MA/MSc by Research

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

The research programme which is agreed with the supervisor will be designed to provide an 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.

MPhil/PhD

Following registration, a research student with the support and direction of the supervisory team will establish the detailed programme of study.

Students will register onto the MPhil course, with the possibility of transfer to PhD.

Students undertake two Progression Point assessments during their study. These are aimed to help students to complete their research degrees successfully and on time and are designed to align with the need to compile a thesis for final examination and to simulate the final examination processes. The assessments rest on the submission of substantial written documents and a short Viva Voce examination. The documents contain material that will be needed for the final thesis. Upon successful completion of the second Progression Point, the student will transfer to the PhD.

This process of formal scrutiny provides both quality assurance of the postgraduate research degree progression and effective formal academic feedback for the research student at critical stages in the course of their study.

Timings for the academic progression of part-time students will be longer and will vary depending upon the nature of the agreed commitment.

Professional Doctorates

Professional Doctorates are practice-based research degrees.

The University currently offers the following Professional Doctorates:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - More information on the DBA

Find your area of interest within Research topics – while you’re there, explore the institute you will be joining.

Find out more about our fees including any additional costs beyond the degree fee itself.

Find out more about postgraduate funding options, including our 20% tuition-fee discount for University of Bedfordshire alumni (including those who attended the University of Luton and DMU).

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

Applicants for other research-degree awards should have a good Honours degree (2:1 or above), or a Master's degree or equivalent in the relevant subject area.

Part-time study is available on most of our research degrees if you are a UK (home) applicant. Find out if your degree is offered part time by consulting the relevant course page (see below).

Due to UKVI regulations, we are unable to accept students who require a Tier 4 student visa onto our part-time programmes.

If you are a staff member, please read the Staff PGR policy [PDF] before you apply.