MRes - Masters by Research
A Master’s by Research (MRes) is typically an intensive one year (full-time) or two year (part-time) research programme. Under the supervision of academic staff, you will devise your own research project, undertake original investigation in your chosen area and direct your own studies. Culminating in the submission of a written thesis at the end of the study period, you will then be examined viva voce.
All our MRes degrees lead to the submission of a research thesis which is examined by viva voce. Some programmes contain assessed, credit-bearing taught module(s) and the programme overview will indicate where these are included.
The research and study experience is similar to a PhD and whilst a research Master’s is a postgraduate qualification in its own right, it can prove to be a good precursor for studying at PhD level, if that is a future goal.
Each of the following MRes degrees has a named contact for specific enquiries. For general information please contact gradresearch@uhi.ac.uk.
Our Masters by Research degrees
Algal Biotechnology, Biology and Ecology (MABBE)
Algal Biotechnology, Biology and Ecology (MABBE)
Based at SAMS
The research programme provides the underpinning knowledge and skills needed by algal biotechnologists, biologists and ecologists and is delivered by a team of research-active scientists with extensive expertise in the field, including researchers from the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), one of the world’s largest collections of algae.
You will gain knowledge of isolation, culturing & enumeration of algae, protistan physiology, microbial biodiversity, state-of-the-art molecular biological skills and bioinformatics, statistics and experimental design as well as critical management and communication skills.
The programme is based at SAMS, an internationally recognised centre of expertise in marine environmental science.
For further information, please contact: Dr David Green: david.green@sams.ac.uk
Archaeology
Archaeology
Based at UHI Orkney, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI Shetland
The MRes (Archaeology) degree offers students the opportunity to develop their interests in a wide range of archaeological topics from prehistory through to Viking, later Medieval and Contemporary archaeology, including those within the area of archaeological science, and incorporates the study of a credit-bearing and assessed taught module ‘Research and Dissertation Skills’.
It is designed for students who wish to develop research topics and specific skills sets in preparation for PhD research, as well as those who wish to enhance their existing research skills and experience through a substantial piece of independent research.
Students will have access to specialist laboratories and equipment to undertake and develop research in marine, coastal and environmental archaeology with archaeological fieldwork benefiting from a wide range of excavation and survey equipment and state-of-the-art geophysics equipment and software.
For further information, please contact Dr Ingrid Mainland: Ingrid.Mainland@uhi.ac.uk
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
Based at the Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Centre for Health Science, Inverness
The MRes (Biomedical Sciences) degree provides an excellent platform for those wishing to advance their career by pursuing a doctorate degree or employment in industry. By working on a research project of your choosing you can specialise in a sub-discipline (e.g., redox biology) and gain theoretical, practical and analytical expertise in Biomedical Sciences. You will also gain transferrable communication, project-management and problem-solving skills along with valuable practical experience and bespoke training on a wide range of state-of-the-art biomedical equipment.
Your supervisory team will be composed of expert Biomedical Sciences researchers who will mentor you and provide academic and practical support, culminating in the submission of a written thesis.
For further information, please contact Dr James Cobley: James.Cobley@uhi.ac.uk
Creative Practice
Creative Practice
Based at UHI Shetland
This programme is tailored to the needs of the creative practitioner across Scotland, the UK and internationally, who wishes to develop key aspects of their practice in a research-driven, academic context.
Working in their own studio and personal work space, students will have the opportunity to analyse their practice and to develop an appropriate research focus, artistic questions and a significant area for interrogation in a structured and supported way.
Interests may involve art and design; composition and performance in music; film and digital media developments in creativity and new creative directions including the development of professional creative events and installations.
With a network of arts organisations and centres of excellence now established across the Highlands and Islands, artists and creative makers working in rural or urban isolation can engage with other artists and creative makers through the Centre for Rural Creativity. Based in UHI Shetland, the Centre undertakes interdisciplinary research and acts as a focal point for the university’s engagement with the creative industries.
For further information, please contact: Dr Andrew Jennings - Andrew.jennings@uhi.ac.uk
Digital Health
Digital Health
Based at the Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Centre for Health Science, Inverness
Digital Health is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. The global digital health market is set to exceed £773 billion by 2024, due to increasing demand for remote monitoring services, as well as favourable government initiatives and funding for adoption of digital systems. The UK digital health market was valued at £3.1 billion in 2017 with the early adoption of telecare services, large central government programmes and a strong existing base of hardware – as well as increasing prevalence of smartphones and apps – and is forecasted to reach £22.1 billion by 2025.
The MRes (Digital Health) bridges the gap from undergraduate level for those who need the requisite research skills before progressing onto PhD or going into research and development in industry. Working on a research project of your choosing, you will be supported by a supervisory team of expert researchers who will provide academic and practical support on wide range of topics, including genomics, population health data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital arts therapies. There may also be opportunities to access a wider digital health research and innovations infrastructure across Scotland, including the NHS, SMEs and third sector organisations.
The programme is available as online study, full or part-time.
For further information, please contact Dr Mark Grindle: Mark.Grindle@uhi.ac.uk
Engineering
Engineering
Based at UHI Inverness; UHI Outer Hebrides; UHI Moray; UHI North Highalnd, UHI Shetland and UHI Perth
The research programme offers you the opportunity to study at one of a number of locations across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and will appeal to those from engineering, physics or applied mathematics disciplines - although the areas of specialism across the UHI network is wide-reaching and so there is potential for engineering-based research study in a broader range of areas.
Supported by a supervisory team with excellent links to local, national and international industry. You will also have access to specialist resources and research networks and gain experience of researching an individual project, either as desk based work or within the field, which will culminate in the submission of a written thesis.
For further information, please contact Professor Andrew Rae: Andrew.Rae@uhi.ac.uk
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
Based at the Environmental Research Institute, UHI North Highland, Thurso and the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation, UHI Inverness
The Highlands and Islands of Scotland offers unprecedented access to unique environments and the Universities Environmental Research Institute and Rivers and Lochs Institute are committed to addressing contemporary environmental issues and advancing the understanding of the sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources.
MRes students can develop their interests and research an individual project from a wide range of topics. Your location of study will depend on your chosen subject area - Renewable Energy and the Environment; Carbon, Water and Climate; Environmental Contamination and Ecological Health (Environmental Research Institute, Thurso) and Fish and Fisheries Genetics; Biodiversity Monitoring; Catchment Management; Aquaculture-Environmental Interactions and Biodiversity Management and Socioecology (Rivers and Lochs Institute, Inverness).
Your MRes studies will be undertaken in the field and in our well-equipped laboratories where you will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and learn from experienced researchers in order to gain experience of carrying out research, culminating in the submission of a written thesis.
Environmental Research Instutute - for further information please contact: Dr Kenneth Boyd: Kenneth.Boyd@uhi.ac.uk
Research profile of Dr Kenneth Boyd
Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation - for further information, please contact: Doctor Bernd Haenfling, bernd.haenfling.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Exercise Physiology, Training and Nutrition
Exercise Physiology, Training and Nutrition
Based at the Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Centre for Health Science, Inverness
The MRes (Exercise Physiology, Training and Nutrition) degree provides excellent grounding from which to pursue further study or enhance career prospects. By working on an individual research project, you will acquire specialist theoretical knowledge and analytical skills and gain valuable practical experience. Projects may be laboratory- and/or field-based, include qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies, and students may study full-time or part-time, in-person or remotely. Furthermore, we have strong working relationships with a variety of organisations, including sportscotland.
You will work within a flexible and stimulating learning environment, gaining transferrable communication, project-management and problem-solving skills. A supervisory team composed of expert Exercise Science researchers will mentor you and provide academic and practical support, culminating in the submission of a written thesis. A supervisory team composed of researchers with interests in Exercise Science, Active Health and Nutrition will mentor you and provide academic and practical support, culminating in the submission of a written thesis.
For further information, please contact Dr Daniel Crabtree: Daniel.Crabtree@uhi.ac.uk
Forestry
Forestry
Based at UHI Inverness
The Highlands and Islands of Scotland offers access a landscape that hosts a range of relevant forestry-based industries providing a unique and interactive learning environment.
Working with key partners such as the Scottish School of Forestry, sector relevant universities and other land-based organisations - our internationally-recognised research includes topics such as:
- silviculture and forest management;
- social dimensions of forestry;
- timber technology & supply chains,
- forest health,
- forest landscape and wildlife ecology.
The MRes Forestry offers you the opportunity to gain experience of carrying out original research as part of one of our research groups with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a wide-reaching forestry network.
For further information, please contact: Dr Euan Bowditch Euan.Bowditch.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Forest Landscapes and Society
Forest Landscapes and Society
Available from September 2021 subject to validation
Based at Inverness College UHI
The MRes (Forest Landscapes and Society) will equip students with the skills and tools to undertake research and operate in a diverse range of forestry and environmental management roles. The programme will introduce students to a range of forest related issues and professionals with a range of specialisms, all closely aligned with the activities of the University’s Wooded Landscapes Research Group and works closely with the Scottish School of Forestry, which has been training foresters for over 50 years.
Designed to encourage interdisciplinary research for aspects of forest management, wildlife ecology, social dimensions of forests - as well as connection to the wider landscape and economy - students will explore the current state and management of forests multiple ecosystems and products, converting that knowledge into an original piece of research which will provide new insights and knowledge to inform future decision-making.
The course will be suitable for individuals wishing to:
- Gain a research-based qualification to complement current education
- Transition into a career in forestry, urban forestry and environmental management
- Undertake a research-focused or continued professional development qualification while employed
- Explore a life-long or burgeoning passion in forestry and wider land use issues.
The programme consists of three taught modules including ‘Forest Landscapes and Society’, and ‘Research Methods and Techniques’. The optional module will allow students to choose from a wide range of topics, enabling them to tailor their learning to specific areas of interest that will help shape their research journey.
For further information, please contact: Dr Euan Bowditch Euan.Bowditch.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Freshwater Biodiversity and Conservation
Freshwater Biodiversity and Conservation
Available from September 2021 subject to validation
Based at Inverness College UHI
The MRes (Freshwater Biodiversity and Conversation) offers those looking to pursue a career in academia or conservation a flexible learning option to conduct their own independent research. Based at the Rivers and Lochs Institute students can access new field equipment and a state-of-the art genetics laboratory for those wishing to specialise in the use of genetic tools for conservation management.
The programme includes taught modules - two are compulsory and will provide essential skills and a solid foundation of understanding for freshwater science. The third is an option module so students can choose from a wide range of topics, enabling the learning environment to be shaped according to personal interests. A one week residential field course in the compulsory module ‘Freshwater Conservation Science’ will enable students to experience the Scottish Highlands, as fieldwork is conducted in some of the most famous lochs in the world.
Combined, these modules will equip students with a diverse skillset, such as monitoring techniques, species identification, data management, analytical skills, e.g. statistics with R and GIS, so learnt theory can be applied to time spent in the field.
Researchers at the Rivers and Lochs Institute are involved in the conservation management of numerous species across the Highlands and Islands and overseas. With numerous connections to other academic partners within the UHI partnership, as well as conservation organisations, the learning experience will be shaped by the most recent advances in freshwater conservation management, taught by leading researchers in their field. Independent research projects may also be conducted in partnership with one of the Institute’s numerous collaborations, both industrial and academic.
For further information, please contact Dr Victoria Pritchard: Victoria.Pritchard.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Freshwater Science
Freshwater Science
Based at Inverness College UHI
The Highlands and Islands of Scotland offers unprecedented access to unique freshwater environments and we are committed to developing our understanding of these environments.
Working with key partners in relevant sectors, the MRes Freshwater Science offers students the opportunity to develop their interests in the area by researching an individual project. Studies will be undertaken in the field and in our well-equipped laboratories where you will learn from experienced researchers in order to gain experience of carrying out research, culminating in the submission of a written thesis.
Based within the internationally-recognised Rivers and Lochs Institute, located at the Inverness College UHI campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and associated fieldwork based facilities.
For further information, please contact: Dr Bernd Haenfling: - Bernd.Haenfling.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Gaelic and Celtic Studies
Gaelic and Celtic Studies
Based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) is the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. The College offers under-and post-graduate degrees, including those of MRes and PhD. SMO is a Gaelic-speaking academic community which is situated in Skye, where many people of all ages speak Gaelic in their daily lives.
The MRes Gaelic and Celtic Studies offers students the opportunity to pursue their research interests and skills in areas including Gaelic literature, folklore, media studies, socio-linguistics, development studies, traditional music, Gaelic education and linguistics. Students on the College campus are expected to use Gaelic as their daily spoken language, while students who are off-campus can study through the medium of Gaelic or English.
The degree is designed to appeal to those wishing to undertake a postgraduate qualification as evidence of e.g. continuing professional development, or those who view the MRes as a first step towards PhD research.
You will be supported by a supervisory team who are involved in academic research, and you will have access, in person or remotely, to your supervisors, student services and support, and to the College specialist library collections of Gaelic, Celtic and Highland-related materials.
For further information, please contact: iarrtas@smo.uhi.ac.uk or phone 01471-888-304
History
History
Based at the Centre for History UHI
The MRes (History) degree offers students the chance to undertake a research programme on various aspects of Highlands and Islands, broader Scottish, Irish, British and wider-world History.
The programme is designed for those wishing to either do postgraduate research but not to move to the stage of completing a PhD, or to find a pathway to PhD studies but for whom a taught MLitt (masters) with us is not the best option. Study will lead to the submission of a thesis of a maximum of 40,000 words.
Students benefit from staff research and publication interests in numerous fields including: Land, Landscape and Memories; Empires and Diasporas; Maritime, Coastal and Riverine Histories; Public History, Material Culture and Heritage; Monarchy, Wars and Diplomacy.
For further information, please contact: Dr Jim MacPherson: Jim.MacPherson@uhi.ac.uk
Literature
Literature
Based at Inverness College UHI
Our innovative programmes enable students to research an individual project and develop their interests in the following areas - providing a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral research:
- MRes Eco-Literature
- MRes Renaissance Drama
- MRes Science Fiction and Fantasy
Supported by a supervisory team with links across the UHI network, there is potential to develop a project across a wide range of disciplines, including Archaeology, Drama, Environmental Science, Gaelic and Related Studies, History, Northern Studies and Theology.
The programmes incorporate the study of a two credit-bearing and assessed taught modules, designed to support students in key aspects of the MRes programme:
Case Studies module - tailored for each programme and will assist in making a decision about the topic and approaches to be explored, and
Research Methods in Literature module - supports students in planning and writing their research thesis.
For further information on all three programmes, please contact Dr Ian Blyth - Ian.Blyth.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Northern Studies
Northern Studies
Based at the Institute for Northern Studies
The MRes Northern Studies degree offers you the opportunity to undertake research within the Institute of Northern Studies - Scotland’s most northerly research centre that recognises community participation and engagement as a core aspect of its mission.
Supported by an experienced supervisory team, you may work remotely by distance learning or be based at campuses in Orkney, Shetland or Perth. Wherever your location you will explore the culture, history, archaeology, literature, languages and area studies of the North Atlantic areas and develop your interest in these areas by researching an individual project, culminating in the submission of a written thesis.
For further information, please contact Dr Alexandra Sanmark: Alexandra.Sanmark@uhi.ac.uk
Rural Health
Rural Health
Based at the Division of Rural Health and Wellbeing, UHI Institute of Health Research
Rural Health is the interdisciplinary study of health, wellbeing, healthcare and wellbeing enhancement in rural environments. More than half the world’s population live in rural areas and there is a need for robust research to understand the health and wellbeing of rural populations, the facilitators and barriers to maintaining health in rural environments, the social determinants of health in rural areas and the experience of (ill)health for rural residents.
The MRes (Rural Health) provides a unique opportunity to combine post-graduate training in research methods with a specialism in rural health research. Students will undertake training through two taught modules in research methods and one taught module in a subject area relevant to rural health, culminating in the submission of a research project on the topic of their choosing.
The programme will leave students equipped with research skills and knowledge transferable to several career trajectories, e.g., a foundation for further study at PhD level in rural health or other areas of health studies and social science. Those currently engaged in careers in medicine, nursing and the allied health professions may wish to undertake a dissertation on a topic related to their current practice, or see it as a route to move into academic research or teaching. The MRes is also relevant to career development in other areas such as social work, health policy, international aid and community development.
For further information, please contact: Professor Sarah-Anne Munoz – sarah-anne.munoz@uhi.ac.uk
Theology
Theology
Based at Highland Theological College UHI
Highland Theological College UHI provides opportunities to study theology in a vibrant, non-denominational context - specifically, the MRes (Theology) enables students to pursue their research interests and skills in any of the major strands of theology: Biblical Studies (OT, NT and Biblical Theology); Systematic, Historical and Philosophical Theology or Practical and Pastoral Theology.
The MRes would appeal to practitioners working in ministry who wish to upgrade their skills and qualifications to Master’s degree level by research or those who see this as a first step towards PhD research. Training will be offered in research methods and theological methodologies and you will be supported by an experienced and dedicated supervisory team.
For further information, please contact Kathryn Stewart: kathryn.stewart@uhi.ac.uk