Program Overview

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Critical Theory MRes

Research Overview

Through your own unique research, you will develop your knowledge of critical theory and learn to apply critical theory approaches to contemporary social, political, and cultural phenomena. Much of our work is guided by a transnational and transcultural agenda. You will be studying in an environment with a strong interdisciplinary and international perspective, providing a stimulating and vibrant community with debate encouraged between staff and students.

Staff Expertise

We have particular strengths in:

• Modern theory
• Political philosophy and politics
• Aesthetics
• Feminist, queer, and gender studies
• Cultural, literary, media, and visual studies
• Psychoanalysis
• Art history
• Postcolonial, sensory, science, and technology studies
• Memory studies

Research Centres

The Department of Cultural, Media and Visual Studies is home to two research centres where much of the Critical Theory and Cultural Studies research activity takes place. You will be encouraged to get involved and contribute.

• Centre for Research in Critical Theory
• Centre for Contemporary East Asian Cultural Studies

Course Content

The course is made up of 180 credits split as follows:

• Dissertation - 120 credits
• Optional modules - 60 credits

You are also required to:

• Take part in the weekly work-in-progress research seminars and contribute a paper in semester 2
• Complete a course of guided reading in an agreed field related to critical theory under the supervision of the appropriate member(s) of staff

Dissertation

You will complete a 25,000-word dissertation. The topic will be agreed with your supervisors (usually two co-supervisors) and supported by a course of guided reading. The dissertation is submitted at the end of the year and is marked by both an internal and external examiner. There is the possibility of a viva to agree the pass.

Optional Modules

You must choose three from:

• Arts in Society
• Mastering the Arts
• Issues and Challenges in Contemporary Media
• Technology and the Transformations of Communication
• MRes Research Skills 1

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

• Home/UK students: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities, or social science subject
• EU/International students: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities, or social science subject; International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world; IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each element)

Applying

Identify and contact a potential supervisor from our research staff to check whether we can adequately support your research interests before submitting an application.

Fees

• Home/UK: £5,006
• International: £23,000

Funding

There are additional funding opportunities available to you as a Faculty of Arts student.

Support

• Postgraduate Professional Development Programme
• Work-in-progress seminars
• Visiting speakers and symposia
• Expert supervision
• Researcher training and development
• Graduate centres
• Student support

Careers

• Careers advice
• Graduate destinations
• Career progression
• Placements

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education.

• 90% of our research environment recognised as of world leading quality
• 100% of our impact case studies recognised as having outstanding or very considerable impact
• 90% of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4) or 'internationally excellent' (3)
• 100% of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact