Courses

MA by Research opportunity in partnership with Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust

A study of the need for music training for non-specialist primary school teachers in the UK 

MA by Research in the Arts, supported by Modern Art Oxford

On the Masters by Research in the School of Arts, students have the opportunity to critically investigate a defined topic of research under the supervision of a specialist supervisory team. It allows students to gain a postgraduate degree, while pursuing a research project that directly aligns with their interests and career aspirations. 

As an applicant, you are able to propose your own research project, or you may choose to apply to work on a defined project in association with an established research area, or in collaboration with one of our external industry partners. All pre-defined research projects are advertised on the CoRA website in January and March each year. 

Aligning with the diverse research practices in the Oxford Brookes School of Arts, research projects may be undertaken either as a written thesis, or by practice. In the latter case, we are able to support a broad range of artistic practices, including, but not limited to work relating to contemporary art practice; sound arts, music and composition; digital humanities; film and documentary; digital media production; photography; graphic design; and media, journalism and publishing. We are also able to support interdisciplinary projects, working across the arts and other fields. 

Applicants wishing to apply with their own research topic are encouraged to contact us to discuss how we can best support you. 

For any students who wish to join us, but do not have extensive research project experience, we offer Research Skills training according to each individual’s needs, assessed through discussion with the assigned supervisory team. 

The School also welcomes speculative enquiries regarding research project ideas. If you have an idea for a research project, or know of an individual or industry partner you wish to work with, we are happy to discuss this with you, and where applicable, help to lead discussions with the external partner. 

The Masters by Research degree runs for 1 year full time, or 2 years part time. In all cases, as with other research degrees, projects are assessed by viva. 

Fees are set by UKRI, and are outlined below:

2024/25

Home (UK) full time: £4,886

Home (UK) part time: £2,443

International full time: £17,100

International part time: £8,550

Applicants will typically have earned at least a lower second-class honours degree at undergraduate level in a subject area relevant to the research project. An applicant holding qualifications other than those described above shall be considered on the applicant’s merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. In considering an applicant in this category, the Research Degrees Committee shall look for evidence of the candidate’s ability and background knowledge in relation to the proposed research. Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment shall be taken into consideration.

For a discussion about the MA by Research in the Arts, please contact Dr Alex Bickley Trott: atrott@brookes.ac.uk