The MRes programme provides a dedicated route for high-calibre students who (may have a specific research aim in mind) are ready to carry out independent research leading to PhD level study or who are seeking a stand alone research based qualification suitable for a career in research with transferable skills for graduate employment. It is the normal expectation that the independent research thesis (120 credits) should be of at a publishable standard in a high quality peer reviewed journal. The MRes programme is a full-time one year course consisting of 60 taught credits at the beginning of the programme which lead on to the 120 credit thesis. Each MRes shares the taught element of the course, after successful completion of the taught element students are then able to specialise in a specific subject for their thesis.