Studying for an MA or MSc by Research (MbR) can be an excellent opportunity to develop your intellectual skills and your academic interest in a particular field. The MbR is a 12-month research project (24 months part-time). It is distinct from our taught masters programmes and involves planning, implementing and writing up a research project. You will be supervised by two members of academic staff and will be encouraged to submit your work for publication at the end of the course. We have projects you can apply for but you are also welcome to propose your own research project. By undertaking an original piece of research you will develop a mixture of high-level subject-specific and generic skills. These include: Project management (the ability to organise, plan and carry through to completion a complicated project). Technical expertise (project dependent but may also include good laboratory and fieldwork practice and advanced health and safety skills). High-level oral communication skills (especially on projects involving external partners and sponsors with whom you will liaise). Strong written communication skills (in writing up your research project you will become proficient at explaining complicated ideas in simple language). Data analysis skills (data handling, collation, and, where appropriate, statistical and graphical analysis). Self-motivation. Although you will be closely supervised, you will have to be strongly self-motivated to succeed.