The Masters of Research in Social Research (MRes) offers an intellectually rigorous route to developing original research grounded in professional practice.
- The MRes Social Research Methods bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. Students design research projects rooted in their own professional experience and practice, generating outcomes that both advance academic understanding and deliver tangible value to organisations.
- Designed for working professionals, the programme’s distance-learning format allows students to balance study, work, and personal commitments. Recorded lectures, live seminars, and one-to-one supervisory meetings ensure a rich, interactive learning experience accessible from anywhere in the world.
- Students benefit from an active research culture within the School of Business and Law, including access to events, seminar series, interdisciplinary workshops, and two research centres: Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse and the Centre for the Art of Living and Dying Well.
- Each student is supported by a dedicated supervisory team and a personal tutor.
Delivered entirely online with flexible full-time and part-time options, the programme enables experienced professionals to integrate academic theory and knowledge with practical insight, leading to meaningful impact in their organisations and sectors.
The MRes equips students with robust methodological and analytical skills. Building on this foundation, students can progress to the Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or the Professional Doctorate in Public Affairs and Social Policy.
Through a combination of structured online modules, specialist supervision, and engagement with St Mary’s vibrant research community, students become reflective practitioner-researchers capable of driving evidence-based change in complex business environments.
Photo credit: Pexels - Yan Krukov
Dr Jacob Johanssen
Associate Professor in Communications
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:2
Previous degree
Candidates must satisfy the general admission requirements of St Mary’s University
A 1000-word outline of your professional context and possible areas of research that
A CV which demonstrates that you have at least three years’ significant and relevant experience in a professional area appropriate to the programme of study;
An undergraduate degree which matches the descriptor for a Level 7 qualification in the UK Framework of Higher Education Qualifications OR an equivalent academic qualification OR evidence of equivalent experience and learning acquired in a professional context.
Evidence of proficiency in spoken and written English at IELTS 6.5 in accordance with St Mary’s standards for English language requirements.
Two professional referees.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
Additional costs
*Please note: The above fees are for September 2025 and September 2026 fees will be published shortly. Tuition fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
The assessment strategy is intended to build student skills in rigorous and original
You will be assessed using a range of different assessment methods in relation to social
Career opportunities
Graduates are equipped to lead evidence-based innovation and strategic
Students may use the programme to
Ongoing
Apply now
October 2026
February 2027
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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