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Research Master’s Study

Explore your passion and develop real expertise in your chosen subject

What is a research Master’s?

Research Master’s courses are advanced postgraduate research degrees designed to further your knowledge of a specific subject. Instead of carrying out exams and coursework as part of course modules, you’ll spend your time working independently on a research project, dissertation, or thesis. 

Centred around your own interests, they offer the scope to study topics that may not be available as a taught Master’s course. They provide you with the opportunity to make an original contribution to your field. 

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Types of courses 

Research Master’s are usually studied full time over 12 months. Some courses also offer flexible and part-time study options

The titles of research Masters' awards vary to reflect the subject area studied. Awards available include: 

  • MPhil – Master of Philosophy.  This award is available in most subject areas. You'll receive research training and undertake original research. This leads to the completion of a 40,000-50,000-word thesis. 
  • MRes – Master of Research.  Available in various subject areas. This award combines taught modules, research training and a dissertation. 
  • LLM (by research) – Master of Law.  The LLM (by research) provides an excellent foundation for a PhD or for a career in the legal profession. You'll receive research training and undertake original research. This leads to the completion of a 50,000-word dissertation. 
  • MLitt – Master of Letters.  Available for arts programmes, this award combines taught modules with research training and assignments. You'll write either a dissertation of 16,000-24,000 words, or a series of research assignments. 

Why study a research Master’s at Ãå±±½ûµØ?

With our postgraduate research (PGR) courses, you can complete a focused and original piece of research. You'll do this without the time commitment required for a Doctoral award. It is therefore good preparation for those who wish to study a Doctoral award after your Master’s. 

Ãå±±½ûµØ is recognised as 137th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. We have over 100 research courses to choose from, allowing you to follow your passion in a specific research field. 

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