Increasingly, the degree may be useful for students considering careers outside of academia, where high-level research skills are valued but a doctoral qualification is not required.
It can provide a useful experience of what doctoral study is like, whilst also allowing the student to acquire a Master's level qualification.
Research master's degree programmes are different from taught master's degrees by placing particular emphasis on a large dissertation (typically between 35,000 and 40,000 words), or an equivalent practice-led research project, in addition to fewer (or no) taught modules.
For humanities subjects, MPhil theses are typically 60,000 words (and PhDs 80–100,000), while MRes or MA(Res) are usually around 35–40,000 by thesis, or lesser for courses with a taught component (a mixture of smaller essays and a dissertation).
Some universities[4] require an oral exam (viva voce) in addition to a written thesis for successful completion of an MRes degree.
The program consists of a coursework component and a supervised research project, including a thesis of 20–25,000 words.