MRes Historical Research

University of Stirling

Public interest in history and historical research is growing. Millions of people tune into history podcasts each month, and sales of books about ancient history rose 67% in the UK and Ireland between 2013-2023 to the highest levels since Nielson BookData records began (Bloomberg). Our MRes course is the perfect preparation for a career in historical research. You’ll be taught by leading experts whose own research is widely published and attracts funding from major bodies worldwide. Develop the skills to become a historical researcher During your studies you will: critically evaluate a wide body of historical literature learn to directly relate relevant sources and methods to a research topic learn qualitative and quantitative research methods showcase your ability to focus deeply on a topic of interest. With the support of an individual supervisor, you’ll focus on an area of history that interests you most. The course will enhance your career prospects in a range of fields, but has a primary focus on equipping you for PhD-level study. Funding opportunities The course supports you to apply for PhD research funding from: The Arts and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Landscape Awards The Economic and Social Research Council Comprehensive employability and skills programme Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market. The Master of Research in Historical Research is a one-year research-oriented course that and allows specialisation in particular historical areas. You will be allocated an individual supervisor to direct your independent study and plan the curriculum to reflect your interests and needs. You should maintain regular contact with supervisors and agree a schedule of meetings to discuss your work and review draft submissions. The course is split into four sections: Historiography You’ll undertake independent study of the literature of a chosen historical field. Coursework comprises a 10,000-word paper that critically reviews historians' works, and identifies a topic suitable for original research in a dissertation. There are no classes. One-to-one supervisory sessions are scheduled at mutually convenient times. Research skills training You’ll plan a personal itinerary, with direction, of specific activities to support your research project. Activities cover generic skills, employability skills, breadth of knowledge, and subject skills. These can entail attendance at workshops on dissertation planning and research design, preparing a research bibliography, learning a research method, building a database, undertaking archival research, document analysis, and engaging with personal development. Additionally, there are opportunities for workshops in historical research methodology and classes in Latin and palaeography. Alternatively, students can enrol in taught social research modules covering qualitative and quantitative methods. Sources and methods You’ll discuss with your supervisor how to apply your research skills to historical evidence. You will examine a body of sources related to your research topic and practice the methods you have been learning. Coursework comprises a 5,000-word paper explaining the research 'value' and significance of the selected sources and setting out the appropriate concepts, theories and methods to be used in analysis and interpretation. There’s also a skills test to ascertain competency in source analysis and try out methods before applying in the dissertation. Dissertation Having researched the existing secondary literature and the primary sources, and having received training in appropriate research skills, you will then go on to complete a dissertation of up to 20,000 words.