Program Overview

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MRes Research Methodology for Business & Management

The MRes Research Methodology for Business & Management is a postgraduate research program that provides comprehensive and coherent coverage of a wide range of methodological issues that arise in business research. The program is designed to equip students with the intellectual foundations needed for advanced postgraduate research degrees or to work in research-focused roles within organizational settings.

Research Opportunities

The program offers research opportunities in various areas, including:

• Accounting and Finance
• Economics
• Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation
• Management Science
• Marketing
• Work, Employment and Organisation

Students can undertake any other relevant module from Masters programs around the faculty.

Course Content

The course introduces students to a range of research skills and specialist methods and techniques. The course content includes:

Semester One

• Research Methods
• Reviewing literature for Business
• Research Philosophy

Semester Two

• Software for Research
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Policy & Project Evaluation (Economics only)
• Causality in Empirical Finance Research (Accounting and Finance Only)
• Advanced Qualitative Methods

Semester Three

• Research Colloquium
• Writing up Postgraduate Research
• Research Project

Programme Duration

The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. The duration of the program is:

• MRes: 180 credits - 12 months full-time
• PgDip: 120 credits – approximately 9 months study full time
• PgCert: 60 credits – approximately 4 months study full time

Key Course Highlights

The program has a strong practical focus, including training in software and advanced quantitative and qualitative methods. The program offers a rich and diverse learning environment where students can study with students from around the world and studying a range of postgraduate research degrees. Students also have the opportunity to learn from academics who are leaders in their field and working at the cutting edge of business research.

Fees and Funding

The fees for the program are:

• Scotland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• Republic of Ireland: same as England, Wales & Northern Ireland
• International: £19,600 (2024/25), £21,550 (2025/26)

Entry Requirements

For entry onto the program, students normally need a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant business or social science related subject. Students are also required to provide a research proposal, clearly demonstrating the potential contribution both in theory and practice.

Research Proposal

The research proposal should include:

• Working title
• Layman's summary of proposed research (max 250 words)
• Research aims & objectives (or questions) (max 500 words)
• Literature review (max 500 words)
• Methodology (max 300 words)
• Timeline (max 300 words)
• References

The proposal should be written in Times New Roman 12pt font, with 1.5 line spacing and 2.5cm margin all round. Hard returns should be used between paragraphs.

English Language Requirements

Students whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency, with an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5, with no individual element below 5.5. The University also offers a pre-sessional course to help students improve their English language skills.