Masters by Research MRes
Receive substantial training in a range of research approaches, developing an appreciation of their theoretical and philosophical underpinnings, before completing a research-based dissertation that focuses on a topic in-depth.
Overview
| Course length: | 1 year full-time 18 months part-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | October 2025 February 2026 October 2026 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Example offers: | 2:1 or above (or equivalent). No specific subjects are required. View full entry criteria |
| Subject(s): | Research |
| Department: | Graduate School |
The Masters by Research provides you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and research skills that are essential foundations for further research and an academic career, while also being advantageous in relation to a range of other career pathways. Covering both practical and theoretical aspects, the focus is on acquiring the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, evaluate and disseminate your own research. You will also acquire a range of skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the advanced ability for critical thought.
The Masters by Research has been designed to suit candidates from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. It is particularly suitable if you aspire to a research-based career or as preparation for undertaking a PhD.
Course features
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International students can apply
What you'll study
You will produce a research dissertation. A research training and development programme will help you towards this goal.
Compulsory research training sessions will cover aspects of research design, research data management and research project management. These sessions will enable you to identify, evaluate and construct arguments, design research questions, and make a contribution to knowledge. Ethics, values and equality in research will also be considered.
You will also be required to select six further sessions from a range of options focusing on methodological considerations in the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities.
How you'll study
Research degrees are focused on independent study, allowing you a great deal of control over the pace and direction of your individual research project, with the expert guidance and support of your supervisor(s).
Research skills training sessions will be available, some of which will be compulsory.
How you'll be assessed
The first element of the MRes (research project registration) will be assessed through the production of a research proposal, a project management plan and a skills development portfolio. This will take place after approximately three months if you are studying full-time or six months part-time.
The final assessment of your individual research project will be through a dissertation as well as a viva voce examination.
Who will be teaching you
Being a research degree, you will not be taught through lectures, as the various training sessions are discussion based, however your research project will be supported by supervisors within the University who have international research profiles in their discipline.
The completion of your individual research project will be supported by regular supervision meetings with an expert in your chosen field of study.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements (2025 / 2026)
You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or upper second-class honours (2:1 or above). No specific subjects are required.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification, at the point of application.
If your first language is not English and you have an IELTS score (or equivalent) which is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, our Postgraduate Research Pre-Sessional course could be ideal for you.
Further information about how international postgraduate research applicants can meet our English Language requirements is available on the International Students website.
How to apply
There is an online application course for this course.
Please choose the application form for your preferred intake date and mode of study.
Apply for October 2025 Full-Time
Apply for October 2025 Part-Time
As part of your application you will need to submit a research proposal that should not exceed 1,000 words. You will also need to submit an academic CV, a scan of your passport, budget sheet and a scan of your degree certificates/transcripts with your application.
Detailed guidance on writing your research proposal and additional application support is available on the Graduate School website.
You should instruct your referees to send your references to [email protected] at the point of application using a professional email address or company headed paper.
International applicants will also need to provide evidence of meeting the English Language requirements as part of their application.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
There’s plenty of opportunities to come take a look around campus. Attend one of our open days to see what life at Edge Hill University is all about.
Book an open day
Facilities
As a postgraduate research student, you will be registered in the University’s Graduate School and be based in the faculty or department that is most appropriate for your project.
Departmental facilities are complemented by the University library which stocks around 200,000 items, including books, journals, e-resources and multimedia. In addition, you can access PCs, laptops, software and assistive technologies.
Extensive social learning areas and study spaces enable group discussion, quiet work and silent study. The specialist team staffing our Ask Desk are available to assist with any queries, with dedicated support available for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD).
Where you'll study
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£5,800
for the course
UK Part-Time
£5,800
for the course
International
£17,500
for the course
The UK part-time tuition fee is £3,900 for Year 1 and £1,900 for Year 2 for academic year 2024/25 entry, giving a total of £5,800, the same as the full-time rate.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£5,950
for the course
UK Part-Time
£5,950
for the course
International
£18,000
for the course
The UK part-time tuition fee is £4,000 for Year 1 and £1,950 for Year 2 for academic year 2025/26 entry, giving a total of £5,950, the same as the full-time rate.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Your future career
The skills and experience acquired through an MRes will provide ideal preparation for progressing to higher research qualifications, such as MPhil and PhD, or pursuing a research-based career.
