Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This MRes is a research‑led programme built around advanced training in research methods and a major independent research project. Core teaching typically covers advanced quantitative methods (including study design and statistics), qualitative methods (including interviews, focus groups and thematic analysis), research ethics and governance, and systematic review techniques. You will select optional modules or specialist seminars relevant to your interests—examples include clinical research methods, environmental monitoring and assessment, epidemiology and public health, health economics, or laboratory‑based techniques—depending on staff expertise and availability.

The principal component is a substantial, supervised research dissertation. You will work with an academic supervisor to develop a research question, design and conduct the study, analyse the data and present your findings in a thesis and associated outputs. Teaching is delivered through a mixture of workshops, seminars, research methods laboratories and one‑to‑one supervision, with emphasis on research integrity, reproducibility and transferable skills such as scientific writing, presentation, and research project management.

Entry requirements

• A good honours degree (typically a 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biomedical sciences, health sciences, environmental science, psychology, nursing, social science or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower honours degree and substantial relevant professional experience may be considered.
• A clear research proposal or statement of research interests that aligns with the supervisory expertise available in the faculty.
• Academic references supporting your suitability for independent research.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if your first language is not English, typically meeting a recognised international test level appropriate for postgraduate study.
• Some projects may require relevant clearances (for example clinical placement checks or DBS) or evidence of prior laboratory/field experience if the proposed project is technical in nature.

Career prospects

Graduates of this MRes move into a range of research and applied roles. Typical career pathways include progression to PhD study and academic careers, posts as research assistants or clinical trials coordinators, roles in public health or health policy, positions with environmental consultancies or regulatory bodies, and research roles in healthcare industry and charities. The programme also develops transferable skills valued in research management, evidence synthesis, data analysis and science communication, making graduates competitive for roles that require rigorous evaluation and project leadership.

Why study at Bournemouth University

• Bournemouth University offers a research‑active environment with interdisciplinary opportunities across health, environment and medical sciences, enabling you to pursue projects that cross traditional boundaries.
• Supervision is provided by academic staff engaged in applied and policy‑relevant research, with opportunities to collaborate with local NHS organisations, industry partners and environmental stakeholders.
• The faculty provides practical training in contemporary research methods and access to laboratory, field and data analysis facilities where required for projects, alongside dedicated support for postgraduate researchers.
• Students benefit from dedicated career and employability services, training in research communication, and a focus on producing outputs that are useful for both academic progression and applied practice.