Humanities (MA)

About the Course

Applications are now open for the September 2026 intake

Found your academic passion? Want to explore your workplace role in more depth? Want to develop your professional and creative practice in a supportive academic community? Come and pursue your academic passions through our Masters by Research (Humanities) programme.

As a master's level student with us, you will research and produce a 150 credit (35,000 word) dissertation under the supervision of a research active academic in your area of specialism. You will undertake a skills-based module to develop advanced research, critical thinking and writing skills to support your independent research. You will grow as a scholar, feed your interests and hone skills valuable in the workplace.

Curriculum Overview

This programme is designed to allow our students to nurture their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Working alongside a designated supervisor, you will develop an independent dissertation, together with an understanding of the methodologies used by a broad range of humanities subjects (cited above).

Delve into a research project based on your passion for a subject area housed within the School of Humanities, including Creative Writing, English Language, English Literature, History, International Relations, Journalism (subject to validation), Media and Communication, Politics and lastly, Theology, Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Studies.

Modules

The Programme comprises to modules: 

1. Advanced Research Skills Module (30 credits) 
2. Dissertation Module (150 credits, 35,000 words or equivalent)

Skills development is supported by the 30-credit module, which is common to all students registered on the programme.

Students are introduced to advanced concepts in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, as well as practical skills for independent research, e.g., time management, data sourcing, and extended writing skills. Students go on to work with an appropriate research supervisor, meeting monthly (20 hours, f2f/online), to discuss progress/draft and, provide academic/pastoral support.

The overarching Programme Aims include: to provide students with advanced research and problem-solving skills; to provide students with advanced critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate sources, concepts and approaches in academic study; and to provide students with the opportunity to increase the range, depth and sophistication of their subject-specific knowledge.

The overarching Learning Outcomes include: To have produced a sustained and extended piece of critical analysis and/or reflection on a topic of their choosing in consultation with an appropriate supervisor/s; to have dealt with complex issues both systematically and creatively, made sound judgments in the absence of complete data, and communicated their conclusions clearly to the specialist and non-specialist audiences; and o have demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in planning and implementing tasks throughout an extended research project, bringing it to completion in a 30-35,000-word dissertation (or equivalent).

Entry Requirements

Normally a minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification is required.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

*Part time study is not available for Non-EU International applicants

Teaching and Research

Delve into a research project based on your passion for a subject area housed within the School of Humanities, including Creative Writing, English Language, English Literature, History, International Relations, Journalism (subject to validation), Media and Communication, Politics and lastly, Theology, Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Studies.

This programme is designed to allow our students to nurture their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Working alongside a designated supervisor, you will develop an independent dissertation, together with an understanding of the methodologies used by a broad range of humanities subjects (cited above).

The degree is predominantly research-based (150 credits) and will appeal to students with well-developed research skills who do not wish, or are unable, to commit to a traditional PGT route. This may include students who are in full-time work, wish to pursue research directly related to work-based experience or due to issues such as neurodiversity needs where prospective students may consider such a programme well-suited to their requirements.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2026/27

Tuition fees for Home students are £8,150

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2026/27

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for are £16,500

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

The Masters by Research (Humanities) attracts ongoing interest and offers the opportunity to grow our PGR community. There is interest from subjects like Creative Writing, History Politics, English, TPRS etc; colleagues have noted interest from undergraduate students in furthering their studies to postgraduate level. This programme, along with the MA in English Literature and Creative Writing, means students can continue studying at Hope rather than moving elsewhere.

As the programme incorporates a wide number of disciplines, the postgraduate opportunities are varied but include PhD and other research degrees; a route to publication for creative practitioners; journalism; heritage industries; curatorial work; ministry; charitable organisations; policy and planning.