MRes Management / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course description

The Master of Research in Management  is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of an approved programme of training and research.  Students will pursue a programme of training and research which combines advanced study, research methodology and a substantial research project, or series of research projects.

It is a one year Master's degree which is designed to give students the opportunity to both develop their knowledge of specialist areas of business and management and develop the research skills essential for doctoral research. Many students who complete an MRes go on to apply to study a PhD.

Aims

The programme aims to:

  • provide students with a rigorous training in research methods, including epistemological and theoretical issues as well as quantitative and qualitative methods, appropriate for their doctoral studies;
  • give students the flexibility to chose from a range of course options in the area of management research within a structured programme of courses;
  • offer a range of qualitative and quantitative methods course units so that students could chose the level and specialism that is appropriate to their background and current research training needs;
  • provide systematic and critical knowledge of one specific subject area of management research (such as accounting or marketing) so they appreciate current debates and issues;
  • introduce students to different paradigms to management research/studies thus equipping them with the general background to become professional researchers in management;
  • produce students who have the knowledge and skills to appreciate the growing importance of interdisciplinary research in management;
  • foster students' skills in analysis, argument, independent thinking, and effective oral and written self-expression and presentation skills;
  • build transferable employment related skills, so that students can become life-long learners able to apply their knowledge and skills in variety of contexts;
  • encourage initiative, independent learning and commitment to scholarship; and
  • develop core skills IT in computer literacy, numeracy, and use of databases.

Special features

Additional course information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

All appointments are made on merit.

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

The MRes programme is organised into 13 subject-specific pathways, the choice of which will depend on the Subject Academic Group of the supervisor, the nature of the research topic, and your prior experience. Available pathways are:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Decision Sciences and Operational Research
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Information Systems
  • International Business and Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Organisational Psychology
  • Public Sector Management
  • Science, Technology and Innovation

Coursework and assessment

Students are assessed on their selected course units throughout the year.  The method of assessment varies depending on the course unit requirements.

Course content for year 1

Candidates for the MRes must complete the following, bearing in mind that the course offerings are subject to change:

Compulsory course units:

Developing Research Contributions

AND

2x Research Methods modules delivered from the appropriate AMBS specialist PGT (MSc) programmes:

  • Cross-Sectional Econometrics
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Professional Qualitative Marketing Research
  • Quantitative Marketing Research in the Digital Age
  • Global Operations
  • Professional Skills: Research and Evaluation Methods
  • Applied Statistics and Business Forecasting
  • Mathematical Programming and Optimisation
  • Data Analytics for Business Decision Making
  • Risk, Performance and Business Analysis
  • Workplace Research and Analysis Skills
  • Research Skills for Professional Practice Part 1 / Part 2

Research Methods Electives:

Candidates should take 3 modules from the Research Methods Electives below -

  • Case Study Research: Method and Methodology
  • Comparative Case Study Analysis
  • Epistemology
  • Structural Equation Modelling
  • Multiple Regression
  • Exploratory Factor Analysis
  • Reviewing and Evaluating Manuscripts

OR, in consultation with the supervisor and subject to agreement with the module convenor and approval by MRes/RTP Director, instead of taking 3 of the above 5-credit modules, candidates can choose  ONE additional 15-credit Research Methods module from the PGR Research Training Programme .

Subject-Specific Electives:

Candidates choose two modules from MSc programmes offered in AMBS/Faculty.

Dissertation

Skills Training and Personal Development Planning

Candidates are also required to undertake 10 days training in academic, research, transferable or IT skills. This training is usually provided by Faculty of Humanities and is not assessed.

Course unit details

The programme provides a robust yet flexible research training across 13 subject-specific pathways, the choice of which will depend on the Subject Academic Group of the supervisor, the nature of the research topic, and your prior experience. Available pathways are:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Decision Sciences and Operational Research
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Information Systems
  • International Business and Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Organisational Psychology
  • Public Sector Management
  • Science, Technology and Innovation

All course units - foundation, research methods and subject specific - are delivered by experienced academics and researchers with international reputation in their respective areas of expertise.  Students are also expected to conduct research for and write up a Masters dissertation by the end of the programme.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Risk, Performance and Decision Analysis BMAN60092 15 Optional
Mathematical Programming and Optimisation BMAN60101 15 Optional
Workplace Research and Analysis Skills BMAN60261 15 Optional
Data Analytics for Business Decision Making BMAN60422 15 Optional
Professional skills: Research and Evaluation Methods BMAN70120 15 Optional
Cross Sectional Econometrics BMAN70211 15 Optional
Qualitative Research Methods BMAN71282 15 Optional
Applied Statistics and Business Forecasting BMAN71791 15 Optional
Research Skills for Professional Practice 1 BMAN71961 15 Optional
Research Skills for Professional Practice 2 BMAN71992 15 Optional
Global challenges, emerging technologies and governance BMAN73952 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk