MSc by Research Programme
This one-year full-time MSc by Research programme includes training in research skills to help you design your research project, and on successful completion of these modules you will get the added bonus of being awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods.
Course overview
Research and innovation are vital to the agricultural and equine industries, which face the constant challenge of adapting to scientific and technological advances. Expert, evidence-based insights lie at the heart of the industry’s ability to respond to those changes in a way that will benefit the industry itself and the wider world. This programme is your chance to play a pivotal part in that process.
You will be trained by the RAU’s globally renowned researchers in how to formulate enquiries, critical approaches to reading, scientific writing, research methodology and statistics (e.g. Genstat, SPSS, NVivo).
You will also gain the skills and confidence to lead lectures and contribute to internal seminars and external conferences. You may also attend taught subject classes to update your knowledge and understanding on disciplines related to your chosen subject of study and to further your critical review skills.
The full-time Master of Science by Research programme has two elements, completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods, and a one-year research project submitted as a thesis and possibly examined in a viva voce.
Our research degrees are validated by the University of Gloucestershire allowing you to interact with a large and subject-diverse postgraduate community.
You can enter the programme in either September or January.
Course content
- Full-time – minimum 12 months / maximum 24 months
- Part-time – minimum 18 months / maximum 36 months
There are no formal timetabled sessions for research degrees, which allows students to fulfil other commitments they may have, such as work, family and interests.
Disclaimer information
The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement will be an Honours degree at upper second class level or an equivalent academic qualification from a comparable international institution.
For students whose first language is not English, the University will accept the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in all elements.
International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.
Fees
2024-25 Applicants (including January 2025)
For the academic year 2024-2025 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas/EU | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £5,500 per year | £18,050 per year |
| Part-time | £2,750 per year (minimum registration of 2 years) | N/A |
2025-26 Applicants
For the academic year 2025-2026 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas/EU | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £5,750 per year | £18,950 per year |
| Part-time | £2,880 per year (minimum registration of 2 years) | N/A |
Please note: Part-time students from non-UK countries are currently unable to enrol on research degrees due to visa regulations.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan 2019/20.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
Apply now for January 2025 or September 2025 entry
If you have the ambition and passion to carry out research at higher degree level, together with the necessary finance to cover tuition fees, research project costs and your own living expenses, please contact Admissions, admissions@rau.ac.uk.
Applicants are required to contact Admissions (admissions@rau.ac.uk) prior to submitting an application to discuss their proposed research project. Please complete and return the Research Proposal form.
Research applicants should submit their initial enquiry at least 12 weeks prior to the date they are intending to start their study .
If your proposed research has been agreed and you are invited to submit a formal application please, ensure you complete this:
Home/UK applicants: at least one month prior to the start date of the programme
EU/Overseas applicants: at least three months prior to the start date of the programme as a student visa is required