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Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full Masters of Research (180 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits). Please note all students initially enroll ono the MSc course.

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Contact Programme Leaders Rosie Arthur or Rachael Davis for more information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Taught modules are delivered via a blend of interactive online learning sessions, live online tutorials and self-paced activities. For research project modules, there will be some taught sessions and you will receive support from the module co-ordinator and your research supervisor to facilitate your self-development and independent learning as a researcher.

The course has a variety of assessments including practical research tasks, written assignments, verbal presentations, self-development portfolios, culminating in a written thesis and dissemination activities featuring the results of your research project.

While delivered online, students are welcome on campus and could choose to undertake a research project which requires them to be present on campus at certain times - this activity will be agreed with the assigned research supervisor.

Work-based learning

While there are no formal placements organised as part of the MRes, you can choose to carry your research out in a range of environments including business, industry, workplaces, services, community organisations and charities.

Teaching hours and attendance

As this course is delivered online, there will be a combination of flexible online learning tasks and materials that you will engage in, at time and pace which is convenient to you; live online workshop sessions (a maximum of once a week), and research supervision sessions which you will organise with staff at mutually convenient times. There will also be optional University research activities you will be welcome to attend online to broaden your knowledge and expertise.

Class sizes 

We expect around 10-20 students to enrol onto the course each year

Teaching staff

All the staff who teach on this programme are experienced researchers and clear communicators who will be able to assist and inspire you as you progress on your research journey. 

You will study the following modules:

• Research Methods: Problems and Solutions (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 foundation research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project.
• Literature Enquiry and Synthesis (20 credits): The aim of this module is to build the skills for; systematically searching for research resources; critically reviewing research literature and synthesising the findings of such a review. The module involves the critical analysis of; research designs; literature review and evaluation tools; and the use and application of technology and software to review research literature.
• Foundations of Research Practice (20 credits): In this module, you will be supported to reflect on your research development needs, develop a critical understanding of the modern research environment, establish your philosophy as a researcher and consider ethical issues surrounding your research practice.
• Project Proposal: (20 credits): Based on these foundations, via working with your research supervisor you will then be supported to design and propose a research project in your area of interest.
• Advanced Research Methods (20 credits): In this module, you will receive mentoring and coaching to support the development of your expertise relating to the research methods within your research project. You will be supported to ask critical questions and seek out information and guidance from multiple sources. The aim is to gain the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills to undertake and justify your proposed research paradigm, methods and analysis procedures.
• Delivering your research project (60 credits): In this module you will be supervised to independently undertake a piece of empirical research. The setting for the research study may include real world settings, eg conducting a study for an industry client, for a not-for-profit sector organisation or similar, or, where appropriate, practice-based, laboratory-based or other research-based environments. During the module you will conduct in-depth analysis, reporting and synthesis of data collected, information sources or practice, and will then be guided to develop a written thesis (or other relevant output/piece).
• Disseminating your Research Project (20 credits): This module is focussed on the dissemination of the findings of the MRes Project to target audiences. You will learn about designing, implementing and evaluating engaging and relevant ways to communicate research. You will then build an effective dissemination strategy for your project and delivering a specific resource of dissemination which is relevant to your field and project. 

The MRes may be the first stage in your academic career. The skills that you will gain are a great foundation to then  pursue doctoral studies for a PhD award or a career in undertaking research activities in other organisations, relevant to service users, industry, or society.

This award may also give you an edge in the competitive job market for professional researchers. Companies, charities and governments are always looking for researchers who can produce work that solves problems and gets measurable results.

Entry requirements

• A first class or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject that includes a preliminary training in research methods, or equivalent.
• Extensive relevant experience in the subject you wish to research may be considered in lieu of a first class or upper second class honours degree.
• International students: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 and no individual component score below 6.0. Please note that we cannot sponsor students on a Student visa for this course as it takes place online

Application Steps

1. Contact MRes Programme Leaders (Dr Rosie Arthur and Dr Rachael Davis) via MResPL@qmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about your interests and what to expect on the course.
2. Consider which research topic(s) are of interest to you: 
   • Look at the list of suggested research projects currently available at ҹɫֱ��, which have already been assigned to supervisors (available from the programme leaders).
   • Look at the ҹɫֱ�� website for staff interests and projects which align with your interests
3. MRes programme leaders will support you to refine your interests and identify a suitable research supervisor (Students will not be accepted on to MRes without a suitable supervisor and research topic).
4. After discussion with a ҹɫֱ�� research supervisor, applicants are asked to submit a research proposal that includes the following (max 1,000 words)):
   • Proposed supervisor and outline of contact to date (if any)
   • Area of Research
   • Context and why your research is needed (including short literature review)
   • Research Aim/Research Question
   • Ideas for potential research methods which could be used

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ҹɫֱ��. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

August 2026 to start in September 2026

Contact the Programme Leaders (Rosie Arthur and Rachel Davis) or contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, ҹɫֱ�� will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.