MRes Engaged Research

The MRes in Engaged Research is built around a live, client-engaged project in an organisational or public service setting. The MRes in Engaged Research is a 180-credit Level 7 programme organised around one coherent research journey: from initial problem framing and scoping, through research design and ethics, to implementation, analysis and dissemination. The programme combines advanced research preparation with a substantial project developed and delivered with a client organisation or public service partner.

The client/partner relationship is embedded from the beginning rather than added only at dissertation stage. Rooted in engaged scholarship and relational research traditions, this programme equips you with the skills to design, conduct and lead co‑produced research that generates meaningful public value. Across 12 months (full‑time), you will undertake a live, client‑based Independent Research Project, supported through dual supervision and a structured engagement model.

You will explore your role and responsibilities as an engaged researcher, learn to navigate complex ethical environments, and develop the methodological expertise needed to deliver high‑quality applied research in organisational and public service contexts. This programme is ideal for early‑career researchers, practitioners seeking to develop research capability, and those aiming to progress into applied research roles in higher education, public services, consultancy, or policy environments. Programme Aim The MRes in Engaged Research aims to: Provide a pathway for engaged and relational research in organisations and public services, grounded in Boyer, Van de Ven and relational inquiry models Establish a client‑focused engagement model supported by a tripartite Client Engagement Agreement Equip students with advanced skills in research design and methods, including qualitative, quantitative, participatory, arts-based, AI-enabled, and relational approaches Align research projects with both academic expectations and applied outputs for use in client organisations Enable students to understand and critically reflect on their positionality, ethics, and identity as engaged researchers What is Engaged Research?

Across the programme, students critically consider power, knowledge, positionality and whose perspectives are prioritised. They are expected to consider the implications of research design, conduct and findings for different groups within and beyond the client organisation or public service context. The programme treats engaged research as a collaborative process with a client organisation or public service partner.

Students identify and define a practice-based research problem that brings together relevant theory, organisational or public service context, partner priorities, and potential contributions to organisational learning or public value. Ethics, governance, data protection, power, language and positionality are considered from the design stage.