Engaged Research (Taught)

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Develop deep expertise in engaged and relational research, co‑production and collaborative inquiry

• Work directly with a client organisation or public service partner on a live research project

• Gain experience of qualitative, quantitative, participatory, arts‑based, AI‑enabled and relational research approaches

• Benefit from LJMU’s dual supervision model, including an academic supervisor and a client‑based mentor

• Build a professional research identity with a focus on impact, ethics, governance and real‑world relevance

• Produce both academic and applied outputs tailored to organisational needs

• Blended learning delivery, with a mix of online and on-campus sessions

About this course
The MRes in Engaged Research develops critically reflective, impact‑driven researchers who work collaboratively with organisations and public service partners to address societal, organisational and policy challenges.

Rooted in engaged scholarship and relational research traditions, this programme equips you with the skills to design, conduct and lead co‑produced research that generates meaningful public value.

Across 12 months (full‑time), you will undertake a live, client‑based Independent Research Project, supported through dual supervision and a structured engagement model. You will explore your role and responsibilities as an engaged researcher, learn to navigate complex ethical environments, and develop the methodological expertise needed to deliver high‑quality applied research in organisational and public service contexts.

This programme is ideal for early‑career researchers, practitioners seeking to develop research capability, and those aiming to progress into applied research roles in higher education, public services, consultancy, or policy environments.

Programme Aim
The MRes in Engaged Research aims to:

Provide a pathway for engaged and relational research in organisations and public services, grounded in Boyer, Van de Ven and relational inquiry models
Establish a client‑focused engagement model supported by a tripartite Client Engagement Agreement
Equip students with advanced skills in research design and methods, including qualitative, quantitative, participatory, arts-based, AI-enabled, and relational approaches
Align research projects with both academic expectations and applied outputs for use in client organisations
Enable students to understand and critically reflect on their positionality, ethics, and identity as engaged researchers