Applied Research

Study options

Award

MSc

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time, blended learning
Study option:
Part-time, blended learning
Duration:
13 Months
Duration:
22 Months
Start date:
23 September 2024

Designed for you

Tailor the course to meet your research needs

Choose your discipline

Choose an academic area with research expertise

Applied experience

Use research findings to gain real-world experience

The MSc Applied Research allows you to design your postgraduate study to meet your research and career aspirations.

There is a programme of core modules but around that you can choose from a varied selection of modules or design your own bespoke study. Through a programme of flexible blended learning, you can undertake your studies in a variety of academic areas. As well as becoming an expert in a chosen area, the course provides a unique opportunity to learn from others researching in different subject areas, using different methodologies and presenting in different formats.

The uniqueness of this course is that you can negotiate the exact content of your programme of study across a diverse range of disciplines. In collaboration with us you will develop a learning contract, and this will specify the exact title of the award that you will receive at the end of the course to reflect choices and specialisms, so for example it could be relatively broad such as Applied Research (Physical Geography or Applied Research (Genomics) or quite specific such as Applied Research (Metabolic Disease).

Previous students have completed the course in the following academic areas:

  • Archaeology
  • Biological and Biomedical Science
  • Environment and Geography
  • Policing, Criminal Investigation and Safeguarding
  • Psychology
  • Sport and Exercise

There is a programme of core modules but around that you can choose from a varied selection of modules or design your own bespoke study. Through a programme of flexible blended learning, you can undertake your studies in a variety of academic areas. As well as becoming an expert in a chosen area, the course provides a unique opportunity to learn from others researching in different subject areas, using different methodologies and presenting in different formats.

The uniqueness of this course is that you can negotiate the exact content of your programme of study across a diverse range of disciplines. In collaboration with us you will develop a learning contract, and this will specify the exact title of the award that you will receive at the end of the course to reflect choices and specialisms, so for example it could be relatively broad such as Applied Research (Physical Geography or Applied Research (Genomics) or quite specific such as Applied Research (Metabolic Disease).

Previous students have completed the course in the following academic areas:

  • Archaeology
  • Biological and Biomedical Science
  • Environment and Geography
  • Policing, Criminal Investigation and Safeguarding
  • Psychology
  • Sport and Exercise

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Applied Research

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Applied Research

Part-time study

The degree runs over two years part-time.

Course content

This course has three main strands; research training, subject development and research project. It will develop your skills in a range of techniques and research methods applicable to your subject area and in addition will allow consideration of the full ethical and methodological perspectives used within a range of academic areas. You will also develop skills to disseminate your work in formats appropriate to subject and professional expectations.

The Independent Major Project ensures a journey from research design to dissemination to a wider audience at a post-graduate level. Support for the project will be given in the core modules (Creative Research Skills: Tools and Techniques, Research Design and Application and Independent Major Project). This support will consist of lectures, workshops, online tasks and tutorials to develop research skills and support you to plan, conduct and disseminate your own major piece of research.

In addition to the core modules, you will choose from a range of option modules to develop subject specific knowledge and skills. This includes the opportunity to further develop applied skills through specialised option modules including research assistantships or applied work-related experiences as well as more academic modules. Furthermore, there is the choice to study Negotiated Option Modules which provide an opportunity to develop an individual learning plan and determine assessments in a topic area of interest.

You will be taught using a variety of methods including lectures, group-based tasks and 1-1 tutorials (dissertation supervisor). A blended learning approach will be used throughout as both use of online platforms and the on-campus facilities will be used to support leaning.

This course has three main strands; research training, subject development and research project. It will develop your skills in a range of techniques and research methods applicable to your subject area and in addition will allow consideration of the full ethical and methodological perspectives used within a range of academic areas. You will also develop skills to disseminate your work in formats appropriate to subject and professional expectations.

The Independent Major Project ensures a journey from research design to dissemination to a wider audience at a post-graduate level. Support for the project will be given in the core modules (Creative Research Skills: Tools and Techniques, Research Design and Application and Independent Major Project). This support will consist of lectures, workshops, online tasks and tutorials to develop research skills and support you to plan, conduct and disseminate your own major piece of research.

In addition to the core modules, you will choose from a range of option modules to develop subject specific knowledge and skills. This includes the opportunity to further develop applied skills through specialised option modules including research assistantships or applied work-related experiences as well as more academic modules. Furthermore, there is the choice to study Negotiated Option Modules which provide an opportunity to develop an individual learning plan and determine assessments in a topic area of interest.

You will be taught using a variety of methods including lectures, group-based tasks and 1-1 tutorials (dissertation supervisor). A blended learning approach will be used throughout as both use of online platforms and the on-campus facilities will be used to support leaning.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Creative Research Skills: Tools And Techniques 40 credits
Independent Major Project 60 credits
Research, Design And Application 20 credits
Show 8 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Creative Research Skills: Tools And Techniques 40 credits
Show 8 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Independent Major Project 60 credits
Research, Design And Application 20 credits

Entry requirements

An honours degree in a related area, typically 2:1 classification. However, experience relevant to your discipline area and potential to work at Masters level will also be considered when offering a place.

For students whose first language is not English, you must have achieved Level 6.5 overall and no lower than 6.0 in all components of IELTS (or equivalent).

Your application should include a short proposal of your research so that we can make sure that we can provide you with supervision. You can do this in the ‘Personal Statement’ section.

An honours degree in a related area, typically 2:1 classification. However, experience relevant to your discipline area and potential to work at Masters level will also be considered when offering a place.

For students whose first language is not English, you must have achieved Level 6.5 overall and no lower than 6.0 in all components of IELTS (or equivalent).

Your application should include a short proposal of your research so that we can make sure that we can provide you with supervision. You can do this in the ‘Personal Statement’ section.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO
Careers

After completing the Applied Research Masters, you’ll be equipped to work in research roles. 

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. 

 For this course, you'll: 

  • Work with others on group work 
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently 

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are. 

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project. 

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. 

 For this course, you'll: 

  • Work with others on group work 
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently 

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are. 

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). 

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing. 

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). 

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing. 

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. 

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.  

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. 

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.  

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve: 

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University. 

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve: 

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University. 

Staff

You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience. 

Dr Naomi Ellis

Associate Professor Of Health Research

I've been involved with a number of research projects relating to physical activity and mental health, green space and health; health in mid-life; sport and mental health in prisons.

Naomi's profile

Dr Sarah Rose

Senior Lecturer

I love inspiring students at all levels about child development and how we can share our psychological expertise to make a difference to children and their families. My research focuses on education, children’s wellbeing and children’s use of tech.

Sarah's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time, blended learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £8,900 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc Part-time, blended learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £8,865 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

My broad area of interest is mental health and I went into my Master’s from a psychology undergraduate course not really knowing where I would go with it - I just knew that I wanted to learn more.

In the past year I have undertaken two applied experience placements, written blogs, spoken to people from every area of mental health, from academics to practitioners in many different areas to people in the third sector supporting people with mental distress. I have presented at a conference and gone on a trip to York University to volunteer with the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group and written so many essays.

I have taken every opportunity to explore what kind of researcher I want to be, what my passion is and how I want to develop after the course.

Sophia Fedorowicz

Graduate, MSc Applied Research

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, blended learning 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

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in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

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