MRes Business and Management
A specialised Masters degree that will provide you with the skills to carry out high-quality research into business, management, organisations and other related areas.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MRes, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date September 2023, September 2024
- Application notes For students who need a visa: we are closed for September 2023 entry. Applications for 2024-25 entry will open in September 2023.
- Duration MRes full-time: 12 months
- Mode of study full time
- Delivery on campus
Accreditations
Economic and Social Research Council and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science
Overview
Our Master of Research in Business and Management is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science for the training of PhD students.
You'll learn how to:
- undertake doctoral research in business and management
- equip yourself for an academic or commercial career in business and management research
- undertake, evaluate, commission or manage research in the commercial, public, or voluntary sectors
The MRes course has a strong practical focus and trains you in the advanced skills necessary for business, management, economic and policy research. Our aim is to help you to become a researcher who is:
- reflective and aware of the assumptions, strengths and limitations of your research
- highly skilled in a multitude of management and organisational research techniques
- readily able to apply this knowledge in new and diverse domains
When you graduate, you’ll be a reflective, astute researcher who is highly skilled in a multitude of management and organisational research techniques. You’ll be able to apply this knowledge to a wide variety of situations and will be able to:
- understand the assumptions made by different approaches to research, their limitations and their implications for answering research questions using an appropriate research design
- use qualitative, quantitative and experimental techniques to collect and analyse data to an advanced level
- apply this knowledge to the design, conduct and reporting of research projects
- critically analyse the methodologies used to conduct empirical research projects
Learn from the experts
You’ll work closely with lecturers and supervisors, who are internationally recognised research experts, with strong track records in publishing findings of global significance. Our teaching team have a strong track record of securing research funding, including from UK research councils and the European Union. They also regularly advise governmental and policy bodies.
The University of Stirling Management School
At the University of Stirling Management School, the principle of responsible business, policy and practice is central to everything we do. This vision helps us to equip our students effectively with the skills to act as global citizens, capable of addressing the needs of society.
As a member of the Chartered Association for Business Schools, we have strong links with industry and were recently awarded the Small Business Charter for engagement with local and regional enterprise.
Rankings
We're ranked Top 5 in Scotland for Business, Management and Marketing (The Guardian University Guide 2022)
91% overall student satisfaction for Business and Management - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2021
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
Our MRes course is also the generic entry point for the University of Stirling Management School Doctoral Programme. The Management School is a member institution of the ESRC Scottish Doctoral Training Centre. They welcome applications for doctoral studentships in Accounting and Finance, and Business and Management.
The Master of Research in Business and Management is part of our suite of highly prestigious courses approved by the ESRC for use in general research training of ESRC sponsored students undertaking PhD research.
Developing Business Leaders of the Future
Postgraduate education at the University of Stirling Management School goes beyond text books and lecture rooms, we also focus on your personal and professional development.
Our unique Flying Start Leadership Programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career. These range from practical skills, like effective public speaking, to developing ways to work under pressure in difficult situations and manage conflict. Find out more about Flying Start.
Professional accreditation
Economic and Social Research Council and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science.
The Master of Research in Business and Management is accredited by the ESRC and the SGSS for training of PhD students.
Research overview
In REF 2021, 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The Master of Research in Business and Management is a one-year course that will prepare you to enter a research career that contributes to society. You will first undertake formal research training to become a competent researcher and then you will conduct your own research under the guidance and support of a Stirling Management School academic supervisor.
In the Autumn semester you will be enrolled in two core modules that will equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need to understand what business and management research is, and how it is done. For the third module, you can choose to focus your knowledge in a specific subject area. In the Spring semester you will be enrolled in one core module that helps you develop a review of the literature in your chosen subject area and you will choose two modules from a set of options that develop advanced knowledge in methods and in a subject-specific area.
In the summer months you will work closely with your supervisor to complete a research project, drawing on this research to complete a 15,000 word dissertation.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars and practical classes. There are also opportunities for independent learning and exploration.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by coursework, including written assignments and presentations, as well as the dissertation. Some modules also have an examination element.
Course director
Key staff
Published experts from Stirling Management School will give guest lectures in the programme's core modules and students enrolled in this programme can participate in school research activities,
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK | £7,100 | £7,600 |
| Students from the Republic of Ireland | £7,100 | £7,600 |
| Overseas (non-EU) students | £17,275 | £17,775 |
| European Union students | £17,275 | £17,775 |
Students from the UK
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Postgraduate Scholarship, which provides a 40% fee discount on full-time, on-campus postgraduate degrees at the University of Stirling.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
We offer a range of funding options for overseas students.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
ESRC funding
The Master of Research in Business and Management is part of the application for the Doctoral Training Centre for Scotland by a consortium of Scottish universities and replaces the prior recognition by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) under its 1+3 and +3 awards scheme. Under the Doctoral Training Scheme, UK students can apply to the ESRC for funded studentships that will cover fees and maintenance for the four-year programme (including the MRes), leading to the award of a PhD. Candidates from EU countries other than the UK are eligible to apply for a ‘fees only’ award.
Further details of ESRC funding for postgraduates are available on the ESRC website.
Stirling Management School postgraduate scholarships
Stirling Management School is committed to investing in academically talented students, helping them to further their education with one of our degree courses. There are various categories of funding available to support the cost of your studies.
Other sources of funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Our unique Flying Start Leadership Programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career.
Our Master of Research in Business and Management is ideally suited to you if you want to pursue a career in a research-related field or undertake a PhD.
This course can also help to kick-start your academic or commercial career in business, management and related research. The course is also invaluable for those working in public policy areas who need to conduct, analyse and commission research. Employers of research specialists include:
- universities
- research institutes
- policy-making organisations
- governments
- large corporations and market
- research consultancies
HigherEd Global Talent Portal
As a Management School student, you have access to the HigherEd Global Talent Portal where you’ll find internship, trainee positions, apprenticeships and graduate positions from companies around the world. It helps international students looking for placements back at home and local students that want to explore an international experience.
This global talent portal comes as an addition to all other existing initiatives and resources you have access to at Stirling through the Careers and Employability Service, and the Target Connect vacancy and events system.
Employability skills
At the University of Stirling Management School, we are committed to ensuring that every single one of our students realise their potential. Take a look at our video to hear more from our staff and how they can help you to enhance your employability.
What our students said
Colombia
MRes Business and Management
Read Carolina's storyProfessors who teach this course have a vast expertise, and the University offers classes in different research software. Thus, I learned qualitative and quantitative research methods, applying technology in order to improve the quality of the research.
Bangladesh
MRes Business and Management
Read Muhammad's storyI now feel better equipped to pursue my doctoral level research work, which I was not very confident about before doing my MRes in Stirling