MRes - Master of Research

Program Overview

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MRes - Master of Research

The MRes degree blends independent research with learning activities delivered by world-class researchers, while allowing students to shape their studies in part around their other priorities, making it an ideal qualification for early career academics and professionals alike. The programme provides a firm foundation for developing personal and professional skills towards business, public service, third sector, research sector or doctoral study.

Course Overview

The University of Cumbria research master's programme aims to develop participants as researchers capable of designing, leading, and communicating research and development projects. Participants will contribute new knowledge, while also having an impact on practice within your subject area, professional field or workplace context. You will be working with a core interdisciplinary programme team and drawing upon the established expertise of University of Cumbria's academics and researchers.

For students with further study ambitions, it is possible to gain accreditation from prior learning (APL) from the MRes degree into either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Professional Practice (DProf). To progress from the master of research to the PhD or DProf, you will require 60% average overall, Merit or above, on successful completion of the MRes.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Online
• Delivery Style: Distance Learning
• Course Duration: Part-time: 2 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: MRes

Course Structure

What you will learn

This MRes is a part-time degree that introduces research methods and provides a firm foundation for those who wish to develop their careers, enter the research sector, or pursue doctoral study. This course will equip you for a career as professional researcher in either academic or non-academic environments.

This is a Masters-level qualification involving taught elements, a research proposal and supervised independent research. You will undertake specified taught modules on a part time basis, normally completed within twenty-four months of first registration and this will lead to the award of MRes.

Year one

The first year of the MRes focuses on understanding the range of research methods and their applicability in your chosen field. This will include how to develop research projects, funding applications or doctoral proposals based on an evaluation of current knowledge.

• Research Methods for Professional Practice (40 credits)
• Project Design, Development and Planning (40 credits)

Year two

The second year is dedicated to supporting you in conducting an independent research project, alongside formative activities that encourage you to develop your research networks and communities, the impact of your work, and how it might develop further.

• Research Project (100 credits)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

The programme will reflect the university’s learning contexts in the enactment of our curriculum offer through online, at-a-distance learning – utilising full range of Cumbria's digital resources and supported communication through learning technology supported by Blackboard interactive learning and repository facilities. A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the course to ensure students acquire and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge, professional and personal skills.

MRes researchers are also encouraged to attend the annual Research Skills Summer School, hosted by The Graduate School in a blended learning environment of virtual workshops and in-person sessions at the Lancaster campus. In addition, the Research and Knowledge Exchange delivers our Research Skills Development Programme, which provides a range of free workshops for all staff and postgraduate research students.

How you will be assessed

The MRes assessment methods are:

• designed to provide a creative and balanced strategy across the programme
• enable the valid testing of the programme learning outcomes
• optimised for the modes and patterns of programme delivery
• promote the concept of ‘assessment for learning’ to enable the development of independent and autonomous thinkers

Research Methods for Professional Practice (40 credits) Assessment:

Create a research portfolio comprising:

• An applied qualitative research exercise
• An applied quantitative research exercise
• An applied mixed methods exercise (6000 words)

Project Design, Development and Planning (40 credits) Assessment: Preparing a research proposal for a project, funding bid or PhD, including draft ethics application with relevant appendices (5000 words).

Research Project (100 credits) Assessment: A research project contributing knowledge to a specific field (10,000 words).

Entry Requirements

• A 1st or 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas; candidates may also have a Master degree.
• APL will be considered for up to 40 credits with previous L7 in research methods (mean of 60% or above). These would be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Graduate School and programme leader, to ensure mapping of ILO is appropriate.
• For international applicants who do not have a recent UK degree, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall (with at least 6.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening) or equivalent is required.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £3,600 - UK (per year)
• £6,750 - International (per year)

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.