University of York

What you'll study

The MRes is centred on a substantial research project, typically supervised by one or more academic staff in your chosen department. You will design and carry out original research under academic guidance, produce a written thesis and, in many programmes, present your work in a viva voce examination or seminar. Alongside the project you will usually take a small number of taught modules or training units covering research design, advanced research methods and professional skills.

• Research project: the principal element; sustained independent research resulting in a thesis.
• Research methods: training in qualitative and/or quantitative methods, experimental or archival techniques appropriate to the discipline.
• Discipline-specific seminars: advanced topics seminars, literature reviews and research-led teaching sessions.
• Professional and transferable skills: research ethics, project management, academic writing, presentation skills, and training in impact and engagement.

The exact balance between project and taught elements depends on the department and the topic; students in the sciences may also spend extended periods in laboratories while arts and social science students may focus on fieldwork or archival research. You will work with a supervisory team to agree milestones, training needs and assessment arrangements.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline. Some departments accept candidates with a lower second-class degree plus substantial research experience or a relevant postgraduate qualification. Entry is competitive and depends on the suitability of the proposed research project and the availability of appropriate supervision.

Typical application components include:

• A research proposal outlining your intended project, methodology and objectives.
• Academic references demonstrating your preparation for research.
• A curriculum vitae describing your academic and professional experience.
• Where applicable, evidence of relevant practical experience or portfolio material.
• Proof of English language competence if your first language is not English.

Applicants should contact potential supervisors or the departmental postgraduate admissions team to discuss project fit before applying; some programmes have additional requirements such as interviews or presentation of prior research.

Career prospects

An MRes provides focused, hands-on experience of research methods and project delivery that is valued by employers in academia, public sector and industry. Common career paths for graduates include:

• Progression to a PhD or further postgraduate research leading to academic careers.
• Research roles in industry and the private sector, such as R&D, data analysis, user research or policy research.
• Positions in government, public policy, think tanks and NGOs where evidence-based analysis and project management are required.
• Professional roles in museums, archives, cultural heritage or publishing for humanities graduates, and laboratory or technical roles for science graduates.
• Consultancy, research management and roles in knowledge exchange, impact and engagement.

The degree emphasises transferable skills — critical thinking, independent project management, written and oral communication and advanced methodological expertise — that employers across sectors seek.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers a supportive research environment with access to active research groups, specialised facilities and a central Graduate Research School that coordinates training and development for postgraduate researchers. Departments host internationally recognised scholars and run interdisciplinary centres that enable collaborative projects spanning arts, social sciences, and STEM subjects.

York provides a structured supervisory system and a programme of researcher development workshops, covering research integrity, methods training and career planning. Students benefit from well-resourced libraries, archival collections, laboratories where relevant, and opportunities to present and publish their work within the university’s research networks.

With a compact campus, strong departmental communities and formal support for wellbeing and professional development, York aims to combine high-quality supervision with the practical training needed to complete a rigorous research project and move into the next stage of your career.