A Masters by Research isn’t just a stepping stone to a PhD

As an intensive research qualification, a Masters by Research degree can provide a particularly strong preparation for PhD study. But a research masters can also help you prepare for other careers and can enhance your prospects across a range of industries.

What is a Masters by Research?

A Masters by Research is an internationally recognised research-based postgraduate programme that usually takes a year to complete.

At the University of Edinburgh, these programmes lead to the degree of Master of Science by Research (MScR). The name of this qualification can differ at other institutions, where it may be abbreviated as MRes, MARes or MScRes.

These are all equivalent qualifications, and all emphasise research skills.

What’s the difference between an MSc and an MScR?

Master of Science (MSc) and Masters by Research (MScR) qualifications are both types of masters degrees.

Master of Science

An MSc is a taught masters degree. If you study on campus, this will usually be delivered over the course of one year through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, as well as practical and lab work.

A typical MSc programme will consist of a series of taught courses, followed by the submission of a dissertation. Although there is a research element to these programmes, particularly in preparing the dissertation, an MSc student learns primarily from taught content.

An MSc degree can also be studied part-time through online learning. These online programmes follow a similar structure, but typically take three years to complete.

Masters by Research

An MScR degree has a different structure. These are primarily research-based programmes, which may be supported by some taught elements. The exact structure, and the extent of any taught content, can vary from programme to programme.

We offer two different routes for Masters by Research in medicine and veterinary medicine at Edinburgh. The first is fully research-based, where you spend 12 months in one lab working on one project. The second route offers taught elements, including seminars and core training, alongside two 20-week research projects, letting you work in two different lab environments.

List of Masters by Research programmes, with and without taught elements

Why is an MScR usually considered to be a ‘stepping stone’ towards a PhD?

Because it’s a full-time research degree, an MScR gives students an excellent insight into life as a researcher. If you’re thinking about doing a PhD, this can be a great way of experiencing what your doctoral studies would be like.

MScR students are also introduced to many fundamental skills and research methods that can help prepare them for a PhD and set them apart from other applicants.

Depending on the research project and lab group, there may also be opportunities to contribute to journal articles and attend conferences, helping to strengthen your experience.

However, an MScR is also good preparation for a career in industry or an allied profession that requires an understanding of research methods.

What if I complete an MScR but decide a PhD isn’t for me?

Don’t worry! Although many MScR graduates move straight on to PhD study, some students decide that full-time academic research simply isn’t for them.

There are plenty of graduates whose skills and experience from their MScR studies have helped them succeed in careers outside academia.

So if you find yourself in a position where you don’t think a PhD is for you, that’s OK! You will have earned a highly valuable and respected masters degree that will set you apart in the jobs market.

You will also have developed an excellent range of transferable skills to enhance your career prospects across a wide range of industries.

How will a Masters by Research benefit a future career outside academia?

As well as developing key skills, a masters degree (whether taught or by research) is an excellent way to extend your professional network.

Industry contacts

If you decide not to go down the academic route, you will likely find that your masters by research has still provided you with lifelong contacts in science and medicine.

Conferences, poster days and society events all provide opportunities for masters students to make important connections. These kinds of networks can prove invaluable, even if you decide to make the switch to a different sector.

Employability

Research suggests that graduates with a masters degree appear to be more employable than those without postgraduate qualifications. According to FindAMasters.com, having a postgraduate qualification such as a masters degree also makes you 18% more likely to have a more senior role than counterparts with an undergraduate education.

Earning potential

Furthermore, many studies suggest that earning a masters qualification will increase your earning potential. Data from the Higher Education Policy Institute suggests that those with a postgraduate qualification can expect a higher average salary than first degree leavers.

Postgraduate Life