Course summary
Overview Have you enjoyed undertaking research during your degree? Are you thinking about doctoral (PhD) study or a career in a STEM business, industry or academia? If so, our postgraduate Master's in Research (MRes) course will be a great start for you. Its aim is to provide two key ingredients for early-career researchers – transferable research skills and expertise in your chosen subject. You'll undertake an original project with experienced supervisors, and join the day-to-day life of a research group. You'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective researcher, and prepare a publication-quality manuscript, grant application and conference presentation. You can start this course in September or January (full time only in January). What you'll experience On this course, you'll:
- Learn research preparation skills such as personal effectiveness, research management, professional skills, networking, research organisation, science communication and impact
- Complete an extended scientific laboratory- or fieldwork-based research project
- Be supported by enthusiastic and qualified staff, who will help you develop advanced research skills
- Use our specialist laboratories, equipment and instruments
- Graduate with the skills and abilities needed for a career as a professional researcher
- PhD study
- Research assistant
- Laboratory management
- Science communication
- Specialist STEM research
- Wider R&D sector jobs
Modules
Core modules in this year include: Research Preparation module – 60 credits Research Project module – 120 credits There are no optional modules in this year. We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies. Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment method
The course comprises two modules: Research Project (120 credits): This comprises the main part of the course, with an extended research project undertaken in one of the eight Schools and Departments in the Faculty of Science, plus a research paper, funding application, conference poster and research talk. Research Preparation and Development (60 credits): This comprises a wide range of RDF skills, including personal effectiveness, research management, professional skills, networking, research organisation, science communication, impact, literature review and job application. Assessment for each module is by regularly-spaced coursework items, whose aim is to build a complete skill set for successful research career development.
Entry requirements
A second-class or first class honours degree in a relevant subject. Please check the course details online for information about subject specialisms that can be supported. You will be required to submit a short research proposal as part of your application. All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 91 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing. | |
| PTE Academic | An overall score of 61 with a minimum of 54 in each skill. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £8900 | Year 1 |
| England | £8900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £8900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £8900 | Year 1 |
| International | £17200 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship.
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation.
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP