Masters by Research programmes

Choose from a range of Masters by Research programmes in English Literature and related disciplines.

A Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in English Literature. The programme is a good stepping stone to a PhD, but is of equal value as a stand-alone qualification.

As a Masters by Research student, you will be part of a wider masters community while specialising in what most interests you right from the beginning of the programme. This is how it is different to a taught Masters (MSc).

What can I study?

Masters by Research in English Literature

This highly flexible programme enables you to complete a Masters by Research (MScR) degree through a combination of coursework (two essays of 6,000 words on topics related to your research focus, plus assignments in research skills and methods) and a final dissertation of 15,000 words. Drawing on our academic staff’s extensive breadth of expertise, we are able to support students wishing to develop research projects in any field of Anglophone literary studies.

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

Find out more and apply on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder

MSc by Research in Medieval Studies

Home of the cross-disciplinary Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the University of Edinburgh has one of the largest communities of medieval and Renaissance specialists in the world. Join our community and undertake a 15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor. Our research interests are wide-ranging and global, and include history, languages and literatures, history of art and architecture, music, divinity, archaeology, law, Celtic and Scottish Studies, Islamic, European, and Asian Studies.

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

Find out more and apply on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder

Entrance requirements, fees, funding and more...

You can find out about entrance requirements, start dates, fees and scholarship opportunities for all our Masters by Research programmes on the University of Edinburgh’s Degree Finder. Degree Finder links straight through to EUCLID, the online system for applying to postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh.

Applications to start a Masters by Research programme in September 2025 are now open.

Find out more on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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