MRes Humanities and Social Sciences

The MRes Humanities and Social Sciences programme at the University of Portsmouth is designed for students working in the social sciences and humanities who wish to enhance their career prospects or prepare for a PhD. The one-year postgraduate course allows students to choose their learning methods, set their timetable and specialise in their chosen field. They will develop their research skills alongside specialist staff and earn a master's degree that can support their professional advancement.

Students can choose to study this course over one year full-time or two years part-time, either as a campus-based learner or by distance learning. Alternatively, students may opt for full-time intensive block learning over one year. Depending on their chosen speciality, graduates will receive different MRes degrees in areas such as African Studies, Politics and American Studies.

The University of Portsmouth is a modern and innovative institution, established in 1992. It is known for its strong emphasis on career-focused education, research excellence and student support. Portsmouth offers a wide range of postgraduate and undergraduate courses across various fields, such as engineering, science, technology and humanities. With a strong focus on practical learning, industry connections and employability, the university has received a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Applicants are expected to submit a detailed personal statement clearly defining their interest in the programme. Candidates are also encouraged to include a CV to showcase relevant academic achievements or professional experience related to the programme.

Grade Requirements:

Applicants should possess a minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed subject specialism.

English Proficiency:

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5. If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

The tuition fees for international students enrolling in the MRes Humanities and Social Sciences programme at the University of Portsmouth are £17,200 for the 2025/26 academic year.

As an international student at the University of Portsmouth, students may be eligible for a range of scholarships. Eligibility depends on factors such as the chosen course of study, country of origin, and academic performance to date.

Graduates of the MRes Humanities and Social Sciences programme from the University of Portsmouth can pursue various roles, including:

• Research Assistant
• Policy Researcher
• Local Government Officer
• Cultural Programme Coordinator
• Heritage Manager
• Policy Advisor

To apply for this course, you’ll need to go through UCAS. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.