Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive training in research methods with supervised independent research. Early modules focus on research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and research ethics, while later learning emphasises the development and completion of a substantive research project under academic supervision.

• Research Methods and Design – principles of research design, formulation of research questions, and planning a research programme.
• Qualitative Methods – approaches such as interviews, focus groups, case study research, thematic analysis and interpretive methods commonly used in business and legal research.
• Quantitative Methods – statistical analysis, survey design, regression techniques and basic econometric approaches tailored to business and governance questions.
• Mixed Methods and Data Integration – combining qualitative and quantitative evidence and triangulation strategies.
• Research Ethics and Governance – ethical approval processes, data protection, and research integrity in business and law contexts.
• Literature Review and Critical Synthesis – systematic approaches to reviewing academic and practitioner literature to position a research project.
• Independent Research Project (MRes thesis) – a sustained, supervised study where you apply learned methods to a focused research question in business or law; this is the core element of the degree.

Students may also have opportunities to choose short specialist modules or workshops relevant to their topic, such as corporate governance, regulatory analysis, entrepreneurship research, organisational behaviour, or applied econometrics, depending on staff expertise and availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject such as business, management, economics, law or a related social science. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered, particularly where applicants can demonstrate analytical capability and prior exposure to research or data analysis.

Typical requirements include:

• A recognised undergraduate degree at honours level in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification.
• Evidence of academic readiness for postgraduate research, such as a strong undergraduate dissertation, research project, or relevant work-based research experience.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an accepted level of English proficiency demonstrated through a recognised test or equivalent means.

Candidates may also be invited to discuss their research interests with potential supervisors as part of the application process to ensure an appropriate match of supervision expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MRes are prepared for a range of careers that require rigorous research skills and the ability to communicate evidence-based findings. Many proceed to doctoral study (PhD) and careers in academia. Others move into research-intensive roles in industry, public policy, consultancy and the third sector.

• PhD and academic research positions
• Market, policy and social research roles in public and private organisations
• Consultancy in strategy, organisational change, regulatory compliance and evidence synthesis
• Research and analytics roles within financial services, marketing, HR analytics or risk management
• Positions in government departments, regulatory bodies and non-governmental organisations where commissioned research and evaluation are required

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Business and Law combines applied research strengths with real-world engagement. The programme benefits from research-active supervisors whose work spans business, management and legal studies, and from the university’s emphasis on practice-informed research.

• Access to a supportive supervisory environment and structured research training designed to develop both methodological expertise and subject-specific knowledge.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary work drawing on the university’s research centres and links with industry, public sector partners and professional bodies.
• Practical research training including workshops on advanced methods, research ethics and dissemination to academic and non-academic audiences.
• A campus environment with dedicated resources for postgraduate researchers, including specialist library collections and research support services.

The MRes is well suited to candidates seeking serious research training with direct applicability to academic progression or evidence-led professional practice.