Nigerian students considering studying for a Masters in the UK may wonder how MRes compare to other qualifications such as MSc, MA and MPhil.
MRes vs MSc/MA: While MSc or MA emphasize coursework with some research at the end, MRes are primarily research driven. Research MSc students will write a longer thesis, usually around 35,000 words, while an MSc or MA thesis requires 15,000-20,000 words.
Masters by Research vs. Masters of Philosophy: The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is often the precursor to a PhD and usually involves a single research topic, similar to the Master of Philosophy by research. However, a research master’s degree often includes more structured research training, which is ideal for students who want a thorough understanding of research before a potential PhD.
Popular research master’s courses in the UK
The UK offers a wide range of research-based master’s programs across multiple disciplines, allowing students from different academic backgrounds to find a course that matches their career goals. Popular areas of study for Nigerian students include:
Health Sciences: Ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in medical research or public health.
Computer Science: Provides advanced research opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Biological Sciences: Gateway to jobs in biotechnology, genetics, and environmental science research.
Global Politics: For students interested in international relations, political theory, and policy development.
Law: Specialize in areas such as human rights, criminal justice or immigration law.
Admission requirements for Nigerian students
To gain admission to a UK research masters program, Nigerian students typically need to meet the following criteria:
Bachelor’s degree: Most UK universities require a grade of 2:1 or above, equivalent to a Nigerian GPA of 3.0.
English Language Proficiency: Since Nigeria is a non-English speaking country, students must demonstrate English proficiency, usually through IELTS with a score of at least 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
Research Proposal: As part of the application, a clear research plan is required outlining the student’s intended research area, objectives and methods.
Academic References: Two academic references are typically required to support the application.
Application process
The process of applying for the MRes program involves several steps:
Choose a university and course: Students should research different universities to find a research master’s program that matches their career goals.
Submit an Online Application: Most applications are completed online through the university website. Students are required to upload supporting documents, including their research plans, transcripts and English test results.
Interview (optional): Some universities may require an interview to assess a candidate’s suitability for the program.
The cost of studying a research master’s degree in the UK
The cost of studying a master’s degree in the UK varies depending on the university and course. For Nigerian students, tuition fees range from £15,000 to £23,000 per year, depending on the university. As well as tuition fees, students will also need to budget for living costs, which range from £12,000 to £15,000 per year depending on location.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. Nigerian students can also apply for various Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships and institution-specific awards.
Post-Master’s Career Opportunities
After completing a master’s degree, Nigerian students have several career options:
Academia: Many students go on to study for PhDs, eventually entering academic teaching and research positions.
Industrial Research: Research Masters are highly regarded in research-intensive industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and environmental sciences.
Government and Policy: Graduates can enter government research institutions, think tanks, or international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Health Organization.
Private sector: For industries such as consulting or R&D, the research skills gained through a research master’s degree are invaluable.
Research Masters programs in the UK offer Nigerian students an excellent opportunity to hone their research skills in a world-class academic environment. Offering a diverse range of courses, good career prospects and the opportunity to pursue further research opportunities, research masters programs in the UK are a worthwhile investment in your future.
