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Master's by Research MA/MSc

Master’s by Research offers you the opportunity to pursue an independent research project while benefitting from the support of expert supervision. Develop an understanding of research study, linking your research project directly to your current or future career interests, and obtain a taste of what PhD study might entail.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive community. That’s why most of our postgraduate taught students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You will benefit from more regular assessments and feedback, a better study-life balance, and a simplified timetable that provides more time for work, professional development, caring responsibilities, and everything else that's important to you. Our block-taught courses are informed by industry practice, often accredited by professional bodies, and are delivered by passionate and talented academics, who will help you develop the skills to achieve your goals.

Read more about block teaching

Overview

The MA or MSc by Research is a master’s degree that emphasises independent study over taught instruction. It is often used as a training course in advanced research work and lays the foundation towards doing a PhD.

Reasons to study Master's by Research at DMU:

  • You have the flexibility to manage your own time and study when it suits you best
  • Our established practitioner and research-based academic staff have a reputation for undertaking world-leading projects; helping you get the very best out of your research project
  • Benefit from the support and expertise of research supervisors who will meet with you regularly to review your progress
  • Our research into dried blood spot analysis, helping the treatment of sick newborn babies, was recently shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards
  • Along with the development of the world’s first artificial pancreas; the aim of which is to improve treatment for those living with diabetes, our leading researchers have exhibited their work on ground-breaking Channel 4 documentaries, as well as overseas in America, at The National Science Museum in London, and to Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Edward during their visits to DMU
  • Other leading research projects include: developing a skin cancer detection tool, assessing the levels of toxins in rice and examining surgical site infections

You are encouraged to discuss your research ideas with potential supervisors before you start so that you have a clearly defined project at the enrolment stage.

Faculty

Health and Life Sciences (HLS) only.

Intake

This programme is available in line with October intakes only.

This degree is organised and run within faculties who provide a programme of research methods training appropriate to the particular academic discipline. You will undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of staff to allow you to develop your research skills. At the end of the project you will write up your findings in the form of a thesis and take part in an oral examination.

For further information on applying to the Masters by Research, please visit the Doctoral College Entry criteria and how to apply page – link to: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/doctoral-college/study/how-to-apply.aspx

 

DMU has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

  • UK
  • EU/International

Institution code: D26

Duration: Full-time: 12 months (plus a 3-month Research Completion Period, if required)
Part-time: 24 months (plus a 6-month Research Completion Period, if required)

Start date: October 2021

Location of study: De Montfort University Leicester UK

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

Duration: Full-time: 12 months (plus a 3-month Research Completion Period, if required)
Part-time: 24 months (plus a 6-month Research Completion Period, if required)

Start date: October 2021

Location of study: De Montfort University Leicester UK

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

  • Normally a minimum of a 2:1 or first class Honours degree (or equivalent)
  • Relevant experience may be needed for some projects You will be required to prepare a research proposal, approximately three pages long that sets out your research aims context and intended methods
  • You will then be interviewed by two members of staff and, if successful in your application, be assigned two supervisors

English language requirements:

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

Please visit dmu.ac.uk/international for more information.

 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessment

Academic expertise

 

Course modules

This is a research masters so there are no taught course modules. However, the university offers generic research training which includes courses on:

  • Intellectual Property Rights and Ethics
  • Planning and Managing Research
  • Preparing for your viva

There are also faculty-based research sessions including:

  • Literature Searching and Reference
  • Management, Health and Safety in laboratories (for those students who are laboratory-based) and;
  • Presentation of Research Data and Participation in Analytical Discussion

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment

Your research proposal will be discussed during your entry interview. If successful, you will be assigned two supervisors who you will meet with on a regular basis, at least twice per month if you’re a full-time student or once per month if you’re a part-time student.

You will submit a research thesis (maximum of 30,000 words) and have a viva conducted by an internal and external examiner.

Academic expertise

We benefit from a wide range of expertise in a number of specialist areas in order to help guide and support you in your research project.

Most of our academic staff are actively involved in research or consultancy activity and there are also more than 150 dedicated postgraduate researchers.

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
Placements
Placements
 

Health and Life Sciences facilities

Substantial investment in Health and Life Sciences has developed our teaching and learning facilities to help you develop your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom.

The 19th century Hawthorn Building has facilities designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences, including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths and nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Purpose-built clinical skills areas allow you to apply theory to practice in a safe environment. You will receive guidance and support from staff, to ensure that your practical ability in the clinical skills suites is accurate.

Library services

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Scholarships

As part of the university's commitment to enhancing the personal and career development of our graduates. We offer an Alumni scholarship programme. For more information visit Health and Life Sciences Alumni Scholarships.

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Graduate careers

The course will help you to develop and enhance the skills and knowledge required to conduct research in an area of interest to you. If you’re thinking about doing a PhD, it will also provide you with the opportunity to explore whether you enjoy independent study.

Your research can be tailored to your chosen career path, and if you are in employment it may also act as an opportunity to gain a better understanding of a topic related to your workplace.

Take your next steps

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