MRes in Psychology | University of Bedfordshire

Overview

A Master by Research (MRes) involves synthesising and conducting a research project similar to a BSc undergraduate honours project however at a higher level. It will enable you to develop extensive subject expertise and independent research skills which are honed over an extended period, normally one year.

You will be supported to undertake a substantial, original research project for the duration of the degree, under the supervision and guidance of two or more academic members of staff. Your supervisory team provides guidance both in the selection of a research topic and in the conduct of the research.

In the School of Psychology, we have an international staff body with expertise in psychological wellbeing and mental health, health across the life course (maternal and child health, adolescents, and end of life), cognitive neuropsychology and community and organisations. These are our current areas of research

Have a look at our staff profiles to find a compatible supervisor. It is advised that you approach a potential director of studies before submitting your proposal. See here for details about our academic staff and their areas of expertise

The school of psychology offers purpose-built dedicated research space and advanced equipment to support experimental and applied research in a range of expert areas.

State-of-the-art virtual reality lab housing omnidirectional slip-mills for unlimited movement in virtual environments, a range of tethered and untethered headsets, and eye tracking capability
Eye tracking facilities also include an EyeLink 1000 Plus and a Tobii eye tracker screen
STISIM driving simulator
Biosemi Active 2 EEG with capabilities for up to 256+8 electrodes plus sensor channels
Extended physiological recording facilities
Psychometrics and cognitive test library

We also have links with other schools across the university, such as Computer Science and Technology and Life Sciences, able to support with additional resources.

Why study a Master by Research in Psychology?

Research degrees help you start or continue your research in a field you're passionate about. You can decide what you work on, how you work on it and how you get there, with support and guidance from a supervisory team.

Make a world-first discovery, create innovation with lasting impact or shine a new light on important topics. Whether you've just finished your postgraduate degree, in the workforce or returning to university after a break, a research degree gives you a lot of options.

Five reasons to do a Master by Research

You have a passion for research. If you love learning and are passionate about discovering new things, then it's a good sign that a research degree is for you. You'll pick a topic you're interested in and have the freedom to dive deep into the heart of a problem. Draw on the years of research in your field, forge your own findings or perspective and contribute to a body of exceptional research.
You enjoyed and were successful in your previous study of psychology, so you’d like to take it to the next level.
You want to advance your career in psychology. A research degree is a great way to become a subject matter expert or researcher.
You want to be an expert in a particular area or subject. If you complete a Master by Research, you will be.
You want to build on experience and expertise that you have already gained in your work or other activities (for instance, as a community volunteer).

Master by Research programmes provide an opportunity for independent study within a structured academic environment.

The research programme agreed upon with the supervisor will be designed to provide effective training in research methods within the discipline area selected.

MA/MSc by Research students enrol for one year full-time or two years part-time. The assessment is by submission of a thesis followed by a presentation and oral examination.

For MSc/MA by Research a good Honours degree (2:2 or above) is required in the appropriate subject.

For the most current information on the fees to do an MSc by Research for both UK and international students, please visit the Research Graduate School fees page

Postgraduate Loans

If you are a Home or EU student, you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan from the Government to help with course fees and living costs.

Career Development Loans

You may be able to take out a Career Development Loan (CDL) to help cover the cost of fees and living costs.

Support from an employer

This could be an option for you if you are currently working and would like to progress further in the company you are already in.

Employers may wish to sponsor your whole degree or partially fund some of it. Some companies already have sponsorship programmes in place, so it is worth doing your research.

Employer sponsorship could also contribute to the cost of books and materials, day release to attend classes or the provision of study time.

You will be under the supervision and guidance of two or more academic members of staff. You will have a Director of Studies who will act as your main supervisor throughout your Master's. At least one of your supervisors will have experience in seeing research students through to successful completion and both will be actively engaged in an area of research relevant to the student’s field of inquiry. Your supervisory team will provide guidance in the selection of a research topic and in the conduct of the research and will support you across all milestones.

In the School of Psychology, we have an international staff body with expertise in psychological wellbeing and mental health, health across the life course (maternal and child health, adolescents, and end of life), cognitive neuropsychology and community and organisations. These are our current areas of research

You can see more details about our current students and what they are doing

See here for details about our academic staff and their areas of expertise

Key facts

Duration

Full time	Part time
1 year	2 years

International/EU applicants

Starting date	Deadline for application
October 2023	30 June 2023
March 2024	25 November 2023

UK applicants

Starting date	Deadline for application
October 2023	1 August 2023
March 2024	6 January 2024

How to apply

You can find out more details on how to apply here

Here is a checklist of documents and information you will need to submit to the following email address: research@beds.ac.uk

A completed Research Graduate School Application Form [PDF]
Proposal (2000-word max) – see below for guidance
Curriculum vitae or resume
Copy of your photo ID
Copy of your Certificate and Transcript of highest qualification

In order to submit an application to a research degree programme you must provide a research proposal indicating the area of work you are interested in. The proposal should be no more than 2000 words and should include the following: