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Education MRes

1 year full-time, starting in September 2025

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Learn advanced techniques to analyse data and draw effective insights. You’ll focus on the education sector and enhance your research skills.

In-depth quantitative and qualitative research methods form the core of this course. This allows you to develop your skills in some of the most essential areas to progress your studies or become a working researcher in the education sector.

The course aims to:

  • teach you to systematically review alternative approaches, methodologies and paradigms of research in social and educational enquiry
  • enable you to critically evaluate the application of these approaches in the specific areas of social and educational enquiry in which you specialise
  • embed you within an active research community, to help you identify and investigate your own original research questions
  • equip you with the skills to contribute to research projects using any of the main methodologies of the social sciences

You’ll develop your understanding of the approaches used to effectively analyse large-scale data. You’ll also learn how to present key findings and insights.

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in a number of private and public sector roles.

Why choose a Master of Research (MRes) degree?

An MRes is a master’s degree with a focus on research. The knowledge and expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for doctoral study and a range of non-academic careers that require strong research skills.

Find out more about why an MRes might be right for you.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.

If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.

For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.

Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in education research. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

This includes advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, and bibliographic skills; and the use of appropriate technology to undertake tasks that use these skills.

Graduate prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative and qualitative research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters.

Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data.

This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of education research and enquiry.

This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Contemporary issues in education research 1: critical users​

    5 credits

  • Digital methods and data skills for MRes

    5 credits

  • Dissertation

    40 credits

  • Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods

    10 credits

  • Principles of social sciences research

    10 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Advanced qualitative methods

    5 credits

  • Advanced quantitative methods

    5 credits

  • Dissertation

    Continued

  • Independent research essay

    5 credits

  • Principles of social sciences research

    Continued

  • ​​Contemporary issues in education research 2: competent producers

    5 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Project output (other than dissertation or report)

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 8-10 of those hours being structured classes.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a range of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, project work, examinations, and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

In your application you will need to provide a max. 500 word personal statement in your own words which should explain:

(a) Why you wish to undertake a Master of Research and the interests and skills you particularly hope to develop on the course.

(b) Your research interests - please be specific.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Education MRes full-time

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    Education
  • Final award
    MRes
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUXX-MR11
  • Department
    Department of Education
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

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