Technologies - Master by Research (MRes)

Candidates will complete 80 credits of taught research-related study (the Taught Phase) and 100 credits of independent research (the Research Phase). Candidates will benefit from the flexibility of the programme by choosing the modules appropriate to their research project.

In the Taught Phase of the programme candidates complete 40 credits of modules (2 x 20 credits) on core research-related topics alongside their peers from other MRes pathways and 40 credits of modules (2 x 20 credits) aligned with their subject area.

The Taught Phase – Core Modules

Module 1 – Developing Your Research Idea

This first module provides candidates with a grounding in the research process, covering aspects such as: personal research philosophies, generating aims and objectives, research methodologies, working collaboratively, research ethics and developing sustainability in research, critical writing, literature searching and reference management, intellectual property, and design thinking for human-centred approaches.

Module 3

Candidates choose 1 of the following:

• Developing Quantitative Research Skills
• Developing Mixed Methods Research Skills
• Developing Qualitative Research Skills

Candidates will select to follow either a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods research skills specialism depending on the nature of their intended area of study in the Research Phase. These modules will cover topics including project management, conducting and interpreting statistical tests, methods of presenting results, writing for academic audiences, and study skills. Based on an understanding of research design (Module 1), research skills (Module 3) and the subject specialism (Module 2), a research proposal for their final research project will be developed and submitted as a method of assessment in this module. Additionally, candidates will also need to submit an ethics proposal at this stage of their candidature.

The Taught Phase – Optional Modules

Module 2

Candidates choose 1 of the following:

• Developing Subject-specific Knowledge

Candidates can choose to study a subject-specific 20 credit module from existing taught master’s level programmes. Whichever module candidates select from the suite of existing taught modules; they will complete the same assessment as the PGT candidates enrolled on that module.

• Preparing for Your Research Project

Candidates will develop attributes necessary for their chosen research project. Following an asynchronous module introduction, and discussions with their supervisory team, candidates will need to decide on which assessment route they wish to pursue in the module (see below for potential options). Academic support will be provided throughout the module courtesy of the supervisory team. The suite of assessments is intentionally broad to account for candidates that need to develop different areas such as:

• practical clinical skills (example assessment – practical or portfolio development)
• refining data collection techniques (example assessment – technical report on pilot data)
• writing skills (example assessment – narrative/systematic review)
• design concepts (example assessment – prototype development)

Module 4

Candidates choose 1 of the following:

• Developing Subject-specific Knowledge
• Preparing for Your Research Project

The details of the modules are the same for Modules 2 and 4. Candidates can choose to follow the same route for Modules 2 and 4, or complete one of each module type.

Module 5 – Research Project

Candidates will complete an independent research project, weighted at 100 credits, in which they will be able to apply their newly acquired expertise in research and subject-specific knowledge. The final research project will be discipline-specific and can take the form of the following submission types:

• Traditional thesis/research dissertation (up to 20,000 words maximum)
• 1-2 research manuscript(s) for peer-review

The final project will be assessed via a formal viva voce examination. Consideration will be given to the quality and content of the written submission, but also the way the candidate independently and articulately defends their work.

The exit point for this course will be the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Research Principles gained through the successful completion of 60 credits of study.

Throughout the MRes, a variety of L&T methods will be employed including:

• scheduled online asynchronous delivery of lectures and seminars (e.g., flipped or pre-recorded teaching, accessing recorded lectures or videos, learning activities designed online, contribution to discussion for group work)
• face-to-face interactions with supervisory team members
• scheduled situational learning (e.g., field work, data gathering, scheduled lab work with supervision)
• scheduled academic support (e.g., assessment workshops, in-person feedback, subject based tutorial sessions, academic skills sessions, research supervision)
• independent guided learning (e.g., preparation of flipped reading, independent study for assignments, studio or lab work on individual projects, reading and research, independent access of specific academic skills support)

This is supported via the Moodle VLE, which provides access to key materials, handouts and research papers.

A significant amount of work will be required by the candidates through independent learning and self-study. Such study enables candidates to independently develop their understanding of the module concepts and to complete formative and summative exercises.

Each candidate will also be allocated a Supervisory Team at the outset of the programme. Candidates are expected to liaise with their Supervisory Team during their studies, and to keep them abreast of progress via regular ‘milestone review meetings’.

In the Taught Phase of the MRes, each module has its own form of assessment. Most modules are assessed via a coursework portfolio which can include some of the following options:

• Research Articles
• Practical Experience Portfolios
• Design-related Outputs
• Creative and Artistic Works
• Critical Analysis of Published Research
• Systematic Literature Review Process
• Posters
• Ethics Reviews
• Research Bids
• Research Proposal

In the Research Phase of the MRes, candidates will be supported by their supervisory team to complete a final research project consisting of either:

• A traditional thesis/research dissertation (up to 20,000 words maximum)
• 1-2 research manuscript(s) for peer-review (note, the manuscripts do not need to have been formally submitted to a peer-review journal as part of the assessment)

The final research project will then be assessed via a formal Viva Voce Examination.

The MRes prepares candidates for the next stage in their research career, whether pursuing a further research programme (such as a PhD or Taught Doctorate) or entering research-based employment.

MRes graduates will have developed core skills in critical thinking, reflection and academic writing, research design and research methods, ethics and integrity, and issues aligned with trusted research.

The programme is designed for graduates from a range of different disciplines. The specific entry requirements include:

• An honours degree (2.1 classification or above) in a relevant discipline
• Candidates with exceptional and extensive work experience in management roles will also be considered for entry to the programme

International Applicants

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard (with minimum 6.5 in the Reading and Writing components) or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Selection Procedure

Students are normally selected based on a fully completed application form accompanied by:

• a curriculum vitae (CV) outlining evidence of prior knowledge of the subject
• a degree transcript, module syllabi for subject-specific knowledge and a copy of prior dissertations
• a personal statement
• a research proposal (maximum 1500 words) which outlines their research area
• academic references

Applicants will be asked to attend for interview if the research proposal and application stage is acceptable. Interviews can be held via in person, via Teams or phone with the MRes School Co-ordinator and Graduate Studies Co-ordinator before any offer is made.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service application system. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages.

MRes candidates are invited to be part of the Cardiff Met Doctoral Research Community and connect with peers studying research degrees in a wide array of fields.

Candidates will be able to access dedicated study and social spaces across campuses such as School specific spaces and the Doctoral Researcher Centre located on Cyncoed campus which is available to all research degree candidates.

As part of the Doctoral Researcher Community, MRes candidates will have their voice represented by the Doctoral Researcher Group (DRG) to represent and advocate their interests and feedback. The DRG contains representatives from each academic School and candidates are encouraged to connect with their School representatives to provide feedback on their experience. The DRG organise an annual Doctoral Researcher Conference which provides candidates with an opportunity to gain experience of presenting their research in a conference setting to their peers in a supportive environment. In addition to the annual conference, the DRG organise various events throughout the year such as Peer-to-Peer sessions and networking and social events. Events will also be organised by Schools, such as Writing Retreats, and centrally, such as research skills training, where candidates can engage with peers beyond their cohort.

For course specific enquiries, please contact cstresearch@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For general enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.