The Masters (Research) in Urban Research provides students with an excellent grounding in social science research methods and theory and in the theoretical and policy debates around urban space and place. It is ideally suited for students wishing to undertake a PhD or to work in public/third or private sector organizations within a research or policy role.

Programme overview

• MRes: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

The core teaching for this programme is delivered over two semesters followed by the completion of an independent research project. Teaching is offered by two main providers – the College of Social Sciences Graduate School provides core courses in research methods and social theory to ensure a grounding in a broad set of research skills; the subject area of Urban Studies provides core training in the theory of urban research and global cities.  Students enhance this training by selecting additional courses across the school and College of Social Sciences allowing for the development of knowledge of most relevance to the student’s own research interests.  The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures and seminars, but may also include lab work, input from policy/practice experts and, in some case, UK field trips.

Core assessed components

• Social Science Statistics 1 : 20 credits
• Qualitative Methods: 20 credits
• Introduction to Social Theory for Researchers: 20 credits
• Global Cities: 20 credits
• Urban Theory and Research: 20 credits
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Core non-assessed components

• Graduate School induction week
• IT discovery and resources
• Transferable Skills and Personal Development Planning

Optional courses

• Social Science Statistics 2 (GS): 20 credits
• Advanced Qualitative Methods (GS): 20 credits
• A wide range of options across Urban Studies, the School of Social & Political Science or College of Social Sciences as approved by the programme director

Career prospects

The MRes Urban Research aims to provide a strong foundation for advanced research in urban studies, both in the context of careers in the public and voluntary sectors, and especially of further studies to PhD level.  These are the routes taken by most of our students on completion of the programme.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified.  Applicants who do not meet these requirements but with professional experience may be considered.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MRes