HistoryMRes

Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. On this MRes you'll develop your critical and analytical abilities via taught modules, and you’ll complete a major individual research project supervised by a specialist in the field. 

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time on campus. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

Our History Department’s significant strengths include: Medieval and Early Modern History; Global History and US History; Modern and Contemporary History.

The History Department is also home to many research centres exploring key historical periods. Discover the latest research from visiting academic speakers and our staff at our research centre seminars.                                     

• Join a Department with a global reputation for research – ranked 8th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).      
• Choose optional modules related to your chosen historical area from a wide variety of modules across history.            
• Develop your independent research abilities and analytical skills before undertaking a PhD or to gain transferable skills for your career.
• An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.

Put knowledge into practice

On this MRes you'll learn techniques you can apply to your own advanced research. You'll put this knowledge into practice by designing and completing a 20,000 word independent research thesis, supported by your supervisor. You can draw on our specialist strengths and enhance your knowledge of a particular period of History. During the MRes you'll develop your analytical skills and become confident at evaluating and critiquing current research in the field. 

An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career. You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and a taught component that develops research and analytical skills. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students will choose 40 credits of optional modules. Part time students will choose at least 20 credits in year 1.

All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.

Students must choose ONE 20 credit optional module from the following list of modules, relevant to the area of specialism for the Thesis. Part-time students will choose this in year 1:

Students must also choose ONE 20 credit LM optional module offered within the School of History and Cultures, or the College of Arts and Law, relevant to the area of specialism for the Thesis. Part-time students will usually choose this in year 2, but may choose it in year 1:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.

Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

if you are unsure if you meet our entry requirements, you can also contact our admissions department to discuss whether your application would be considered.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Before you make your application

Please refer to our six-step process on applying for PhD, MA by Research and MRes opportunities for Arts subject areas, which includes detailed advice on research proposals and how to write them.

Our History and Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:

• Events and Exhibitions Assistant and Heritage Guide
• Project Development Researcher
• Collections Assistant

Employers our History and Heritage graduates have worked for include:

• English Heritage
• Historic England
• Cottonwood Mansion Museum

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.