Program Overview

Overview

The Education (MA by Research) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time research degree that allows students to explore a research topic in-depth. This type of study gives students the chance to investigate a research topic over a shorter period than a doctoral program, but it still requires independent study.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• The normal entry requirements for enrollment on an MA by Research is an Honours degree (2:1 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed program to be followed.
• A research proposal is required, which should be between 500-700 words (plus bibliography) and delineate the proposed area of research.
• If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no element lower than 6.0.

Start Dates

• 22 September 2025
• 1 October 2025
• 12 January 2026
• 20 April 2026

Application Deadlines

• For September 2025: 13 June 2025 for International and Scholarship Students, 04 July 2025 for Home Students
• For October 2025: 13 June 2025 for International and Scholarship Students, 04 July 2025 for Home Students
• For January 2026: 17 October 2025 for International and Scholarship Students, 14 November 2025 for Home Students
• For April 2026: 23 January 2026 for International and Scholarship Students, 20 February 2026 for Home Students

Duration

• The maximum duration for an MA by Research is 1 year (12 months) full-time or 2 years (24 months) part-time, with an optional submission pending (writing-up) period of 4 months.
• Sometimes it may be possible to mix periods of both full-time and part-time study.

What Can I Research?

Students can apply by proposing their own research topic or by applying for one of the research topics listed. Places are always subject to eligibility, a review of the proposal, and supervisory capacity.

Teaching and Assessment

• As a minimum, students can expect to meet with their supervisors at least once a month (once every two months for part-time students).
• Self-directed study is to be agreed in liaison with the student and their supervisor, with self-directed study and supervision time equating to 35 hours per week for full-time research degrees.
• A research degree has no compulsory taught element, with the study period being for 52 weeks a year and a 35-day annual leave allowance.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - Full-Time

• In 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £5,050.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University.

Tuition Fees - Part-Time

• In 2025/26, the part-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £2,525.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University.

Important Information

• The University will always try to deliver the course as described, but sometimes changes may be necessary due to circumstances outside of its reasonable control.
• When offered a place on a research degree, the offer will include confirmation of the supervisory team, the topic to be researched, and will be governed by the University's terms and conditions, student handbook, and relevant policies.