MRes in Management

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus

Program Overview

The MRes Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University is a research-driven master’s degree designed to help you build strong, practical skills in designing and conducting management research. It’s an excellent choice for students who want to progress to a PhD or develop advanced analytical expertise, offering a blend of research training and specialist study that lets you shape your degree around your interests.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study (Typically 18–24 Months Full-Time)

Your programme begins with a solid foundation in research design and academic inquiry. In Developing Your Research Idea, you learn how to refine research questions, explore existing literature, understand research ethics, and engage with the philosophical foundations of research. You will also choose one of three methodological training modules — Developing Quantitative Research Skills, Developing Qualitative Research Skills, or Developing Mixed Methods Research Skills — which give you hands-on experience collecting, analysing, and interpreting different types of data.

As you progress, you broaden your subject knowledge by selecting two taught modules from existing master’s programmes within the School of Management. These modules allow you to explore areas such as organisational studies, innovation, strategy, or international business, depending on where you would like your research to develop. This stage deepens your understanding of management theory and helps you build a strong academic foundation for your independent project.

The final phase of the programme is the Research Project, where you produce a substantial piece of original research. You may complete this as a traditional dissertation of up to 20,000 words or develop academic manuscripts ready for review, and you will defend your work through a viva voce examination. This experience gives you a realistic sense of what advanced research involves and prepares you for doctoral study or research-led roles.

Focus areas (in a string):

Research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed methods, academic writing, subject-specific management knowledge, independent inquiry.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Design and conduct rigorous research; analyse and interpret data using appropriate methods; connect theory with real-world practice; develop strong academic writing and communication skills; prepare for PhD-level study or research-focused careers.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Delivered through the Cardiff School of Management, the programme aligns with recognised UK postgraduate researcher standards and supports the development of skills expected within accredited research environments.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Cardiff Metropolitan University is known for its strong applied research culture and supportive postgraduate environment. Its management programmes are well regarded for preparing students to move into doctoral study or analytical roles that require evidence-based decision-making.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is central to the MRes Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University, because the programme is designed to help you become a researcher through hands-on practice. From your first module to your final viva, you’ll work directly with research tools, academic literature, real data, and supervisory support that mirrors the experience of working as a professional researcher. The Cardiff School of Management provides a supportive research community, specialist training workshops, well-equipped learning environments, and access to extensive digital resources, giving you the space to experiment, question, and apply the methods you are learning.

To show how your experience becomes practical and professionally meaningful, here are the key experiential elements of the programme:

Hands-on methodological training in modules such as Developing Quantitative Research Skills, Developing Qualitative Research Skills, and Developing Mixed Methods Research Skills, where you practise real techniques including data analysis, coding, interviewing, survey design, and interpretation.
Close supervision and mentoring from research-active academics who guide you through shaping your research question, refining your methodology, and preparing for dissertation work or doctoral applications.
Interactive workshops and research skill sessions delivered through the School of Management’s postgraduate research training framework, supporting everything from literature reviewing to ethical approval to academic writing.
Opportunities to engage with master’s-level subject modules, allowing you to explore specialist areas such as strategy, innovation, international business, or organisational studies and apply research tools within those contexts.
Independent research development as you work on your final Research Project, where you design, conduct, and write an original piece of academic work, building skills that directly prepare you for PhD-level study.
A formal viva voce examination, giving you authentic experience in defending your research findings and communicating them clearly — a crucial part of advanced academic training.
Access to Cardiff Met’s extensive library and digital research resources, including journals, databases, and research tools essential for your literature review, data gathering, and analysis.
Use of postgraduate study suites and dedicated research spaces, providing a professional environment for collaboration, supervision meetings, and independent work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the MRes Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University puts you in a strong position for both academic and professional advancement. The programme is designed to build high-level research capability, meaning you graduate with skills that are in demand in universities, policy organisations, consultancies, and analytical roles across sectors. Many students choose this degree as a dedicated pathway toward a PhD in Management, while others move into roles where evidence-based decision-making, data analysis, and critical evaluation are essential — such as research consultancy, business analysis, policy evaluation, or organisational development.

A clear progression route to doctoral study, with the MRes providing the methodological training and research experience expected for PhD admission within Cardiff Met or other UK institutions.
Strong academic environment, supported by experienced supervisors and a research-active School of Management that prepares you for the expectations of postgraduate research communities.
Highly transferable skills in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, making you a valuable candidate for roles requiring analytical rigour and strategic thinking.
Career development support from the university’s employability and careers teams, helping you build academic CVs, prepare for interviews, or explore research-related professions.
A substantial research project and viva, giving you a professional research portfolio that demonstrates your ability to design, conduct, and defend an original study — a major asset for both academic and applied career paths.
Recognition within applied research environments, as Cardiff Met is known for its practical and industry-informed approach to management education, strengthening the credibility of your qualification.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MRes, many graduates progress directly into a PhD in Management or related fields, specialising in areas such as organisational behaviour, strategy, innovation, human resource management, or international business. Others may pursue research roles in the public or private sector or continue developing their expertise through advanced professional training in analytics, research design, or evaluation studies.