The English MRes allows you to develop and complete a one year full-time or two year part-time independent research project in English Language and/or Literature, in the context of a structured programme of study. The MRes provides excellent preparation if you’re intending to undertake a PhD in English, but is also a good choice if you wish to pursue a research project for purposes of professional development or personal interest.
As well as completing a bespoke research skills module you will be working individually with your supervisor(s) throughout the course, and you will become part of the vibrant research community within the English Department and the School of the Arts.
Recent MRes projects have encompassed a broad range of topics, including an investigation of adolescents’ language attitudes towards Liverpool English, a study on code-switching in Spanish-English bilingual children, an analysis of the poet figure in Shelley’s Alastor; or, the Spirit of Solitude, and an exploration of queer racialised identities in contemporary theory and novels.
Please consult the English Department staff pages to learn more about our members of staff and the topic areas for which we can offer supervision.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with the programme director if you have any further questions.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will choose one of the optional modules.
Students studying the English pathway must take one of the optional modules listed above.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH RESOURCES (ENGL703) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH SKILLS AND PRACTICE (ENGL700) | 15 |
| RESEARCH SKILLS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE (ENGL699) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FEASIBILITY STUDY (ENGL704) | 30 |
| DISSERTATION (ENGL705) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will complete your dissertation over the summer.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (ENGL705) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
All MRes English students will complete a taught research skills module in Semester one, with one on-campus session per week, shared with the relevant MA cohort.
Class sizes for all master’s programmes in the Department of English tend to be small, and a typical class will include no more than 10 students. The other 3 modules (ENGL703 Research Resources, ENGL704 Feasibility Study and ENGL705 Dissertation) involve a total of at least 30 hours of one-to-one meetings with the supervisor(s), who will guide students through their self-directed study and independent research.
The assessments for the research skills module depend on the discipline (ENGL699 for English Language or ENGL700 for English Literature) but may include written work (such as a review article and an updated research proposal) as well as alternative forms of assessment (e.g., a radio essay on an aspect of your research).
Two further modules (ENGL703 Research Resources and ENGL704 Feasibility Study) are assessed via an annotated bibliography and a sample chapter, respectively, allowing students to focus on work that is directly relevant to their dissertation (ENGL705, 30,000-35,000 words).
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.
The Department of English is based in the School of the Arts. We are committed to small group teaching, which encourages a more rewarding learning experience, where ideas are shared and explored with your peers and supervisors. You will be part of a genuine international postgraduate community. You will be able to participate in our lively research culture through attending regular seminars and lectures by guest speakers as well as our own staff and students.
Dr Ursula Kania introduces the English MRes course.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
An MRes gives students a unique opportunity to experience the life of a researcher while being guided by and taught under the supervision of world-leading staff. Studying here drastically improves your career prospects by offering unique opportunities.
The best thing about studying the MRes in English is the opportunity to engage deeply with research in my field of interest. I enjoy the flexibility to explore my own ideas while being supported by knowledgeable professors who provide valuable guidance. The programme also allows me to develop advanced research skills and collaborate with a diverse community of peers.
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The MRes English provides students with rigorous training in research methods in their chosen discipline as well as experience with independent research and self-management. The professional skills that students will develop upon completion of the programme will prepare them well for a wide range of potential employment areas.
While the MRes is particularly suitable for graduates looking to continue to a PhD, career pathways also include jobs in the arts, culture, creative and heritage sectors, including journalism, copywriting, management in arts and culture organisations and teaching (at secondary and further education levels).
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.
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. This degree should be in English studies or a closely related subject. You will be asked to submit a sample of your written work, which is 2,000-3,000 words in length, as part of the application process. This could be an essay from your undergraduate studies 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, 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, with no 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 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. 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 or above in all components. 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 |
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.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
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.
To discuss your research proposal, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 11 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions