MRes - Master of Research

How you will learn

The programme will reflect the university’s learning contexts in the enactment of our curriculum offer through online, at-a-distance learning – utilising full range of Cumbria's digital resources and supported communication through learning technology supported by Blackboard interactive learning and repository facilities. A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the course to ensure students acquire and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge, professional and personal skills.

MRes researchers are also encouraged to attend the annual Research Skills Summer School, hosted by The Graduate School in a blended learning environment of virtual workshops and in-person sessions at the Lancaster campus. In addition, the Research and Knowledge Exchange delivers our Research Skills Development Programme, which provides a range of free workshops for all staff and postgraduate research students.

How you will be assessed

The MRes assessment methods are:

• designed to provide a creative and balanced strategy across the programme
• enable the valid testing of the programme learning outcomes
• optimised for the modes and patterns of programme delivery
• promote the concept of ‘assessment for learning’ to enable the development of independent and autonomous thinkers

Research Methods for Professional Practice (40 credits) Assessment:

Create a research portfolio comprising:

• An applied qualitative research exercise
• An applied quantitative research exercise
• An applied mixed methods exercise (6000 words)

Project Design, Development and Planning (40 credits) Assessment: Preparing a research proposal for a project, funding bid or PhD, including draft ethics application with relevant appendices (5000 words).

Research Project (100 credits) Assessment: A research project contributing knowledge to a specific field (10,000 words).

Tuition Fees

2024 - 2025

• £3,300 - UK
• £6,180 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.