Our MRes programme provides a personalised and focused introduction to postgraduate research allowing you to develop as an independent researcher with the support of an expert in Irish Studies.
The Irish Studies MRes degree is particularly appropriate if you are intending to progress to PhD level research. It provides a rigorous overview of the current state of scholarship in your selected field, guides you through a programme of directed, individualised reading, to the selection of a feasible research project, and allows you to complete a substantial piece of research (25,000 – 30,000 words).
This unique program offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Irish culture, history, language, and literature while developing advanced research skills.
We’re proud to offer a dynamic and diverse learning environment thanks to our influential institute. Our experienced faculty members are passionate about their fields and committed to helping you succeed. You’ll work closely with your professors to develop as an independent researcher exploring a wide range of topics of your choice, from the medieval Irish language to contemporary literature and film.
Our program also provides ample opportunities for practical research experience. You’ll have access to a wealth of resources, including the extensive Irish language and literature collections in our library, as well as archives and museums throughout the region and renowned speakers.
Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in academia, research, or cultural heritage, our MRes Irish Studies course will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve your goals.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students study one 30-credit core module and one 30-credit research training module, culminating in a 120 credit dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS (IRIS507) | 30 |
| RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY DIRECTED STUDY (HLAC503) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During Semester two you will concentrate on research for your dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will continue to work on your dissertation over the summer.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The programme will use a variety of teaching methods, including one-to-one tutorials, independent study, seminars, and skills development. Tutorials offer personalised guidance, whilst independent study encourages critical thinking. Seminars foster collaboration and skills development exercises help students acquire essential competencies. This diverse approach to teaching ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that accommodates different learning styles.
You will be assessed through various methods, but the core assessment method will be written essay or report writing, along with coursework essays, presentation/poster presentations, skills development exercises like bibliographies and reports, and the ultimate culmination of their academic journey, the dissertation.
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.
By studying with us you will benefit from our influential Institute of Irish Studies which has played a significant part in Ireland’s recent history. Liverpool has always had strong links with the north and south of Ireland which puts you in a position to enjoy research and voluntary work opportunities.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
This Irish Studies MRes course offers students an in-depth understanding of Ireland, transferable skills, and networking opportunities with businesses, voluntary organizations, and academic leaders in Irish Studies.
The Irish Studies MRes graduates typically continue to doctoral research or gain employment in research or policy-based environments.
Possible career prospects:
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.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
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.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
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.
Joining our Irish Studies MRes? If you’re a UK student, you could be eligible to apply for a bursary worth £3,000. Your research should be focused on any aspect of the language, history and literature of the Celtic speaking peoples of Britain and Ireland.
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 should be in a subject relevant to your proposed field of research. |
| 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 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions