Course Summary
Do you want to develop your research skills? Do you have a research project that you want to undertake, and are looking for expert support and access to the latest thinking? Do you need to upgrade your practice?
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Am I qualified to do a MRes?
Typically, an MRes student will have a BA and MA qualification, though not always in the field in which they wish to conduct their MRes work. An MRes can be a good way of developing new expertise and skills. Students with professional practice are encouraged to apply – an MRes can be an excellent way of extending your professional capacities.
Who should do an MRes?
Future PhD Applicants: Those who wish to undertake a PhD in Art, Design, Craft, Education and/or Visual Culture, and need to develop the research skills as well as a sophisticated research proposal that will lead to successful doctoral studies at NCAD or elsewhere.
Researchers undertaking projects in their professional role. Mid-career professionals who have established a practice in Art, Design, Craft, Education and fields related to Visual Culture (such as art criticism and curation) and are looking to further develop their skills as researchers and critical thinkers. In such cases, the applicant may well have a significant project that they wish to develop within their current field of practice.
Researchers wishing to experiment or extend expertise. Mid-career professionals who wish to extend their practice into new fields e.g. an artist, educator or designer who wishes to develop a research expertise in curation, facilitation, educational, health and other social contexts.
Established Educators. The MRes is an attractive option for second and third level educators and other professionals who wish to advance their careers by undertaking a research project. In the case of teachers, this may be related to their educational practice though this is not necessarily the case.
Application Details
How to apply
Applicants need to make a research proposal, i.e. to outline a project that they wish to undertake, as well as supply references and complete an application form. Prior to making a full application we recommend that you approach us with an outline proposal that answers these questions:
• What is the field of research that you wish to undertake and why?
• What research have you done to identify this field of research? (Map out your engagement with the topic in the past and explain how your prior education / experience supports your proposal)
• What resources will you need to undertake this research? (e.g. do you need access to particular equipment, training, materials or archives)
• How will the MRes support your intellectual or career aspirations?
• What is your preferred mode of study (full time, part time or long mode)?
We will respond indicating whether we have the expertise and facilities to support you and whether or not we encourage you to make a full application.
Please send your outline proposal or any queries to Dr Declan Long – [email protected]
Commences September 2026.
Fees
To contact Admissions please email [email protected]
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
Duration
Full time over 12 months (3 trimesters) – commencing in September.
Part time over 24 months (6 PT trimesters) – commencing in September.
Long mode – 3 summer full time trimesters – June-September each year.
Students can be based on site at NCAD and if the practice requires, will have access to studio and workshop facilities. Students who work remotely or don’t need access to these facilities pay lower fees.