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MSc by Research (WMG) (2024 Entry)

A student in the Oculus Building on campus reading from a textbook.

Find out more about our WMG Master's by Research degree.

A Master’s by Research degree allows you to focus on independent research rather than being taught directly. Your independent research will normally enhance your existing knowledge of a subject as you work at the boundaries of your field. This programme focuses on training researchers for a professional career or preparing for a PhD or EngD.


Course overview

During the MSc by Research programme, you will develop your research in your chosen subject area, supported by supervisors from academic and, potentially, industrial backgrounds. You will submit your research as a final single thesis to show your research findings for final examination. 

Our MSc by Research offers the opportunity to work with academics and industry leaders, enabling you to benefit from conducting research within a department excelling in academia with real industrial relevance and a globally renowned business focus to enable you to stay ahead of the curve within the changing needs of industry.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or a relevant subject.

Please see individual project advertsLink opens in a new window for any further requirements.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research is at the heart of WMG. With many innovative research areas we offer a range of research degree topics so you can pursue your interests and passions. Our projects have strong links with leaders in global industry, meaning your research will be directly applicable to solve the challenges facing organisations today.

WMGs research themes

  • Automation Systems
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Battery Systems
  • Ceramics
  • Connected and Cooperative Autonomous Systems
  • Connectivity and Communications Technology
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Science
  • Digital Lifecycle Management
  • Electrochemical Materials
  • Energy Applications
  • Engineering Materials and Assembly
  • Health Informatics and Health Data Science
  • Healthcare Technologies and Biomedical Engineering
  • High Volume Automotive Composite Manufacturing
  • Human Factors
  • IV Sensors
  • Laser Beam Welding
  • Metrology and 3D Imaging
  • Nanocomposites
  • Plastics
  • Power Electronics, Machines and Drives
  • Secure Cyber Systems
  • Steels Processing
  • Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
  • Supply Chains
  • Verification and Validation
  • Visualisation

Full details of our research interests are listed on the WMG web pagesLink opens in a new window.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.Link opens in a new window

Find a supervisor

Find out more about our research areasLink opens in a new window and take a look at our current vacanciesLink opens in a new window to see the opportunities we currently have and their supervisors.

We also welcome informal enquiries, giving you the opportunity to discuss projects with supervisors to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Use the following links to find out more about our research groups and academics to contact if you are interested in a particular research area or complete our enquiry formLink opens in a new window.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.Link opens in a new window

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, there may be general associated costs such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits*
  • Dissertation binding*
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

* - Dissertations and Assignments are only submitted digitally. However students may wish to print and bind their dissertation for their own purposes. Students on some courses will have a final poster presentation as part of their project and the printing of posters will be at the students’ expense.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

WMG Excellence Scholarships

WMG funding opportunities

WMG will be awarding over £1million in scholarships and bursaries to students commencing study on our full-time MSc programmes

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Additional funding information

We have a number of research projects available which are fully or partially funded. The majority of these are for UK/EU applicants, though occasionally we advertise positions that are also open to overseas applicants. Please refer to specific project descriptions for details. See our Research Degree opportunities here.

Department content block about careers

WMG at Warwick

Having forged strong links with global companies through 42 years of collaborative research and development, we really understand the global market you’ll be operating in, and have designed our programmes to match.

Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window


Our courses

Our part-time courses for working professionals

Our Postgraduate Research degrees


Visiting WMG

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. WMG also organises events for prospective students including a weekly Live Chat so you can connect directly with the department to speak with staff and students from WMG. For more about university wide open days and tours, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

Apply in WMG  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.