Many international students now enrol in MRes Master of Research programs in the United Kingdom rather than taught Master’s programs. There’s more to why students prefer MRes programs. It offers an edge for those who intend to pursue a PhD degree in the future and helps improve research-based skills, which could be highly beneficial for their career. An MRes program also offers an alternative route for you to bring your dependents to the UK, which is currently restricted for other Master’s students.
This guide will reveal the hidden benefits of earning a Master of Research program in the UK. At DexTravl, we understand that students want their families to live with them under the same roof while studying abroad. Here, you’ll discover an alternative to dependent eligibility and the career benefits that accompany it.
Why study for an MRes degree in the UK?

Still deliberating on whether to enrol for a Master of Research program or choose a taught Master’s program? The following reasons justify why many international students prefer MRes programs in the UK:
- Scholarships are open to international students pursuing an MRes degree in the UK. With this financial aid, you can pay little or no fees and even receive stipends for your living expenses.
- You will develop a strong skill set, such as research methodologies, data collection, and data analysis. With these skills, you’ll become more qualified for research-based roles and be equipped for PhD studies.
- MRes programs require a shorter period of study. They usually take one year to complete in a UK university, unlike other master’s programs that require studying for up to 18 months or even more.
- Earning an MRes degree from a UK university enhances your CV, as it’s recognised throughout the world. It also allows you to dive deep into your specialised field, making you highly employable to multinational and other leading companies.
- International students pursuing an MRes degree in the UK can bring their spouses and children to join them as they study. This privilege is particularly not available to students pursuing other master’s degrees.
Entry requirements for international students
The admission requirements for MRes programs in UK higher education institutions are similar to other Master’s programs.
Here’s an overview of them:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a Second Class Upper Division grade.
- A research proposal.
- A personal statement describing your goals and interests.
Top careers for MRes degree holders
With a Master of Science in clinical research or any other discipline, you can apply for specialist roles that come with high remuneration and are in demand in many countries. Here are some of the best research roles that you can do with an MRes degree:
- Clinical research coordinator
- AI Research scientist
- Forensic science technician
- Environmental scientist
- Research analyst
- Information research scientist
- Research chemist
- Geotechnical engineer
- Chemical engineer
- Data scientist
- Computational biologist
- Meteorologist
- Wildlife biologist
Cost of pursuing a MRes degree in the UK
Nigerians need to consider the following fees to pursue a Master of Research degree in the United Kingdom:
- Tuition fee: around £12,500 per academic year, without financial aid added yet.
- Accommodation: from £650 to £800 per month, depending on the school and housing preference (type, location, and features).
- Food and groceries: £150 to £250 per month.
- Public transit: £50 to £100 per month, depending on the part of the UK where the school is.
- Health insurance plan: around £40 per month.
- Telephone plan: £18 per month.
In total, you need approximately ₦25.5m to study for an MRes degree in a UK university. You also have to include your visa application costs and airfare in your budget.
Enrol in an MRes program through DexTravl
Our travel consultants at DexTravl will help you choose an MRes program with the best career prospects, no matter your discipline, and handle your admission application. Whether you want to pursue a PhD or build a career based on research, you can never go wrong studying a research Master’s program in the UK.

