MRes Social Justice Courses

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MRes Social Justice Courses

Course summary

  • Do you want to challenge injustice and create real change?
  • Are you interested in building advanced research skills for your future career?

The MRes (Master of Research) Social Justice suite of courses develops high-level research skills within your chosen discipline, alongside training in research advocacy.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct advanced research in your subject area
  • Advocate for the value of research in different settings
  • Work with organisations and communities on research projects
  • Communicate research to diverse audiences
  • Use media to share research effectively

Course structure and teaching

The course is led by the Institute for Connected Communities (ICC), with pathways delivered in partnership with:Arts and Creative Industries (ACI), Health, Sport and Bioscience (HSB) and Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL).

You will:

  • Study core modules delivered by ICC
  • Take discipline-specific modules in partner Schools
  • Complete modules drawn from existing level seven courses and new ICC modules

Who this course is for

This course supports students aiming for research careers, particularly those from groups underrepresented in research. We welcome applicants from the ‘Global Majority’, including people whose families originate from:

  • Africa
  • South Asia
  • South America
  • Other non-white backgrounds

The course is part of the Social Transformation and Advocacy through Research (STAR) project, which aims to increase participation in postgraduate research.

Study options

You can start in September and study:

  • Full-time over one year
  • Part-time over two years

Our modules consist of the following:

  • SY7013 - Making a Difference through Research (Core 30 credits)
  • SY7014 - Research Advocacy and Social Justice (Core 30 credits)
  • SY7015 - Research Advocacy through a Research Project (Core 120 credits)

Full-time students take SY7014 in Term 1 and SY7013 in Term 2 during year one. The independent research project (SY7015) takes place across all three academic terms.

Part-time students complete the programme across two years:

  • SY7014 in year one term 1, and SY7013 in year two term 2.
  • The research project takes place across the two years.

Research advocacy focus

The course includes a core module in Research Advocacy, integrating career and sector guidance throughout your studies.

Entry requirements

  • A university 2:1 degree or equivalent qualification
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Explore our courses and apply now

  • MRes Business Management and Social Justice

    Our MRes in Business Management is designed to prepare you to undertake high-level research in your area of disciplinary specialism, and to tailor research to relevant research audiences.

Funding for MRes Social Justice courses

You may be eligible for full or partial funding for this course (subject to interview).

Find out more about research funding on our fees and funding research page.

Contact us

For more information about the courses, contact Dr Darren Sharpe - d.sharpe@uel.ac.uk

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact:

MRes Social Justice courses FAQs

How is this MRes different from a traditional master’s degree?

This MRes (Master of Research) focuses on developing advanced research and advocacy skills rather than subject knowledge alone. You will learn how to design, deliver and communicate research that creates real-world impact, particularly in community and organisational settings.

What does ‘research advocacy’ mean in practice?

Research advocacy means using your research to influence change. You will learn how to present findings to different audiences, work with communities and organisations, and use media and communication tools to ensure your research has a practical impact beyond academia.

Do I need prior research experience to apply?

No formal research experience is required. The course is designed to build your research skills at the postgraduate level, supported through core modules and guided project work. A relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience is expected.

How will this course support my career?

This MRes course prepares you for roles in research, policy, public services, NGOs, and community organisations. You will graduate with practical experience in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and communicating evidence to diverse audiences.