Interdisciplinary Study MRes

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a returning researcher or coming from industry, this MRes will take your academic journey beyond disciplinary borders. 

Course structure

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

You’ll be supported by two supervisors, including a dedicated interdisciplinary supervisor and a subject specialist supervisor. Your subject-specialist supervisor will provide expertise in an area central to your research, while your interdisciplinary supervisor will help you frame the project and bring its different disciplinary contributions together, developing a coherent and integrative approach.

A third of your degree comprises taught modules, providing the preparation and support your research requires and expanding your skillsets in interdisciplinarity, critical theory, reflection, critique and research analysis. 

• Core module teaching delivered by experts in interdisciplinary research and education.
• Dual supervision combining subject expertise with dedicated interdisciplinary guidance.           
• We're one of the Top 100 universities for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026).  
• Present your work at a dedicated interdisciplinary symposium.
• An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.

Research that crosses subject boundaries

As an interdisciplinary student, you'll have access to a wide range of world-leading researchers and research facilities  at Birmingham.

This MRes is for anyone who asks questions that cross disciplines and is ready to focus on their own independent research project. You might want to explore a research topic combining departments across the University, such as English Literature and Biology.

The MRes is flexible so you can create a bespoke course and tailor the taught modules to your research development needs.

Alongside the core module, which provides essential tools for interdisciplinary research, you can choose both a taught and a skills-based module at Masters level from a range of departments across the University. This gives you flexibility and a personalised approach to your interdisciplinary project.

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 produce a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you. You’ll also complete a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.

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.

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

Students will complete an Interdisciplinary Research Project worth 120 credits.

Students must take a taught skills/research module offered by one of the Schools/Departments within the University dependent on the student’s research interests. Enrolment on this module must first be discussed and approved by the Programme Lead.

Students must choose 20 credits of optional modules from modules available at Birmingham (availability and any pre-requisite requirements of modules will be at the discretion of the individual programme leads).

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.

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 or a Presessional English course.

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

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• 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

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

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 have 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.

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a subject that’s related to your proposed independent research project.

We will also accept an appropriate level of professional experience in place of an undergraduate degree - please contact the Programme Lead via the enquiry form for further guidance.

Before submitting your application, you must identify a potential subject-specialist supervisor and obtain an expression of interest from them. You should discuss whether your project fits their expertise and whether they may have capacity to supervise it, then name them in your application. An expression of interest is not a formal agreement to supervise and does not guarantee admission; both remain subject to review of the application and an interview.

The Programme Lead will assign the interdisciplinary supervisor.

Because each application requires coordination across disciplinary areas, the process can take longer than the standard application time. You are therefore encouraged to apply well in advance of the advertised deadline to allow sufficient time for the proposed supervisory team to review the application and arrange an interview.

Once a proposed supervisory team has been identified, you'll be invited to an interview. A decision will be made following the interview.

As part of your application to this course, please upload a research proposal as a Word document or PDF. Your research proposal should include:

• A working title
• An abstract of approximately 250–300 words
• A clearly defined research question or problem and an explanation of its significance
• The disciplines involved, what each contributes, and how their contributions will be brought together
• A brief review of the relevant literature
• The proposed methodology and methods, including an explanation of why they are appropriate to the research question
• A provisional timetable
• The name of the potential subject-specialist supervisor who has expressed interest in the project
• A bibliography

The recommended length of a proposal is 1,500-2,000 words, excluding references.

If you are considering applying, you are welcome to send the Programme Lead, Dr Simon Scott, a brief outline of up to 250 words for initial feedback on the project’s suitability for the programme. Applicants remain responsible for identifying and contacting a potential subject-specialist supervisor.

This programme provides you with the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary career. For example:

• in academic research or in an interdisciplinary PhD project
• in policy-making or a research role in a non-governmental organisation
• in a research and development role in industry

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.