Nine tips for prospective master’s research students

Names for master’s research degrees

A master’s degree that includes research goes by different names, depending on the country and university. Common names include:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil): A research degree in many universities. In some, it is a full thesis degree. In others, it is a step towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and strong students can upgrade.
• Master by Research: A degree where most or all of the assessment is a thesis. This name is common in Australia.
• Master of Research (MRes): A degree that trains students in research methods, often as preparation for a PhD. This name is common in the United Kingdom (UK).
• Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) by research: The discipline name with the words “by research” added, for example an MA in Social Work by research.
• Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Social Science (MSocSc): Often offered either as a full research degree or as a coursework degree with a research component.
• Coursework master’s with a minor dissertation: A degree where students complete taught modules and a smaller research project. In South Africa, this is often called a coursework master’s or a structured master’s.

The size of the research varies. A full research master’s thesis is often 30,000 to 50,000 words. A minor dissertation in a coursework degree is usually 10,000 to 20,000 words. Each university sets its own requirements, so always check the rules of the programme you are applying for.

The tips below are for people seeking a place on a master’s research programme in social work, development and related fields, with a focus on Africa.

Nine tips

1. Choose the right type of programme

Decide which type of master’s you want before you apply. A full research master’s suits people who want to build research skills or plan to do a PhD later. A coursework master’s with a minor dissertation suits people who want to build practice skills alongside some research. Read the programme description carefully, as two degrees with similar names can be very different.

2. Check the entry requirements

Entry requirements differ between universities. Many ask for a bachelor’s degree with honours. Some accept a bachelor’s degree with a strong research component or a good overall average. Some also consider practice experience. Check the minimum marks, any language requirements and whether a research proposal is part of the application. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask the admissions office before you apply.

3. Start with your previous university

Your previous university is often the best place to start. You already have a record there, including your marks, and staff may know your work. This makes it easier to find a supervisor, get academic references and understand how the admission process works. Former lecturers can also tell you which colleagues work in your area of interest.

If your previous university does not offer master’s research in your area, look further. Search the staff pages of other universities for academics whose work matches your interests and read some of their recent publications. In a research master’s, the fit between your topic and your supervisor’s work matters as much as the university’s name.

4. Write clear and respectful emails to potential supervisors

Your first email shapes how a potential supervisor sees you. Keep it short, no more than two paragraphs. Say what you want to study and why you chose them, with reference to their published work. Address them by their full name or family name with their title, and avoid “Hi”. Use “Dear”, “Greetings” or “To” instead.

Some things are best avoided:

• Generic emails: Do not address the email to “Prospective supervisor” or send the same message to several people at once, even with blind carbon copy (BCC).
• Religious content: Do not quote Bible or Quran verses or use phrases such as “by God’s grace”, “by Allah’s grace” or “in Jesus’ name”. People hold different beliefs, and this can put a supervisor off. Check your sign off and email signature too. An African proverb is a better choice.
• Informal writing: Avoid emojis, text message abbreviations and slang. Check spelling and grammar before you send.
• Unrequested attachments: Do not attach your passport, transcripts or certificates unless asked.
• Pressure: Do not send repeated messages. If you have no reply after two weeks, one short and polite follow up is enough.

Use a professional email address, ideally one based on your name. If you are invited to an interview, in person or online, prepare to explain your topic in a few sentences and be ready to say why you want to do research.

5. Keep your proposed topic focused

A master’s study is smaller than a PhD. Propose a topic that can be completed in the time the programme allows, usually one to two years. One or two clear research questions are usually enough. Supervisors look for applicants who understand what is realistic.

6. Start from African literature and local realities

Do not assume that western literature, theories and models will impress supervisors. Build your proposal on African literature, theories, models and concepts where they are relevant. Let the research gap come from what is happening in your family, community and country, rather than from global trends alone. This makes your proposal more useful and more original.

7. Show that you understand research ethics

Your proposal should show that you have thought about how you will treat the people and communities in your study. Mention how you will seek consent and how you will enter communities respectfully, through their recognised leaders and structures. The San Code of Research Ethics offers a useful guide: Come through the door, not the window. Where it fits your topic, show awareness of Indigenous research methods.

8. Send only what is asked for

Do not send documents that have not been requested. When the university does ask, be ready with certified copies of your certificates and transcripts, a curriculum vitae (CV) and the names of academic referees. Ask your referees early so they have time to write.

9. Be clear about funding and beware of scams

If you need a scholarship, say so early so that neither you nor the supervisor spends time on a process that cannot go ahead. Admission and scholarship applications are often separate, with different deadlines. Beware of anyone who promises a place or a scholarship in return for an advance fee. Be careful with partial scholarships, as they may not cover your real costs.

How the application process works

The process usually follows these steps:

1. Decide on the type of master’s you want.
2. Identify two or three areas of interest relevant to your discipline.
3. Start with your previous university, then look at other universities that offer master’s research in your areas of interest, and check their entry requirements.
4. Search for academics whose interests match yours.
5. Write each one a short email, one at a time, with no attachments.
6. They will reply with a regret or, if interested, ask for a short proposal, a CV or proof of qualifications.
7. Submit what they ask for.
8. If they are satisfied, they will advise you to apply for admission, and for a scholarship if you need one.

Securing a supervisor’s support is an important step, but it does not guarantee admission or funding. The quality of your application and the number of applicants also matter. A well prepared application gives you the best chance.

Planning ahead for a PhD

Some applicants already know they want to continue to a PhD. If this is your aim, plan for it when you choose your master’s.

Choose a full research master’s where possible. Many universities give more weight to a research thesis than to a minor dissertation when they assess PhD applications. In some universities, an MPhil student with strong progress can apply to upgrade to a PhD without finishing the master’s first. Ask about this option when you apply.

Once enrolled, aim for high marks, as many PhD programmes and scholarships expect a distinction or an upper second class result. Publish from your master’s study if you can, and keep a good working relationship with your supervisor, who is likely to be your most important referee. Think about how your master’s topic could lead into a PhD, and keep notes on questions you could not cover.

For more guidance, see our earlier post, Twelve tips for prospective doctoral students.