Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The MRes is centred on independent research supported by taught modules in research methods, theory and professional practice. You will spend the majority of your time designing and delivering an extended research project or practice-based portfolio under academic supervision. Core areas of study typically include qualitative and quantitative research methods, research design and ethics, advanced data analysis, and dissemination strategies for academic and industry audiences.

• Research project / dissertation: a substantial independent study (which may be practice-led) that demonstrates original enquiry, methodological rigour and critical reflection.
• Research methods and design: methodological training covering experimental design, mixed methods, ethnography, user studies, statistics and computational approaches relevant to media and technology research.
• Theory and critical context: contemporary debates in media studies, digital cultures, human–computer interaction, immersive media, and creative practice theory.
• Technical and creative specialisms: options and short modules allowing you to develop skills in areas such as virtual/augmented reality, data visualisation, interactive media, machine learning for creative practice, animation technologies or film and sound research methods.
• Professional practice and dissemination: training in communicating research, preparing funding applications, publishing, and collaborating with industry or public partners.

Teaching is delivered through seminars, workshops, lab practice and one-to-one supervision. The programme emphasises hands-on experimentation in BU’s relevant facilities and centres, while preparing students to meet the expectations of doctoral programmes or research roles in industry.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline — for example media, computer science, creative technologies, design, film, animation, psychology or a related subject. Candidates with professional experience in a relevant field and evidence of research potential will also be considered. You will normally be asked to submit a research proposal outlining your intended area of enquiry and, where applicable, examples of previous practice or a portfolio.

International applicants should demonstrate English language competence through an approved qualification. All applications are assessed on the basis of academic achievement, research proposal quality and fit with available supervisory expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MRes typically progress to doctoral study (PhD) or take up research-focused roles in industry, public sector and the cultural and creative industries. Career pathways include:

• Doctoral researcher or academic researcher roles within universities and research institutes.
• Research associate or R&D positions in technology companies, creative studios and media organisations.
• Specialist practitioner roles such as UX researcher, data visualisation specialist, immersive experience designer, or creative technologist.
• Policy, evaluation and research roles in public sector organisations, charities and cultural institutions.

The programme’s emphasis on methodological breadth and applied research makes graduates attractive to employers who need evidence-led innovation across media and technology sectors.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University combines strengths in media, creative practice and applied science, making it well suited to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of these fields. The institution supports MRes students with experienced supervisors across media, computer science and design disciplines, plus access to specialist facilities such as immersive labs, animation and visualisation studios, and user testing environments.

BU places a strong emphasis on applied and practice-based research, industry engagement and transferable research training. The environment is designed to help you build a publication and dissemination profile, develop collaborations with industry partners, and prepare for the next stage of a research career, whether that is a PhD or a research role in the public or private sector.