Master of Research (MRes) at University of Portsmouth is designed for the students who are seeking advanced independent research training. The programme provides a direct foundation for progression into a PhD or specialist technical and analytical industry roles.
About: University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is located on the south coast of England; it is a waterfront institution which is recognized for practical education and research impact. Awarder a gold rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding teaching quality and graduated outcomes. The industry links, career guidance and practical research opportunities help the graduates enter professional or continue into doctoral pathways.
MRes Programmes for the January 2027 Intake
The University of Portsmouth offers various specialized MRes degree pathways across the disciplines with primary applications open in the January 2027:
- MRes Humanities and Social Sciences: It provides research specialisms across disciplines including politics, international relations, sociology, criminology, history and area studies.
- MRes Science and Health: Focuses on research methods in biomedical sciences, healthcare delivery, psychology, pharmacy and environmental sciences.
- MRes Technology: It emphasizes specialized research in computing, artificial intelligence, software engineering and technological development.
- MRes Business and Law: Focuses on advanced research in corporate strategy, organizational behavior, applied economics and legal frameworks.
Entry Criteria for Nepalese Students
Academic Requirements
- 3-year Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 65% average score.
- 4-year Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 60 or GPA 3.0/4.0 in the relevant discipline.
English Language Requirements and MOI Waiver
The international research applicants can fulfill English proficiency through standard tests such as IELTS/PTE or through MOI institutional waivers (if applicable).
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in Writing and no component below 5.5-6.0 depending on the specific faculty).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 60 to 65 (with no individual sub-skill lower than 59).
- MOI Waiver (Medium of Instruction): Nepalese students who have completed their degree fully in English from a recognized institution such as Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University or Pokhara University and within the span of last 5 years are eligible to request for an English waiver from the institution.
Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Deposits
- Tuition Fees: The standard international fees for MRes programmes generally range from £17,200 to £19,000 per year (generally varies on the course type and structure).
- Scholarships: Vice-Chancellor’s Global Development Scholarships and faculty’s merit-based awards range between £1,500 and £3,000 and are available for eligible postgraduate candidates.
- CAS Deposit: A minimum tuition deposit typically ranging between £3,500 to £5,000 is required before the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Documents Required for Application from Nepal
- Passport.
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) (If applicable).
- English Test Results (IELTS/PTE).
- Two Recommendation Letters (one academic and one professional_.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- CV.
- Work Experience Certificate.
- Research Proposal.
Step by Step Application Process from Nepal
- Submit Application: Online application on the University of Portsmouth portal, including all transcripts, CV, SOP, research proposal.
- Offer Letter: Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter after department evaluation.
- Pre-CAS / Credibility Interview: Interview online with staff at the University to confirm motivation, background and financial awareness in research.
- Pay CAS Deposit: Pay the deposit of funds for CAS tuition fees and create financial statements for 28 day holding time requirement of the UKVI.
- Receive CAS: Receive the official CAS letter for visa processing.
- Obtain Student Visa: Make an appointment at VAC (Visa Application Centre) in Kathmandu department, provide biometric information and upload necessary financial/academic documents.
- Arrival and Enrollment: Fly to Portsmouth for the January 2027 intake upon visa approval and complete online enrollment and finally register physically on campus.
