Masters by Research programmes

Choose from a range of Masters by Research programmes in European Languages and Cultures.

A Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in any subject within European Languages and Cultures. It is a good stepping stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

We currently offer six different MScR programmes in European Languages and Cultures. On each programme:

  • you will take courses in research skills and methods
  • you will complete two research assignments, each of 6,000 words
  • you will write a 15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor

For Scandinavian Studies, it is also possible to take an alternative pathway. On this pathway, you will take the research courses and complete one longer piece of written work - a dissertation of 30,000 words.

An MScR programme is likely to suit you if:

  • you have a clear idea what you would like to write your dissertation about, right from the beginning of the programme
  • you would like to be part of a large and supportive masters community while working independently 

What can I study?

Masters by Research (MScR) in French and Francophone Studies

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in French and Francophone studies.

Masters by Research (MScR) in German Studies

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in German Studies.

Masters by Research (MScR) in Italian Studies

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in Italian Studies.

Masters by Research (MScR) in Russian Studies

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in Russian Studies.

Masters by Research (MScR) in Scandinavian Studies

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in Scandinavian Studies and on the two pathways through the programme.

Masters by Research (MScR) in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies (Hispanic Studies)

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies.

You may also be interested in...

Masters by Research (MScR) in Medieval Studies

Full-time, one year (all students) ꟾ part-time, two years (eligibility criteria apply)

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in Medieval Studies. 

Entrance requirements, fees, funding and more...

You can find out about entrance requirements, start dates, fees and scholarship opportunities for all our postgraduate programmes on the University of Edinburgh’s Degree Finder. Degree Finder links straight through to EUCLID, the online system for applying to postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh.

 

Applications to start a Masters by Research (MScR) programme in September 2025 are now open.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Where to next?