MRes Historical Research at University of Stirling

Programme overview

The MRes Historical Research is a one-year research-oriented course that allows specialisation in a chosen historical area under an individual supervisor, with a primary focus on preparation for PhD-level study.

Duration: MRes full-time: 12 months; MRes part-time: 24 months | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Four sections: Historiography (independent study of the literature in a chosen field, assessed by a 10,000-word critical review), Research skills training (a personal itinerary of workshops, archival research, methods and optional Latin and palaeography), Sources and methods, and a dissertation. Teaching is by one-to-one supervision.

Career pathways

Prepares for PhD study and academic careers and for research roles in teaching, journalism, marketing, government and heritage management; graduates have joined Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government, the UK Civil Service and Falkirk Council.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. A research proposal of a maximum of 1,500 words is required with the application. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate or relevant work or life experience are encouraged to apply. International applicants: IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill; PTE Academic 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill; TOEFL iBT (taken before 21 January 2026) 88 overall with 20 reading, 19 writing, 19 listening, 22 speaking, or (from 21 January 2026) 4.5 overall with no band below 4.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,050 a year (2026/27). Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland; part time rate Source

International applicants: GBP 10,900 a year (2026/27). International (including EU) students; part time rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: MRes full-time: 12 months; MRes part-time: 24 months

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