Course summary
In this flexible course that can be taken online, you’ll develop professional-standard research skills in the subject of your choice. An MRes can give you a competitive edge in the researcher job market, and is also a valuable stepping stone towards a PhD. You can study for a post-nominal award where the specific subject of your degree is named in its title. If you are thinking about a career in academic or professional research, our MRes is an internationally recognised research qualification that you can complete flexibly and without the commitment of a full PhD. This course is also ideal if you want to expand your research knowledge as part of your continuing professional development (CPD).
Modules
Research Methods (20 credits): The aim of the module is to provide the student with an understanding of research principles, a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and appropriate analysis for these. This will enable the student to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project. (20 credits) Communicating Research(20 credits): This module aims to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead, manage and disseminate findings from research projects. (20 credits) Proposing, designing and pre-registering Research - MRes Research Project Part 1 (60 credits): To enable students to learn how to produce an in-depth and comprehensive literature review and to draw a research question out of that. To use this as the basis for creating into a full, transparent research proposal suitable for use as a research pre-registration. Answering your research question - MRes Research Project Part 2 (60 credits): To enable students to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce original work which has the potential to make a contribution to a subject, field or profession, and To enable students to develop and demonstrate their skills in reporting and disseminating the outcomes of conducting research. Option module (20 credits): a 20 credit option from masters' level modules at QMU The modules listed are correct at time of posting (August 2019) but are subject to change. In the event that modules are changed, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.
Assessment method
There are two compulsory taught modules (Research Methods and Communicating Research) designed to develop skills in, and awareness of, the modern research environment. These are delivered via online learning. There may be opportunities to attend additional tutorials on campus. A major component of this course is the Research Project which offers you the opportunity to carry out an extensive piece of research with the expectation of producing an output suitable for submission to the peer-review process for potential publication, or a client report, or other appropriate document that would be useful in your specific field.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
A 1st Class or 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject that includes a preliminary training in research methods, or equivalent. Due to the heavy focus on the Research Project, students will need to produce an outline protocol of their intended research project, including a named supervisor who has the expertise to supervise the project, as part of the application process. Applicants must produce a short research proposal and be prepared to discuss this with the Programme Team and potential supervisors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the staff profile pages on the QMU website to identify potential supervisors and make contact with them in advance of application. Projects will not be accepted without a suitable supervisor. Applicants are asked to submit a research proposal that includes the following: Area of Research Proposed Research Question Research Aim/Research Question (including primary hypotheses, if appropriate) Context (1-2 page literature review) Proposed methodology, design, participants and analysis Proposed supervisor and outline of contact to date (if any)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £7500 | Whole course |
| International | £7500 | Whole course |
| England | £7500 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £7500 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7500 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7500 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £7500 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £7500 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
Individual modules by distance learning cost £835
The additional dissertation cost is £2,500
Provider information
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh
Edinburgh
EH21 6UU