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.
Please note, work towards the dissertation runs across the length of the programme.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (PHIL703) | 15 |
| RESEARCH RESOURCES (PHIL711) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note, work towards the dissertation runs across the length of the programme.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FEASIBILITY STUDY (PHIL713) | 30 |
| DISSERTATION (PHIL714) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note, work towards the dissertation runs across the length of the programme, including the summer.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (PHIL714) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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 Philosophy is based in Gillian Howie House, although teaching will take place across the campus. Gillian Howie House is an accessible and inclusive space. We have ramp and lift access to all floors, single sex, gender neutral and disabled toilets, and a Hearing Assist System in our seminar rooms. Students who require one can ask for a disability support plan and access to dedicated support.
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 and 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.
Want to find out more about student life?
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:
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 Philosophy or a closely 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, 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 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 19, writing 21, 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 4.5 in writing and 4.0 or above in all other components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with literacy and production not less than 120, and comprehension and conversation not below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with writing at 61, and no other component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with writing at 70, and no other 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.
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.
To discuss your research proposal, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 31 March 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions