You’ll have the chance to explore a topic that genuinely interests you, with structured support for your research methods. Alongside learning as part of a cohort, you’ll benefit from personalised guidance from our academics, who’ll support you throughout your research journey.
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Overview
Whether you're passionate about Biomedical Science, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Forensic Science, Geography, Biology, or Medical Sciences, you will be supported by expert researchers in the School of Science and the Environment to undertake a significant piece of research with the potential to contribute to real-world scientific understanding and innovation.
This course is ideal for home or international students seeking to improve their research skills and develop their academic profile, either as a route into doctoral study or to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Many of our MRes graduates go on to pursue PhDs, while others use the advanced research and analytical skills to progress into a variety of industries
You will be part of a vibrant research community, with access to specialist facilities, the Doctoral School’s Research Student Development Programme, and opportunities to engage in events such as our Postgraduate Research Conference. From the outset, you will be supported by a named Director of Studies who will guide you through every stage of your research journey.
Course structure
The MRes Science begins with a taught component designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to become an effective and independent researcher. Our modules will help you to critically engage with scientific literature, refine your research question and turn your project outline into a full project proposal. Upon successful completion of the taught component, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in recognition of your progress.
Following the taught phase, you will progress to the research component, where you will carry out the project you have designed. This phase culminates in the submission of a thesis, supported by your Director of Studies, who will guide you through data collection, analysis, and writing.
Course content
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Careers
An MRes can be a stepping stone to further study at doctoral level. Students who complete a Masters by Research will often go on to undertake a PhD or a professional doctorate such as a Doctorate of Education. This can lead to a role as a lecturer or researcher in the Higher Education sector or as a researcher in the public or business sectors. The transferable skills developed though the MRes will also prepare you for careers in the scientific research, business and public sectors and will fast-track you into leadership and management roles.
Course highlights
Teaching and Supervision
You’ll take part in a taught programme delivered through a blend of lectures, interactive workshops and seminars. Lectures will introduce you to key topics in scientific research, covering methodology, ethics, and contemporary challenges that may relate to your chosen research area. Workshops and seminars will give you space to explore ideas, ask questions, and apply what you’ve learned through discussion and group activities.
We place strong emphasis on helping you develop independent learning skills that will support your academic success, prepare you for future employment, and enable lifelong learning. During the research project module, you’ll take responsibility for managing your own work, with most of your time spent working independently. However, your Director of Studies will meet with you regularly to offer guidance, support your learning, and provide feedback on your progress.
Teaching and assessment contents
The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or ‘formative’ assessments.
Each taught module has one or more formal or ‘summative’ assessments which are graded and count towards the overall module grade. Assessment methods are through coursework including presentations, literature reviews, project proposals, project plans.
For the research project module you will submit a 20,000 word thesis. Your Director of Studies will provide feedback on drafts chapters and a final draft of your thesis.
You will receive feedback on practice assessments and on formal assessments. Feedback is intended to support learning and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutors and Director of Studies as appropriate.
We will provide you with feedback on formal course work assessments within 20 working days of hand-in.
Entry requirements
- First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or an approved equivalent award in a relevant discipline
or
- Research or professional experience which has resulted in appropriate evidence of achievement
International applicants will be required to demonstrate comparable prior subject experience and to have an appropriate level of written and spoken English (normally an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6 in written English).
Entry qualifications for international students are guided by the National Academic Recognition Information Centre's (NARIC) advice on international qualifications.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU Students - Indicative fee
The standard fee for full-time home and EU students enrolling on MA/MSc/MBA and MRes degrees in the 2025/26 academic year is £9,450 per year.
For more details, please visit our course fees page.
International Students - Indicative fee
The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on MA, MSc, MBA and MRes degrees in the 2025/26 academic year is £17,900 per year.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Apply to study full time
Applications for 2026/27 will open soon.
If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 or admissions@worc.ac.uk
Research outline
As part of the application process, you are asked to present an outline of your proposed research project. Please read these notes for guidance as you prepare your outline.
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Admissions Office
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