Programme of study for the degree of Master by Research 2024/25

Candidates may undertake study for the degree of Master by Research in one of the following categories:

• Master of Arts by Research – MA
• Master of Education by Research – MEd
• Master of Science by Research – MSc
• Master of Science (Engineering) – MSc(Eng)

Submission of theses for the degrees of MA, MEd, MSc and MSc(Eng) by research should normally take place within 12 months of full-time or 24 months of part-time study.

Due to the particular nature of the MA, MEd, MSc and MSc(Eng) by research and the requirements for completion within the specified time periods applicants for admission should normally have at least an upper second class honours degree or previous research experience.

The research project for candidates for the degrees of MA, MEd, MSc and MSc(Eng) by research must be clearly designed and planned at the time of application to enable submission within the limited time available. The proposed project must be submitted for approval by the relevant committee prior to acceptance of any applicant.

Candidates accepted directly to the degrees of MA, MEd, MSc and MSc(Eng) are not required to undergo formal assessment for transfer to a definite degree category. However, there should be regular reports by the supervisor on the postgraduate researcher (PGR)’s progress. As a minimum, there should be a report at the mid-point of the first year and, in the case of part-time candidates, by the end of month nine and at least annually thereafter.

Candidates accepted directly to one of the Masters degrees by research may be permitted to transfer registration to the degree of Provisional PhD by special permission of the relevant committee. Candidates wishing to transfer registration to the degree of Provisional PhD must submit a request for the transfer, which must be considered and approved by the relevant committee by no later than nine months from the date of commencement of full-time Master by Research study (or 18 months of part-time study).

The period of study registered on the Master by Research programme will be counted towards the doctoral candidature. The PGR will undergo a formal, rigorous assessment procedure for transfer to full PhD status in accordance with normal practice for transfer to doctoral registration. This should take place before the end of 12 months of full-time study (or 24 months of part-time study), which includes the period of registration for the Master by Research. The decision to transfer to full PhD status will be considered by a transfer assessment panel and based on the submission of a transfer report and oral examination.   

A supervisor(s) will be appointed for each PGR at the commencement of the candidature. 

Candidates for one of the Masters degrees by research must present a thesis (30,000 words maximum) on the subject of their research which must contain matter at a level suitable for publication and must satisfy the examiners as specified in Ordinance X and its associated Regulations.

In the case of the degrees of Master of Education, Master of Science and Master of Science (Engineering) the language of the thesis shall be English. In the case of the degree of Master of Arts, in the area of modern languages, the language of the thesis shall normally be English, although, if the particular subject so demands, the relevant committee may be prepared to give permission at the time of the applicant’s acceptance as a candidate for the MA degree by research for a thesis to be submitted in a language other than English.

Candidates for the degrees of MA, MEd, MSc and MSc(Eng) by supervised research will not be permitted to submit their thesis for examination before completion of either one calendar year of full-time study or two calendar years of part-time study.

For the degrees of MA, MEd, MSc and MSc(Eng) the last date for the submission of the thesis shall normally be at the end of the prescribed period of research. In exceptional circumstances this may be extended by not more than three months by prior permission of the relevant committee.

Following examination, the examiners will be asked to make one of the following recommendations:

• a) Pass with distinction
• b) Pass
• c) Pass (subject to the correction of ‘editorial and presentational corrections’ or ‘minor deficiencies’): these corrections must be made within four or twelve weeks respectively from the date of the oral examination. The internal examiner is responsible for ensuring that ‘editorial and presentational corrections’ or ‘minor deficiencies’ are corrected by the candidate. The degree will not be awarded until confirmation that the corrections have been completed is received
• d) Referral (the ‘Referral recommendations’ section that follows explains this in more detail).
• e) Fail: the candidate has no further opportunity for submission for the degree.

Referral recommendations

If the thesis is not considered to be of sufficiently high standard to recommend the award of the degree but there is evidence of the potential of a successful Mastership by research submission, then on the recommendation of the examiners the candidate will be granted permission to resubmit the work in a revised form for the degree of Master by Research within a period of nine months, on one occasion only and on payment of an additional fee.

The recommendation of the examiners is subject to confirmation by the Graduate Board’s Examinations Group which will consider the examiners’ report. 

On completion of the programme PGRs should have shown evidence of being able:

• to interpret and communicate knowledge in their discipline through originality in their application of knowledge and a practical understanding of established techniques of research at a level suitable for publication in reputable journals/publications as appropriate to the field of research
• to present and defend research outcomes much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of a discipline or area of professional/clinical practice
• to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the subject area and expertise in generic and subject/professional skills
• to take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others where appropriate
• to formulate ideas and hypotheses proactively and to develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these
• to critically evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
• to demonstrate knowledge of and be able to assess, analyse and engage with the ethical and legal context of their research and any ethical and legal implications of their research. 

PGRs will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities through the research training and research specified for the programme:

• the skills necessary to undertake research at a higher level, for a future career as a researcher and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional/clinical practice
• evaluating their own achievement and that of others
• self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations
• independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development.

For Master (MA, MEd, MSc and MSc[Eng]) by Research) the learning context will include the analysis of, and decision making in, complex and unpredictable situations. The structure of the programme will provide research training, depth of study and opportunities for drawing upon appropriate resources and techniques. In the case of MDS this may also include clinical skills development. Opportunities will be provided for PGRs to develop:

• interests and informed opinions
• their involvement in the design and management of their learning activities
• their communication of their conclusions
• PGRs will be expected to progress to fully autonomous study and work. 

Achievement will be assessed by the examination of the candidate’s thesis and performance under oral examination. It will involve the achievement of the candidate in:

• evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within a significant aspect or different aspects of the discipline or area of clinical/professional practice which leads to the production of material at a level suitable for publication
• drawing on, and selecting appropriately from, a range of research techniques and methodologies in their enquiries into the discipline or area of clinical/professional practice
• demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area
• drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study
• evaluating and criticising received opinion
• making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data
• the written style and overall presentation of the thesis.

• Version 2: January 2025 – Timing of progress review for part-time candidates corrected.