Critical Theory MRes

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom, Nottingham

University Rank:#97

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Duration12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 34,629 / year(s)

Next IntakeOctober 1, 2026

Critical Theory MRes

About

Research overview

Through your own unique research:

develop your knowledge of critical theory
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'll be studying in an environment with a strong interdisciplinary and international perspective. This provides 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.

Find out more

Department of Cultural, Media and Visual Studies
90% of our research environment was assessed as "world leading" in the recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 evaluation

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Qualification	MRes
Degree	2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject

Qualification	MRes
Degree	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. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
IELTS	7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each element)
English language requirements	As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each element) IELTS:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language requirements:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Career

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Our postgraduates go on to work in a wide range of fields, from university lectureships and post-doctoral fellowships to roles in the media, art councils and the creative industries, or in University administration. Many of our research students publish high-quality books and articles and have secured teaching positions in universities both in the UK and abroad.

Three Arts masters students share what they got out of their advanced study.

100% of postgraduates from Cultural Media and Visual Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology.

Hollywood Internships programme

This course is perfect for a career in the creative industries. At Nottingham, you can gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and work opportunities. No more so though than with our prestigious Hollywood Internships programme, unique to Nottingham. Previous internships have involved:

First-reading of incoming film and television scripts
Collecting audience data and preparing evaluation reports
Filming interviews with Hollywood veterans for the archive
Training, masterclasses, professional lectures and panels
Working front of house at special screenings and industry events

Indicative partner organisations include A24, CAA, Disney, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, UTA, and WME.

The partners, number and nature of the internships change each year, advertised in the Autumn term. These are highly competitive positions, and places are not guaranteed. Terms and conditions apply.

The internships are supported through the generosity of Peter Rice, Nottingham graduate and former Chair of Disney General Entertainment Content.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

34,629 / year(s)

Critical Theory MRes

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom, Nottingham

Go to Official Website