Learning and Teaching Committee

Curriculum Sub-Committee

Subject: Master of Research (MRes) Degree

Origin: Notes of PDQ Team Meeting on 26 September 2005

PDQ considered the desirability of introducing the degree of MRes. It was noted that two departments had recently proposed new programmes with a significant research training component to lead to the degree. Several departments already offered programmes with a similar research training component but leading, in the absence of an MRes at Loughborough, to the degree of MSc. Enquiries pursued by the Research Student Office showed little consistency across the sector in the use of MRes and MSc/MA qualifications, even for programmes recognised by the research councils to provide appropriate research training.

It was agreed to recommend that the University introduce the MRes degree; and that, subject to any further advice from the Research Team, programmes leading to the degree comprise 180 credits at postgraduate level including a research training component amounting to at least 50% of the programme. The research training component would normally include the production of a dissertation.

It was understood that some research councils required the research training component to comprise a greater proportion of the programme in order to gain recognition. The use of the MRes degree title would not signify that the programme had research council recognition, though departments with programmes that had been recognised would be expected to adopt the MRes degree.

It was agreed to invite the Research Team to comment on the proposal and to ascertain the views of the departments currently offering Masters programmes with a significant research training component.

Author – Robert Bowyer

Date – October 2005