Masters by Research (MRes) course

About the project

Edge Hill is home to a thriving and dynamic research culture and offers full-time and part-time research degrees in a wide range of subject areas. Studying for a postgraduate research degree will enable you to immerse yourself in a topic that especially interests you and to independently explore a gap in your existing research.

Our research degrees are organised and run centrally through the Graduate School , which coordinates the training, supervision and support of our research students.

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Your study options

If you are looking to undertake a Masters programme with a substantial element of research, perhaps as preparation for joining a PhD, then our Masters by Research (MRes) course is for you.

Our Masters by Research (MRes) course provides a short and intensive research experience in a subject area of interest to you. Covering both practical and theoretical aspects, you will complete a research project supported by a programme of research training, helping you to develop the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, evaluate and communicate your own research in your chosen discipline.

Please be aware that our MRes research degrees are now only available to UK students, we are no longer accepting MRes applications from International students for 2027 entry onwards.

Masters by Research (MRes) course

Masters by Research

MRes

Receive substantial training in a range of research approaches, developing an appreciation of their theoretical and philosophical underpinnings, while completing a research-based dissertation that focuses on a topic in-depth.

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Studying for a PhD provides you with the opportunity to make an original contribution to knowledge. Through a substantial programme of research, you will critically investigate and evaluate a specific topic and demonstrate an understanding of research methodology appropriate to the field of study. Topics for study may result from personal interest, an area of study related to an earlier qualification or an issue that an employer would like you to investigate.

A PhD is awarded on the quality of your thesis and your performance in an oral examination (viva voce), where you will present your chosen research topic to a group of senior academics. You will also need to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to new knowledge or extended existing theory or understanding.

A PhD will typically last a minimum of three years full-time or four and a half years part-time. While PhD students normally base their research at the University, they may conduct significant aspects of their work elsewhere, such as at home or in the workplace.

On successful completion of a PhD you will have an internationally recognised and respected qualification. The skills and knowledge acquired while planning, conducting, analysing and writing up your research will significantly enhance your CV and help you stand out in a competitive graduate employment market.

• Course length: 1 year (typical minimum) full-time, 18 months (typical minimum) part-time
• Subject area(s): Research
• Location: Edge Hill University

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) course

Doctor of Philosophy

PhD

Focus on a research area in depth, receive substantial training in a range of research approaches and write a thesis that will demonstrate your understanding of how to develop a critical academic argument.

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• Course length: 3 years (typical minimum) full-time, 4.5 years (typical minimum) part-time
• Subject area(s): Research
• Location: Edge Hill University

UK students

Our postgraduate money matters guide outlines the tuition fees and financial support arrangements for UK students joining a PhD or MRes at Edge Hill University.

We can help explain what student funding you may be entitled to receive and how to apply for it. You are encouraged to explore all potential sources of additional funding for your postgraduate studies to maximise the total amount you have to support the payment of tuition fees and your living costs.

International students

Our Fees, finance and scholarships page outlines everything to do with fees and funding for International students joining Edge Hill University at any level, including our PhD research degrees.

Please be aware that our MRes research degrees are now only available to UK students, we are no longer accepting MRes applications from International students for 2027 entry onwards.

Progress to Postgraduate Award

If you are an Edge Hill graduate, you may be eligible for a 20% fee reduction if you start an eligible full-time or part-time postgraduate programme in the 2026/2027 academic year. To be eligible, you must have recently completed your undergraduate award, PGCE, PGDE or Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching at Edge Hill University.

This offer is available to eligible UK students, EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status, and Irish nationals.

Our university research

Staff in all subject areas across the University are engaged in research that is addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges, providing expertise to develop solutions and prompt change.

Our research centres and institutes also work to bring together staff from different departments, alongside visiting professors and professionals from external organisations. This combined range of expertise ensures that research degrees can be pursued in a wide range of subject areas.

Next steps

If you are interested in joining a research degree at Edge Hill University, you will need to apply directly using the online application form for your preferred research degree (PhD or MRes). Please refer to individual PhD or MRes pages to access the relevant application form.

We run postgraduate specific events to help you make your decision about further study. Get the answers to your questions, explore our range of knowledge enhancing and industry focused courses and discover what matters most to you.

As a postgraduate student, there is a range of off campus accommodation to suit you. Whether you choose to live in the heart of Ormskirk or opt to stay in the bustling city of Liverpool, there are plenty of options for you to call home.

Application enquiries

For queries relating to applications for our PhD or MRes research degrees please use the following email or phone number.

General enquiries

For further information about any of our research degree opportunities, you can get in touch with the Graduate School , which will be happy to assist you.

Research areas