Emily Nicholson (MA by Research 2022-2023)
When exploring my postgraduation options I quickly realised that the MA by Research at Warwick was the perfect next step for me. I had a research area that I was incredibly passionate about which I had begun researching for my undergraduate dissertation, and I was eager to continue exploring this research area. The structure of the course, as a 1-year independent project with the focus on one 40,000-word thesis, was an exciting (and daunting) notion but offered the ideal opportunity to continue my research. I found the structure of independent research was exciting and empowering. The freedom to shape and lead my own project, with the support and guidance of my supervisor, allowed me to immerse myself in research I was passionate about, whilst developing my academic skills. The support I received from my supervisor was one of the most valuable aspects of the course. Their guidance, feedback, and encouragement played a crucial role in helping me develop my ideas and build my confidence as a researcher.
Although the course is independent by nature, I never felt isolated. As a research student, you also become part of the wider PGR (Postgraduate Research) community at Warwick both professionally and socially. There are lots of postgraduate societies and events to attend to meet fellow students. The are also opportunities for PGR skills training through the department and the Doctoral College. These opportunities were invaluable in developing both my academic and professional skillset, and in feeling part of a supportive research environment.
I completed my MA by Research in 2023 and I am currently continuing my research as a PhD candidate at Warwick. Thanks to the continued support of my supervisor and the department, I was awarded funding through the CADRE scholarship. The experience and mentorship from the MA where instrumental in my advancement to PhD research. I continue to use the skills and feedback which I gained during my MA every day. I would recommend the course to anyone who has a project or research area they are passionate about and have desire to explore it in depth. It is a unique and rewarding experience which offers both the freedom and the structure to grow as an independent scholar!
Gentle Lung (MA by Research 2022-2023)
There were three things I wanted to do after my undergraduate degree. To continue investigating the questions I was interested in, to expand my understanding of subject areas beyond my own, and to develop my research skills in preparation for my future career. The MA by Research course at Warwick has helped me reach all three goals, and this was in large part due to the sense of structure, community, and independence that the degree offers.
The degree allows you to get involved with the wider Postgraduate Research community at the university, giving you a variety of classes, events, and extracurricular opportunities to connect with others. This external structure gave me the confidence to explore my research topic in new ways because I knew I had the support and guidance to keep me accountable. Additionally, getting to talk to people across the school and at different stages of their research journey is really motivating because you can see what you are working towards. The insight I got from speaking to professors, PhD students, and even people from other departments is incredibly useful for realising the potential of what you can do with your research and the new perspectives that can enrich your findings.
Beyond my studies, my tutors and course convenors have also helped me foster confidence in my abilities as an academic. I am especially grateful for my supervisors whose feedback has been constructive, encouraging, and specific to the skills and ideas I need to develop further. Most importantly, they speak to me like an equal. In fact, everyone I’ve spoken to at this university seems genuinely interested in what each student is doing. That passion and openness to learning is infectious. It is refreshing to be taken seriously for your interests and to be in an environment where my research and academic voice feel valuable.
Ian Farnell (MA by Research student 2016-2017)
I chose the MA by Research because I had quite a specific field of interest, and I was drawn to the freedom of a year-long, entirely independent research project. I also hoped that it would give me the experience and skills needed to begin a PhD. My time as an MA by Research student was a great mix of independent discovery and academic discipline, with the course feeling both structured and liberating – I had complete control of my own research practice and could explore my subject as I saw fit, while the one-year course length gave my work focus and drive. The need to eventually submit a very long piece of work in this short space of time can be daunting, but is ultimately an achievable and exciting challenge – I learned a lot simply by getting on with it, from day one.
My supervisor was a source of constant support, encouraging me in my studies by happily discussing ideas, suggesting sources and opportunities, answering (numerous) questions, and challenging me in a critical yet always friendly way, to strengthen my writing and my conclusions. The examination process also allowed me to share my work with experts in the field, and their feedback continues to shape and inspire my research today. I have reaped the benefits of this course and have grown in confidence as a young academic. I have spoken at conferences here and abroad and have published papers in academic journals. Most importantly, through a combination of support from my department, the recommendations of my examiners and the eventual submitted thesis, I have been awarded funding for my PhD, which continues my work here at Warwick. All of this came from the flexibility, rigour and opportunity that my MA by Research afforded. I would recommend this course to anyone who has a desire to explore their chosen field in detail, and to those with long-term academic goals. The time passes very quickly, and I loved every minute.
Eleanor Price (MA by Research student 2018-19)
When researching my options for a Postgraduate MA course, the MA by Research in Theatre Studies at Warwick seemed to offer a unique opportunity. It would allow me to further develop skills acquired at undergraduate degree level, whilst enabling me to structure my whole year of study around a dissertation topic of my choosing. The MA by Research appealed as I wanted something that would allow me the opportunity to develop my own voice further, to focus on a topic that fascinated me, whilst providing me with essential skills which may either serve as an invaluable stepping stone to a PhD, or simply allow me to feel a sense of confidence in my own independent research and writing. It allows you to build a close working relationship with your supervisor and the research community within the department. This in turn provides you with access to support and resources normally only accessed at PhD levels of study. The MA by Research is supported by the PGR community both within the department and across the university. For example, in my first weeks on the course, I have had access to department research seminars and CADRE events on making the best use of library and archival resources. As well as this, I have the flexibility to construct my own work and study timetables. I am able to work independently whilst building a relationship with my supervisor. The supervision provides guidance, reassurance and support, which is vital if you are not on campus or in lectures and seminars on a regular basis. The MA by Research is a fantastic first step to conducting your own research and becoming confident in communicating the purpose, intention and interest in that research to others.
