MRes - Masters by Research

Archaeology

Based at UHI Orkney, UHI North West and 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

Research profile of Dr Ingrid Mainland

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 Vik Kelly-Teare - vik.kelly-teare@uhi.ac.uk

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 Island 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

Research profile of Dr Andrew Jennings

Engineering

Environmental Science

Based at the Environmental Research Institute, UHI North West and Hebrides, 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

Research profile of Doctor Bernd Haenfling

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 Vik Kelly-Teare: vik.kelly-teare@uhi.ac.uk

Information on the Active Health Exercise Lab

Marine Science

Available from 2024/25

Based at SAMS

The MRes (Marine Science) research programme provides the skills and knowledge in areas of marine science from coasts to deep ocean, and related fields of biogeochemistry, biotechnology and robotics. Research projects can range from ‘blue sky’ science to applied research addressing pressing societal and environmental problems. You will gain knowledge in research design as well as in management and communication.

The programme is delivered by research-active scientists across multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology and social sciences. Research projects can be field based, desktop or in laboratories.

The programme is based at SAMS, an internationally recognised and vibrant multi-disciplinary centre of expertise in marine environmental science.

For further information, please contact: Dr Bernadette Snow: bernadette.snow@sams.ac.uk

Research profile of Dr Bernadette Snow

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

Research profile of Dr Euan Bowditch

Sustainable landscapes and technology in the built environment

Based at the  Centre for Living Sustainability

Overview

The programme will appeal to students that have an interest in sustainable landscape management, forestry, supply chains, climate change impacts, sustainable construction and built environment technologies and design which add to a low carbon economy. Research skills, tools and methods will be offered as well as the opportunity to hone expertise alongside industry professionals and researchers.

Staff expertise and facilities

The department of the built environment and forestry at UHI has expert staff and partnerships with UK industry to help realise these projects to make them as relevant and impactful as possible. Expertise is available in forest management, sustainable construction, built environment and social sciences, which can accommodate a range of research avenues and projects. Facilities and equipment are available at both the Department of Built environment and the Scottish School of Forestry campus.

Course content

The course will be suitable for individuals wishing to:

• Gain a research-based qualification to complement current education.
• Transitioning or shifting into new career areas.
• Undertake a research-focused or continued professional development qualification while employed (relevant to their employer or to enhance their qualifications and experience).
• Explore a life-long or burgeoning passion in a particular subject or issue.
• Range of modules are available from data management, GIS, Deer management, low carbon economy, community-based sustainability, renewable energies and further research methods.

Course structure

The programme is either for one-year full time or two years part-time consisting of 180 credits:

• Research thesis (120 credits)
• Core module – Sustainable landscapes and technology in the built environment (20 credits) with a strong forestry and sustainable timber content
• Core module Research methods and techniques (20 credits)
• Elective module (20 credits)

Career opportunities

A research degree offers options in a variety of fields both in the UK and overseas, in academia and research, or sectors of business, industry and commerce. The course will equip students with following skills and outputs:

• Project management
• research methods
• analytical skills
• writing and reporting skills
• a potentially cutting-edge piece of research that is applicable and relevant to industry
• Project design and planning
• Stakeholder and partnership development

Career support

As a student or graduate of UHI you can meet with us anytime for a career conversation, personalised CV and application form support, interview preparation and job searching. You can also access career development workshops and events and a range of career and employability information. For further information contact: careers@uhi.ac.uk

Freshwater Biodiversity and Conservation

Based at the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation, UHI Inverness

Overview

This programme offers those seeking a career in conservation, environmental monitoring or academia the flexibility to conduct their own independent research underpinned by a range of taught modules. The learning experience will be guided by the most recent advances in freshwater conservation management and taught by researchers leading their fields. Over the course of the programme, students will have access to a wide selection of freshwater-specific field equipment as well as a state-of-the-art genetics laboratory should they wish to specialise in using genetic tools for conservation. The course also includes a compulsory one-week residential field course that will allow students to experience fieldwork in the lochs and rivers of the Scottish Highlands.

Course content

Taught modules (60 credits)

The programme includes three taught modules. The two compulsory modules provide a foundation of scientific knowledge that underpins the conservation of freshwaters, such as monitoring techniques, species identification, hydrology and geomorphology and a grounding in the methods needed to manage and analyse the data collected during the research project. The third optional module can be selected from a wide range of topic-specific modules that allow students to shape the programme to their personal interests.

Compulsory modules

• Freshwater Conservation Science
• Statistics 1

Optional modules (chose one)

• Application of GIS
• Applied Conservation Genetics
• Statistics 2
• Water Management

Research project (120 credits)

Research projects on a diverse range of topics will be supervised by experienced staff from the internationally renowned Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation in collaboration with industrial and government partners. Example projects include:

• Assessment of wind farm operations on freshwater ecosystems
• Specificity of freshwater pearl mussel larvae for salmon or sea trout hosts
• Community perceptions of wind farm development
• Community perceptions of seaweed and bivalve farming
• Effects of differing gene frequencies on migratory behaviour in trout
• Using eDNA to assess the effect of beavers on freshwater biodiversity
• The effect of cattle grazing on freshwater invertebrate communities

Learning and Teaching

You will be taught by experienced research staff from the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation

What are the potential outcomes?

A research degree offers options in a variety of fields both in the UK and overseas, in academia and research, or sectors of business, industry and commerce. This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals (addressing the biodiversity and climate emergencies and empowering communities)

Career support

Over the course of your lives you will make frequent career decisions. Your career journey, alongside many other areas of your life, will be subject to constant change and the influences of unplanned events and unexpected opportunities. As a student or graduate of UHI you can meet with us anytime for a career conversation, personalised CV and application form support, interview preparation and job searching. You can also access career development workshops and events and a range of career and employability information. For further information contact: careers@uhi.ac.uk

For further information, please contact Matthew Curran: Matthew.Curran.ic@uhi.ac.uk

Freshwater Science

Based at UHI Inverness

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 Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation, located at UHI Inverness 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

Research profile of Dr Bernd Hänfling

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

Literature

Based at UHI Inverness at the Centre for Living Sustainability

Our innovative Literature MRes 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.

Course content

The main output of the Literature MRes degrees is a research thesis of up to 30,000 words. This will be on a topic of the student's own choosing, and the research for this thesis will be supported by individual supervision meetings and by two taught modules (20 credits each) which are studied alongside the research thesis:

A Case Studies module, which is designed to support students in making their final decisions about the topics and approaches to be explored in their research thesis. The content of this module is student-led and tailored to each student’s requirements in consultation with the supervision team.

A Research Methods in Literature module, which is designed to support students in writing their research thesis. The module content will include the preparation of thesis plans and literature reviews; the researching, writing, and editing of postgraduate theses; and preparing and presenting/publishing academic conference papers and scholarly articles.

Course structure

The main output on the Literature MRes degrees is a research thesis of up to 30,000 words, which students will be asked to defend in a viva voce examination.

In addition to this, students will also study:

1. Research Methods in Literature

Plus, ONE of the following:

1. Case Studies in Eco-Literature
2. Case Studies in Renaissance Drama
3. Case Studies in Science Fiction and Fantasy

Learning and Teaching

You will be supervised by experienced research staff from the Centre for Living Sustainability, which may include:

• Research profile of Dr Ian Blyth
• Research profile of Dr Mandy Haggith
• Research profile of Dr Lesley Mickel

Career opportunities

A research degree offers options in a variety of fields both in the UK and overseas, in academia and research, or sectors of business, industry and commerce. The Literature MRes degrees are designed to be both stand-alone Masters degrees and also to provide a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral research in these fields.

Career support

Over the course of your lives, you will make frequent career decisions. Your career journey, alongside many other areas of your life, will be subject to constant change and the influences of unplanned events and unexpected opportunities. As a student or graduate of UHI you can meet with us anytime for a career conversation, personalised CV and application form support, interview preparation and job searching. You can also access career development workshops and events and a range of career and employability information. For further information contact: careers@uhi.ac.uk

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

Research profile of Dr Alexandra Sanmark

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: Dr Michelle Beattie - michelle.beattie@uhi.ac.uk

See Dr Beattie's research profile

Theology

Based at Highland Theological College UHI

Overview

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.

Course content

Your research will culminate in the submission of a 40,000 word thesis which will be assessed by viva voce examination. The research and study experience is similar to that of the PhD degree and, while the MRes (Theology) is a postgraduate qualification in its own right, it can also prove to be a good precursor for studying at PhD level, if that is a future goal.

Course structure

Under supervision from our academics, you will devise your own research project and undertake original investigation from any of the main theological disciplines (Biblical Studies, Dogmatics, Church History, Philosophical Theology etc.).

Learning and Teaching

At HTC our academic staff have range of specialisms and have supervised Masters and PhDs covering a wide range of theological areas.

Visit HTC's faculty page to find out more about our teaching staff

Career support

Over the course of your lives you will make frequent career decisions. Your career journey, alongside many other areas of your life, will be subject to constant change and the influences of unplanned events and unexpected opportunities. As a student or graduate of UHI you can meet with us anytime for a career conversation, personalised CV and application form support, interview preparation and job searching. You can also access career development workshops and events and a range of career and employability information. For further information contact: careers@uhi.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
• Previous relevant work experience to an equivalent level may also be considered

Fees

Funding support: further information can be found at SAAS

For further information, please contact Kathryn Stewart: kathryn.stewart@uhi.ac.uk

Psychology

Available from 2024/25

Available as online study only, through UHI Inverness and UHI Perth

The MRes (Psychology) programme will allow you to start your research career engaging in an in-depth research project under the supervision of an experienced psychological researcher. The MRes can be used as a step towards completing a PhD, or to enable those working in psychological fields to deepen their knowledge and experience through research. This is the only MRes that is offered online in Scotland, and is not restricted to a geographical area allowing more independence for students to undertake research from anywhere across Scotland and the UK.

The online programme is a research-only course, however students who have not completed a psychology undergraduate or an equivalent undergraduate with research methods will be required to take  Research, analysis and methods taught module on a non-credit (assessment) basis. All students will have access to online learning resources and workshops which will build their research skills. In addition, students will have regular meetings with their supervisory team. At the end of the registration period, all research degree students are required to submit an independent research thesis of a maximum of 40,000 words, which will be assessed through oral examination (viva voce).

As a department, we boast a diverse group of staff active in research and supervision in a wide spectrum of topics:

• Social identity:
  • Place-based belonging
  • Nature and health.
• Psychology of Religion:
  • Spiritual experiences and conversion
  • Mental health and religion
  • Suicide, grief and faith
• Psychology of missing behaviour:
  • Criminal justice research
  • Psychology of offending
  • Impacts of crime/criminal exposure
• Identity, attitudes and psychology of politics
• Culture and Cognition
  • Technology
  • Memory, identity and Learning
• Romantic Relationships:
  • Attachment
  • Relationship maintenance strategies
  • Communication among couples
• Mental health and wellbeing (adolescence):
  • Cultural specificity
  • Mental Health Interventions
  • Psychodynamic/psychoanalytically oriented research

To find out more visit UHI Psychology Team or contact: maxinne.connolly-panagopoulos.ic@uhi.ac.uk

Sustainability

Available from 2024/25

Based at UHI North, West and Hebrides and UHI Perth

The MRes (Sustainability) offers students a unique opportunity to combine post-graduate training in research methods with an interdisciplinary specialism in sustainability-related research. It aims to equip students with the research methods and critical analysis skills to undertake a robust piece of sustainability research. Students will be required to undertake two credit-bearing modules to support their research training.

The overall programme objective is for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in research methods and interdisciplinary-based sustainability research that they can employ within a dissertation project and in future activities after course completion. 

Available remotely by distance learning or based at one of our UHI Centres in Stornoway, Thurso, or Fort William, you’ll be supervised by our experienced team of practitioners who are both teaching and researching in the field. 

Students benefit from the extensive staff teaching, research and publication interests in numerous related fields including sustainable development, environmental conservation and wildlife management, integrated land-use, climate science, foodweb modelling, rural policy and governance, land reform, community development and community wealth building, net zero transition, renewables and decarbonisation, data analytics, marine energy and marine spatial planning, nature-based tourism..etc.

For further information, please contact: michael.smith@uhi.ac.uk or telephone 01851 770 407

Community Engagement

Available as online study only, through UHI Inverness 

Community-engaged research is in increasing demand across public, private and third sectors as place-based approaches are crucial for sustainable development. 

This timely research degree in applied social sciences will develop your capacity to work with local communities to address key issues for social and environmental sustainability. 

Upon completion of this programme, you will be able to confidently design and manage socially responsive community-engaged research – a skillset in high demand for development practitioners, community workers, social researchers, and social policy analysts. 

Course structure

The main output on the MRes Community Engagement is a research thesis of up to 40,000 words. Your supervisory team will support you to develop your own community engaged research project and develop connections with relevant community organisations.

The programme is offered online and is designed to meet busy schedules, while providing ample opportunity to engage with a vibrant group of researchers, community representatives, and professionals.  This means you can follow the programme entirely by distance from anywhere in the UK and abroad.  If you reside in or visit the region, you will have access to in-person networking events and desk space at UHI Inverness.    

Course content

Students will develop their own learning profile and area of specialisation, drawing on a wide range of expertise at the Centre for Living Sustainability. Topic areas include:

• local economic development
• environmental management
• child and youth rights
• digital inclusion
• equitable social services
• well-being and identity
• creative economy

Programme staff at the Centre for Living Sustainability have years of experience at the forefront of community engagement theory and practice. We partner with community organisations in the Highlands and Islands and globally, with well-established connections across a range of fields, including farming and land management, youth empowerment, health and social services, and cultural heritage. Our international fieldwork locations span South Africa, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Japan, Canada, Italy, France, Brazil, Argentina, among others.

Start date

This research degree can be started at any point throughout the year.  You will develop and follow a personalised training plan with your supervisory team. 

Students will have opportunity to network with academics at the Centre for Living Sustainability and their peers at a synchronous seminar offered each semester. 

Entry Requirements

• A master’s degree at postgraduate level of a University in the United Kingdom or equivalent, or
• A first or upper second-class honours degree of a University in the United Kingdom or equivalent, or
• Other qualifications or experience that, in the opinion of the Research Degrees Committee and upon the recommendation of the Academic Partner Principal (or equivalent), affords sufficient evidence of their availability to benefit and study at the academic level required.

Candidates for whom English is not their first language will need to have IELTS of overall score of 6.5 or higher, with no element below 6.0.

Fees

Further information on course tuition fees 

For further information contact Dr Sarah Wagner - sarah.wagner.ic@uhi.ac.uk