entertainment, and global events. As a research student you will be encouraged to pursue your own research interests in collaboration with an academic supervisor.
This programme is designed for those considering careers in, for example, media, journalism, publishing and management.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will take ONE only of the following modules: COMM747, COMM523, COMM760, COMM749, COMM742, or COMM755. This will be determined by your research proposal and you will be allocated the module most appropriate to your subject of study.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH RESOURCES (COMM701) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FEASIBILITY STUDY (COMM702) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During the summer you will complete your dissertation, for submission in September.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (COMM704) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching on MRes Communication and Media is delivered through regular supervisory meetings with academic staff with subject-area expertise matched to students’ specific areas of research interest. With the exception of one class-taught module on research methods (to be chosen from five different bespoke methods modules offered by the Department of Communication and Media), there is no group teaching. MRes students are invited and encouraged to participate in, and contribute to the wider research culture in the Department. But in terms of teaching, students’ main point of contact will be with supervisors who provide one-on-one tutorials.
Students studying the MRes 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.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The MRes Communication and Media may enhance the career prospects of those working or wishing to work in fields associated with the study of Communication and Media subjects (Film, Television, Digital Media, Journalism, Linguistics, Public Relations, Cultural Industries, etc.). 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.
You may want to take this course for personal development as you are interested in the field. Equally, the MRes is designed to prepare you for further research at PhD level, and to enable you to enter postgraduate research, offering a first step towards a career in academic teaching and research.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £5,238
Part-time place, per year - £2,619
Full-time place, per year - £25,350
Part-time place, per year - £12,650
The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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 that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. Applicants are required to submit two academic references and a 1,500-2,000-word research proposal with the application form. |
| 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, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, writing and speaking 6.5, with no other component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, writing 21, reading 22 and speaking 23. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4.5 in writing and 4.0 or above in all other components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with literacy, production and conversation not less than 120, and comprehension not below 95 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with writing and speaking at 61, and no other skill below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with writing and speaking at 70, and no other skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall, with B2 Pass with Merit in writing and speaking, and no band below B2 Pass |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Our Pre-sessional English courses vary from 6, 10, 12, 20, 30 or 40 weeks.
You can email us at elc@liverpool.ac.uk for advice on the length of Pre-sessional English course you require. Please let us know your most recent score in one of the following English languages tests so we can assess your current English language ability:
We’ll be in touch to let you know the length of Pre-sessional English course you require. We’ll also confirm whether you can study Pre-Sessional English on campus or online.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 31 March 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions