What is Masters of Research?
A masters of research degree (MRes) is acknowledged worldwide. It is, in most cases, a 12 month long program intended to help prospective PhD students prepare adequately for research work.
The major component of this type of program like the name suggests is research and the good news is; you can apply with your bachelors degree!
If you have an HND, however, you may not be able to apply for this. You should also try to figure out what masters is right for you here
A masters of research is designed in such a way that projects, lectures and seminars are curated specifically to assist a potential PhD candidate find a research topic.
If you love digging things up, analyzing interesting concepts, sorting empirical data and delving into problems, then a research masters is right up your alley!
What is the difference between a Masters of Research and a Normal Masters?
Masters of research and taught (normal) masters have similarities but are not the same.
- In Masters of Research, students are expected to do a final research project, which is usually 90 points. A normal (taught) masters is however, comprised of courses or lectures that are taught but can also include a research project or dissertation which is less than 90 points.
- A taught Masters is usually 12 months or 24 months long full-time depending on the university and are delivered through a series of modules comprised with regular coursework and tests. Research Masters are also usually 12 months long however the course is predominantly comprised of independent research supported by a supervisor.
Is a Research Masters Cheaper Than Taught Masters?
It is important to talk about money. The financial costs of an international degree is not something to gloss over. So what is the tea? What is more affordable?
Depending on your interests and your budget, either one could be more to your liking.
It is important to scale your values and interests so they align with either a taught or a research masters, this will help you arrive at an informed conclusion.
You could be making a wrong decision based only on the figures that you see quoted on your offer letter.
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Objectively, however, a research masters in most universities has a lower tuition fee than that of taught masters.
Why You Should Apply for a Research Masters
- Flexibility:Doing a Research Masters’ instead of a taught masters affords you the flexibility you need to fully gain from an academic experience.You can explore multiple extracurricular activities that will aid your educational journey, you could also take more time to delve into your research and produce a solid body of work.
Flexibility in research masters also gives you time to gain valuable work experience.
- Enhanced Communication Skills; Doing a research masters is bound to enhance you communication skills – verbally and orally. This is because the methodology that exists in this form of learning is largely academic. You will be prone to a number of presentations and intellectual discourse that is sure to elevate your communication skills.
- Academic development; A research masters is a sure way to be academically recognized. Not only does a research masters brand you as someone with a strong academic record, it can also launch you as ready for further education such as a doctorate degree.
- Financial support and scholarships: To enhance the quality of your desired research field, many top universities are willing to offer scholarships, awards, grants and awards as support.
- Contribution and recognition; Completing a research masters can be very beneficial if you pursue innovation and are creative.
Oftentimes, because you are contributing relevant information in a unique or underreported field, you will get financial support from government institutions and the school itself!
- Building connections; If you are wondering whether to apply for a research masters, a good reason to continue on this trail is the academic connections you will make. As a result of the deep diving you’d be doing, you are bound to make useful connections and international collaboration thereby expanding your network.
- Career development; Gaining a Masters of Research degree will definitely set you apart from your peers. You gain a competitive edge in professional setting demonstrating to employers as a candidate that you possess useful knowledge and research methods.
Top Locations for International Students interested in Masters of Research
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Australia
- Canada
- United States of America
- Germany
- Ireland
