| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-23 | 2023-07-04 |
| 2024-01-23 | - |
Program Overview
Develop in-depth knowledge and skills of research methods. Prepare yourself for an academic or professional career with a focus on social science research.
The Master of Research is a faculty-wide, cross-disciplinary research training course with an education strand. It provides high-quality training to potential doctoral students as well as a stand-alone qualification for social science researchers.
Depending on your research interests you will be placed in a research group within the Department of Education, which will have seminar and reading group activities that you can join.
You will also spend a short period of time shadowing an experienced researcher.
Gain key skills
The course aims to:
South West Doctoral Training Partnership
This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.
If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.
For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.
Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.
Develop in-depth knowledge and skills of research methods. Prepare yourself for an academic or professional career with a focus on social science research.
The Master of Research is a faculty-wide, cross-disciplinary research training course with an education strand. It provides high-quality training to potential doctoral students as well as a stand-alone qualification for social science researchers.
Depending on your research interests you will be placed in a research group within the Department of Education, which will have seminar and reading group activities that you can join.
You will also spend a short period of time shadowing an experienced researcher.
Gain key skills
The course aims to:
South West Doctoral Training Partnership
This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.
If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.
For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.
Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.
Program Outline
Course structure
This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2023 and ends in 2025. Welcome week starts on 25 September 2023.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
Research units
These units are compulsory. Part-time students typically start the Research apprenticeship project at the beginning of their first year and have 16 months to complete it. This is followed by the MRes dissertation, which lasts 8 months.
Taught units
In addition to the research units, part-time students typically study one or two taught units each semester. The full list of required units is given below. However, you are strongly advised to complete the following compulsory units in your first year, to enhance your core knowledge:
Optional units, along with any remaining compulsory units, should be taken in the second year. Your exact course of study will be agreed with your Director of Studies when you begin your studies.
Please note that units are only offered at certain times of the year, as detailed below.
Compulsory course units
These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Optional course units
You can choose from a number of optional units. Here are some examples of the units currently being studied by our students.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Assessment
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
