Masters by Research Creative Arts

About the course

A University of Hertfordshire Masters research degree is an internationally recognised degree signifying achievement in research. Whereas an MA/MSc is a taught, modular programme, a Masters by Research is a programme of research and skills development negotiated with your supervisors and based on your own research proposal.

The Masters by Research degree may be undertaken in full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 year) modes in any Creative Arts discipline that the School engages with and for which we have appropriately qualified supervisory staff.  In the School of Creative Arts, we have a wide range of expertise in historical and theoretical research, as well as in practice-led/practice-based research, relating to fine and applied arts, film, media and TV studies, interior and architectural design, music and the music industry.

During the period of study for the Masters by Research degree, you will develop a greater depth of subject expertise and independent research skills. You will undertake a focused research project for the duration of the degree, under the supervision and guidance of two or more academic members of staff who will be your supervisors. In addition, you will engage with a negotiated programme of selected generic skills development and careers workshops provided by the University of Hertfordshire Doctoral College.

Your Masters by Research project may be purely theoretical or contain elements of your own practice.  If there is a practice element, one of your supervisors would be a practitioner in the focal discipline, and appropriate studio space and/or workshop facilities would be made available if necessary. The School has a wide range of outstanding facilities for researchers in the broad area of creative arts, and the University library has an excellent range of relevant and up-to-date resources to support research in this area.

During the course of the degree, you would typically be given opportunities present your research at seminars and conferences, and to exhibit your practical work if it is part of the research project.  Some opportunities in this regard may be provided by the School or the University. 

Teaching methods

Research degrees are not taught programmes, however, programmes of supporting studies are a key element.

The School of Creative Arts has a lively research community staffed by supervisors whose research is world leading, Supervisory teams provide guidance in helping you to formulate and develop your research during the course of the programme.

We offer a range of subject specific research training throughout various research group seminars. Our research students are strongly encouraged to participate in modules in our taught Masters programmes, and the University also has an extensive Researcher Development Programme, which is provided by the UH Doctoral College and offers generic research training.

The Masters by Research has two main assessment points after enrolment: Initial Registration for the degree after 3 months for both full-time and part-time students, and the final examination. Your research will be examined on the basis of the final submission which may include a combination of both written and non-textual material that must be "defended" in a viva and contain a thesis (a position that can be defended by substantiated argument). 

Course experts

Dr Pat Simpson

Find out more about Dr Pat Simpson

What’s next for my career?

• An internationally recognised research qualification.
• Develop subject expertise at postgraduate level.
• Develop research skills through practice and research experience.
• Employers are looking for high calibre graduates with advanced skills who can demonstrate independent creative thinking and problem-solving through research.

Course fees

• Research degree fees for UK and EU students
• Research degree fees for international students