What is a Masters by research?

See how a Masters by research differs from a taught course and if it’s the option for you.

A Masters by research course at York involves a focused research project that is normally assessed by an extended written piece of work known as a thesis and often an oral examination.

You'll have more independence than on a taught Masters course and can choose your own research topic. You won't be working in isolation though. A supervisor will advise you on your project, and additional support will be available from your department and York Graduate Research School.

Most Masters-level programmes are taught courses. But a Masters by research offers an alternative route to getting a Masters degree and gives you a taste of what studying a research degree is like without having to commit to a doctorate. There are several other differences too; from how to apply to what it will cost. Once you understand all the differences you can decide which is the best for you.

Why choose a Masters by research?

Develop your skills as a researcher

Experience what studying for a doctorate might be like

Gain a Masters degree

Masters by research vs taught Masters?

	Taught Masters	Masters by research
Typical duration	Full-time: one year Part-time: two years	Full-time: one year Part-time: two years
Start dates	September only for most taught programmes. Although it does vary, so check the course you're interested in for a specific date. Online and distance learning courses are more flexible and might offer up to six start dates per year.	September is the main start date, but most departments also offer a second start date in January. Some departments also offer additional start dates in April and July.
Tuition fees	Tend to cost more than a Masters by Research course.	Tend to cost less than a taught Masters course.
Funding	You may be eligible for a UK government Masters loan. You might be able to apply for a suitable scholarship or bursary. If you've previously studied with us you may be eligible for a 10% Graduate Loyalty Discount.	You may be eligible for a UK government Masters loan. You might be able to apply for a suitable scholarship or bursary but there are usually fewer options for Masters by research courses. Occasionally funded projects are advertised, or departments may offer their own awards.
Applying	Apply online or submit a paper application form. References are not usually required and interviews are generally only required for vocationally-related degrees. But there are exceptions, so check the course page for course-specific requirements. Decisions are typically returned within three weeks of submitting your application.	You’ll normally need to prepare a research proposal and identify at least one potential supervisor. Two reference letters are required. Interested departments will invite you to an interview. Decisions typically returned within six weeks of submitting your application.
Course content	You'll attend classes similar to an undergraduate course, but the content will be higher level and more specialised.	Your focus will be on your individual research project but you may have to attend some classes.
Assessment / award	180 credits (at least 150 at Masters level) Award based on module assessments and usually a dissertation. Can be awarded as a: pass (50% +) merit (60%+) distinction (70%)	Not formally credit rated. Award based solely on the thesis (or alternative assessment format) and often an oral examination. Graded as pass or a fail. A mark-scale is not applicable.
Accepted for progression to a PhD?	Yes. All of our taught Masters degrees are suitable qualifications to progress to a PhD.	Yes, and a Masters by Research offers good preparation for a PhD, because you will have devoted more time to intensive research. You are also more likely to be asked to contribute to conferences and journal papers as a Masters by Research student - building your research profile and networks. Some departments will even allow outstanding Masters by research students to transfer directly onto Year 2 of a PhD but this can only happen before you submit your thesis, ie you would not receive a Master by Research award.

What's the difference between a Masters by research and an MRes or MARes?

The University of York uses the term Masters by research to mean a research degree at Masters level, as opposed to a taught Masters degree. Hull York Medical School offers an MSc in Medical or Human Sciences (by thesis) which is equivalent to a Masters by research.

Be aware that terminology varies by institution so you need to look carefully at the course content and assessment. Some institutions might refer to research degrees at Masters level as a MRes or MARes, while at York and other institutions an MRes is a research-focused taught degree that includes formally assessed taught modules.