Master of Research (MRes)

First-class researchers are much sought after in academia and by commercial and third sector organisations that want to gain an edge in their marketplace.  On this course, you will develop advanced research skills that are transferrable to almost any field. You will also learn how to apply your research techniques to real-world problems to make you more valuable to prospective employers.

If you wish to chose a topic to focus on during your MRes we also recommend reviewing the proposed projects available at the time, which fully align with QMU research expertise and interests. You can choose to specify the subject of your study in the title of degree (eg Business Administration, Sociology, Cultural Practice or Education - see the full list below). This ‘post-nominal’ award can be very useful when showing academic and professional organisations where your research expertise lies at a glance.

List of post-nominals

* MRes (Global Health and Development)

* MRes (Business Administration

• MRes (Psychology)
• MRes (Person-centred Practice)
• MRes (Public Administration)
• MRes (Rehabilitation Sciences)
• MRes (Speech, Language and Hearing)
• MRes (Sociology)
• MRes (Public Sociology)
• MRes (Cultural Leadership)
• MRes (Cultural Practice)
• MRes (Clinical Science)
• MRes (Education)
• MRes **

** The option of not specifying a subject remains open to all students

You will complete six modules on the MRes. The three taught modules below are designed to develop your research skills and your ability to review the literature in your chosen field:

• Introduction to Research Skills
• Literature Enquiry and Synthesis.
• Foundations of Research Practice

On completion of the three above, you will then study three further modules (below) where you will be supported to identify your research development needs, develop a critical understanding of the modern research environment, and establish your philosophy as a researcher. You will then be supported to design, propose and apply advanced research methods in your area of research interest via the modules:

• Research Project Proposal
• Advanced Research Methods
• Delivering and Disseminating your Research Project

Finally, you will be guided to develop a research thesis (or other relevant output/piece) and engage in research dissemination activities to specific audiences; a culmination and celebration of the research undertaken during the MRes.

Please take some time to browse the list of suggested fantastic projects, which have already been assigned to supervisors. You can also look at the QMU website and consider staff members in the relevant area who you may wish to approach to discuss supervision. Please get in touch with the Programme Leaders (Rachael Davis and Rosie Arthur) via MResPL@qmu.ac.uk

Depending on your research topic, our team will be able to facilitate engagement with industry/ stakeholder groups/professional bodies as necessary.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MRes (180 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits). You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Contact Programme Leaders Rosie Arthur or Rachael Davis for more information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Taught modules are delivered via a blend of interactive online learning sessions and activities. For research project modules, there will be some taught sessions and you will receive support from the module co-ordinator and your research supervisor to facilitate your self-development and independent learning as a researcher.

The course has a variety of assessments including; practical research tasks, written assignments, verbal presentations, self-development portfolios, culminating in a written thesis and dissemination activities featuring the results of your research project.

Work-based learning

While there are no formal placements organised as part of the MRes, you can choose to carry your research out in a range of environments including business, industry, workplaces, services, community organisations and charities.

Teaching hours and attendance

As this course is delivered online. There will be a combination of flexible online learning tasks and materials that you will engage in, at time and pace which is convenient to you; live online workshop sessions (a maximum of once a week), and research supervision sessions which you will organise with staff at mutually convenient times.

Class sizes

We expect around 10-20 students to enrol onto the course each year

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

Introduction to Research Skills (20 credits): The aim of the module is to provide the student with an understanding of research principles, a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and appropriate analysis for these. This will enable the student to develop the foundation research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project.

Literature Enquiry and Synthesis (20 credits): The aim of this module is to build the skills for; systematically searching for research resources; critically reviewing research literature and synthesising the findings of such a review. The module involves the critical analysis of; research designs; literature review and evaluation tools; and the use and application of technology and software to review research literature.

Foundations of Research Practice (20 credits)In this module, you will be supported to reflect on your research development needs, develop a critical understanding of the modern research environment, establish your philosophy as a researcher and consider ethical issues surrounding your research practice.

Project Proposal: (20 credits): Based on these foundations, via working with your research supervisor you will then be supported to design and propose a research project in your area of interest.

Advanced Research Methods (20 credits) In this module, you will receive mentoring and coaching to support the development of your expertise relating to the research methods within your research project. You will be supported to ask critical questions and seek out information and guidance from multiple sources. The aim is to gain the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills to undertake and justify your proposed research paradigm, methods and analysis procedures.

Delivering and disseminating your research project (80 credits): In this module, you will undertake your research project as an opportunity to carry out an extensive piece of research. You will be guided to develop a written thesis (or other relevant output/piece) and engage in research dissemination activities to specific audiences relevant to the student’s future career; a culmination and celebration of the research endeavours which have been undertaken during your masters.

NB The course is a drafted version which requires further consultation with staff and students and is currently pending revalidation; the details of the proposals below may change but the overall aims and course content shouldn’t alter.

The MRes may be the first stage in your academic career. The skills that you will gain are a sound basis to pursue doctoral studies for a PhD award or a career in undertaking research activities in other organisations, relevant to service users, industry or society.

This award may also give you an edge in the competitive job market for professional researchers. Companies, charities and governments are always looking for researchers who can produce work that solves problems and gets measurable results.

Entry requirements

• A first class or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject that includes a preliminary training in research methods, or equivalent.
• Extensive relevant experience in the subject you wish to research may be considered in lieu of a first class or upper second class honours degree.
• International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 and no individual component score below 6.0. Please note that we cannot sponsor students on a student visa for this course.
• Please take some time to browse the list of suggested fantastic projects, which have already been assigned to supervisors. You can also look at the QMU website and consider staff members in the relevant area who you may wish to approach to discuss supervision. Please get in contact the MRes Programme Leaders (Rachael Davis and Rosie Arthur).
• Applicants must produce a short research proposal and be prepared to discuss this with the Programme Team and potential supervisors.
• Projects will not be accepted without a suitable supervisor.
• After discussion with a QMU research supervisor, applicants are asked to submit a research proposal that includes the following (max 3 pages):

1. Area of Research
2. Proposed Research Question
3. Research Aim/Research Question (including primary hypotheses, if appropriate)
4. Context (including short literature review)
5. Proposed methodology, design, participants and analysis
6. Proposed supervisor and outline of contact to date (if any)

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

1 August 2024 is the final deadline to start in September 2024.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2024/25 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Contact the Programme Leaders (Rosie Arthur and Rachel Davis) or contact Admissions

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