Culture - Masters in Research (MRes)

The course consists of two taught modules, and a fully supervised major research project. The content of elements of the course will vary according to which award you have enrolled for and will be determined by your supervisor.

In the first semester (October - February), you will take the following compulsory module:

• Module 1: Research Methodologies (30 credits) - This is an interdisciplinary research methodologies module that runs for 12 weeks. The first six weeks consist of a series of interdisciplinary lectures and seminars focusing on particular research skills,methodologies and approaches. In weeks 7 - 12, you will work with your supervisor to develop discipline-specific research methodologies.

Over the first two semesters (October - April) you will take:

• Module 2: Research Portfolio (30 credits) - This is a discipline-specific research module that runs for 24 weeks. Based on the original research proposal you develop, your supervisor will draw up a reading list of significant works that will support or extend your project. Through a series of supervisions, you will develop your discipline knowledge and complete a research portfolio.

From February, you will work to complete your extended project, which will be handed in by the beginning of September.

• Extended Project Module (120 credits) - The extended project can take a variety of forms depending of the nature of the discipline you are researching. It could be a written dissertation of up to 25,000 words; or, if practice-based the practice element could account for 50% of the project. In this latter case, the written component would be at least 12,500 words. Your supervisor will help you determine the appropriate balance for your research.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

Teaching will consist of a mix of scheduled lectures and seminars to the whole group, and one-to-one supervision with your designated supervisor. You will be supported through directed learning and independent study, and will engage in essential reading, research, assignment preparation and completion.

You will benefit from a higher level of close supervision than you would on a taught MA, allowing you to hone and develop your research skills. You will also learn valuable presentation skills, covering not only how to present your research to your peers and at conferences, but also how to present yourself online by developing a compelling research portfolio.

The tutors you will work with are all experts in their field, with extensive experience of research themselves. Many of them are active members of UWE's research centres and have extensive links with industry and other organisations.

For more details, see our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

The MRes lasts one year full-time or two years part-time, running from September to September in both cases. As this is a research degree, most of your time will be spent on independent study, but you will have regular contact with your supervisor and there will be timetabled sessions for the first six weeks of the Research Methodologies module.

The formal teaching sessions will take place at Frenchay campus and individual tutorials will be located where your assigned supervisor is based.

Research Methodologies is assessed by:

• A presentation lasting approximately ten minutes examining different disciplinary and methodological approaches to your study (30%)
• A Research Proposal that contains a detailed description and justification of your proposed research (70%)

Research Portfolio is assessed by:

• A literature/texts review of material supplied by your supervisor (30%)
• A portfolio containing analytical readings of key texts/sources/artefacts relevant to your project that includes material you have generated through your own research (70%)

Extended Project is assessed by either:

• A written dissertation of up to 25,000 words
• If practice-based, a 12,500 written component and an artefact (for example, a film, sculpture, exhibition, installation, online material or other creative or cultural output)depending on what is appropriate to your practice

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.