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Masters by Research in Creative Arts - MRes *

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.

The Masters by Research (MRes) Creative Arts course is a flexible research-based course designed to provide graduates with a foundation for a career in research, the public/private sector, the arts or academia (i.e. PhD studies)....

  • Level Postgraduate Research
  • Study mode Full Time
  • Award MRes
  • Start date September 2025, January 2026

This course is:

Open to International Students

Overview

The Masters by Research (MRes) Creative Arts course is a flexible research-based course designed to provide graduates with a foundation for a career in research, the public/private sector, the arts or academia (i.e. PhD studies). The purpose is to offer high quality postgraduate training in methods and practice of research and relevant transferable skills that offer a unique learning experience to advance knowledge within your specialist area of the arts or humanities.

The MRes offers a foundation of advanced knowledge, specialist research skills and transferable attributes to prepare for academic and professional research careers. It seeks to develop reflexive independent researchers who can operate at the forefront of their academic discipline and of professional practice. The content and approach of the curriculum has a strong emphasis on independent scholarship and professional development. You will develop a keen understanding of research processes and methodologies, resulting in a research proposal and a reflection on your professional development and career ambitions.

The MRes Creative Arts allows integration with the wider community of arts and humanities research-orientated postgraduate students at Birmingham City University, ensuring a thriving culture of learning and investigation. The award explicitly prepares students for further doctoral study in their area of expertise, which is developed throughout their studies, culminating in an independent research project, either by dissertation or by practice and supported by expert supervision from leading researchers. Students are encouraged to organise and extend their learning in a way that suits their individual ambitions and needs.

What's covered in this course?

This course gives you the flexibility to choose your own specialist area to focus on within the Creative Arts, from either a practice or academic perspective. The course provides specialist research methods training to enable you to complete a major independent project.

You will be taught by experts from across the Creative Arts whose research is internationally excellent. You will work alongside other Creative Arts postgraduate research students and join a research cluster relevant to your discipline.

You'll also get the chance to showcase your work at research and exhibition events at the University.

Why Choose Us?

  • You will be part of a rich research tradition that stretches back to our foundation as a Government School of Design in 1843.
  • Our research activity is characterised by collaboration and interdisciplinarity. Our researchers are artists, designers, architects, theorists and writers working in clusters defined through staff expertise and world-leading research.
  • 100% of BCU's research in communication, culture, media, music, drama, performing arts, film and screen studies was rated either four-star or three-star for impact in the 2021 Research Excellent Framework.
  • You'll instantly become part of the University’s 6,000-strong student community, and you will be supported by our highly experienced staff, who are all nationally and internationally active researchers.
  • You will be taught by academics that have international reputations, producing globally significant research and creating substantial and far-reaching impact.

OPEN DAY

Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for this event yet, register your interest and we'll let you know when booking goes live.

Next Event: 15 November 2025

Register interest Take a virtual tour

Research Interests

Birmingham City University's Creative Arts research is diverse and practice-led, spanning media, design, visual arts, music, and performance. In Media, interdisciplinary work looks across creative industries, digital cultures, and social issues, exploring how culture is shaped by technology, identity, and history.

Art and Design research involves experimental, socially engaged practice. Wider creative initiatives, including CreaTech Frontiers and STEAMhouse, bridge arts with education business development and innovation. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire research covers composition, performance, musicology, and music technology, fostering excellence and scholarly innovation across all areas, driven by critical inquiry and cultural impact.

Architecture and Fashion research is practice-led and interdisciplinary. Architecture focuses on urban cultures and sustainable design. Fashion, Jewellery, and Textiles emphasize sustainability, craft, and digital innovation, with projects blending heritage and technology.

Music and performance research at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire encompasses composition, performance, musicology, and music technology. Researchers explore diverse genres and approaches, including historically informed performance and music's role in health and community. The Conservatoire also supports innovative acting and theatre research, collaboratively shaping creative practice and critical thought.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: MRes

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees

Award: MRes

Starting: Jan 2026

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: MRes

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year
  • TBC

Award: MRes

Starting: Jan 2026

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year
  • TBC

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the University or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence

Students studying on this course can request a free licence to install the entire suite of applications on up to two personal devices.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

Project materials (optional)

This course includes project work that may require you to develop and produce a portfolio (subject to your specialist research area). This could be digital, but if you choose to create a physical portfolio, you will be expected to provide the materials; costs will vary depending on the materials selected but we recommend you budget £250-300.

Gallery visits (optional)

It is advisable for all Creative Arts students to visit exhibitions, galleries and other creative and cultural institutions and events depending on your own individual area of interest. Travel and entry costs may be associated with this.

External event expenses (optional)

If you choose to exhibit or participate in an external event, you may need to budget for exhibition, accommodation and travel costs.

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.


Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:2 UK degree or international equivalent in an arts, humanities or related subject area. Applicants should provide a personal statement of up to 750 words which sets out the area of the Creative Arts they wish to study. For applicants for a practice background, you should also provide a link to an online portfolio of your work.


International

Please see our international pages for further details of the entry requirements for our courses and information relevant to applicants from your country.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band, or equivalent. See details of accepted qualifications.

Course in Depth

Level 7

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits)

How you learn

You will be taught within an environment that encourages critical debate, intellectual curiosity, and collaboration. You will receive guidance through seminars, workshops and tutorials to define your research focus and manage your learning.

In the taught module you will have guest lectures from active research staff and industry professionals. You will work alongside other research students to identify issues in your field and propose original solutions.

Employability

The course includes several targeted elements to enhance your employability in the creative and cultural sectors:

  • Skills and knowledge audit. At the start of the programme, a creative skills and knowledge audit helps you identify your strengths and areas for development, allowing for personalised support that aligns with professional opportunities in the arts.
  • Industry engagement opportunities. Through researcher and artist talks, industry panels and workshops, you'll engage with practitioners, curators, producers, and arts organisations – building networks and gaining valuable insight into creative careers.
  • Training in research methods. You will develop confidence in essential research methods and tools which are widely used in arts research, media production, and cultural project delivery.
  • Real-world application of creative research. The course emphasises the use of research and practice-based inquiry to explore and address contemporary issues in the arts, enhancing your ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and deliver meaningful cultural work.
  • Reflective practice. Embedded throughout your studies, reflective practice supports the development of your creative voice and professional identity, encouraging ongoing self-evaluation and adaptability, key traits in the dynamic and evolving creative industries.

Graduate jobs

Graduates of the MRes Creative Arts can work across a range of sectors that require research skills and critical thinking. The course can also be a key development point for your own creative practice while also being suitable for those planning to continue to further study on a PhD.

Links to industry

The university maintains extensive connections within the creative sector, establishing links across the region, nationally, and internationally. This network offers significant practical advantages for students. Regionally, partnerships with organisations such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), the Hippodrome, and the Library of Birmingham allow students to engage directly with local creative communities. This provides first-hand experience within the arts and culture scene here in Birmingham.

On a national level, our collaborations with established institutions like Arts Council England and the Tate galleries broaden exposure to the wider UK arts landscape. These links help students understand the broader context and opportunities within the creative industries nationwide.

Furthermore, our researchers frequently collaborate with the creative sector on research projects. We have worked closely with Birmingham-based groups including Sampad, Vivid Arts, and the GAP Arts Project. Nationally, our partners include the Crafts Council, the British Library, and the British Film Institute. Internationally, we collaborate with organisations such as Meedan in the USA, the Women in Cinema Collective in India, and the Schwules Museum in Germany. These diverse partnerships highlight the university's active involvement and collaborative efforts across the creative world.

Facilities & Staff

School of Jewellery exterior

Margaret Street exterior

Birmingham City University has world-class facilities in all areas of the creative arts including fine art and design studios, and also extensive television and radio studios.

The Parkside Building in the City Centre Campus is home to Architecture, Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design, and Media & Cultural Studies. As well as specialist workshop spaces, the Parkside Gallery is a leading art and design exhibition space within the Parkside Building, with an emphasis on, but not confined to, design-led practice.

At our Margaret Street campus you will find state-of-the-art metal workshops, print-making facilities and large studios all housed in the beautiful purpose-built 19th century Victorian building in Birmingham City Centre. Located next to the city centre’s Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the School is just a five-minute walk from the new Library of Birmingham and Ikon Gallery.

Our internationally renowned School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe, with unrivalled facilities and expertise. Located in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, the School was founded in 1890. The Vittoria Street building’s historical façade conceals a contemporary environment including workshops, a specialist library, an atrium gallery and exhibition space.

Our staff

Dr Annette Naudin

Associate Professor

Dr Annette Naudin is Associate Professor and Academic Lead for Teaching Excellence and Student Experience in the College of English and Media.

More about Annette

Dr Karen Patel

Associate Professor in Media

Karen is Associate Professor in Media in the College of English and Media. Karen is Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the College and Co-Lead of the Creative Industries Research Cluster in the Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research. Karen is also Director of the Centre for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the...

More about Karen

Esther Windsor

Senior Lecturer in Fine Art and Art and Design

Esther is a curator, artist, and writer and has curated at Camerawork Gallery and Darkroom, the ICA, The Photographers’ Gallery, and The Royal British Society of Sculptors. Esther established two art school galleries, the waiting room, University of Wolverhampton and mirror, London College of Printing at London Institute (now LCC at UAL). She was...

More about Esther

Dave Harte

Head of the College of English and Media (interim)

Dave Harte is Associate Professor in Journalism and Media Studies. His research is focused on local and community journalism, and he has published widely on these topics.

More about Dave