Master of Research

In some anglophone countries, the degree Master of Research is an advanced postgraduate research degree in a specific academic discipline. At some universities, the conferred degree is called the Master of Arts by Research or Master of Science by Research in a specific academic discipline of Science or Social Sciences. The Master of Research degree is usually abbreviated as MRes whereas the Master of Arts by Research is often abbreviated as MARes or MA(Res), while the Master of Science by Research is sometimes abbreviated as MSc(Res) or MScRes.

Master's of Research degrees are increasingly popular with a number of the Russell Group Universities; such as Imperial College London, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, University of Liverpool, University of Southampton and the University of London; as well as in universities with significant art and design departments, such as the Faculty of Arts (University of Brighton) and University of the Arts London. In Australia, the MRes degree was first introduced at Macquarie University. In most cases, the degree is designed to prepare students for doctoral research. For universities with significant strengths in Practice-led research, a research Master's degree preparation provides an opportunity for understanding the nature and potential of research study through, for example, art and design practice.

This type of course is also useful if the student is considering a career in the commercial world where research is a key focus but a PhD is not specifically required. Additionally, if the student is unsure whether a PhD is right or not, a Master's of Research degree can give the useful experience of what studying for a doctorate might be like, whilst at the same time allowing the student to earn a valuable Master's level qualification.

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