The Master by Research (MRes) in Art & Design, is part of Cardiff Met’s University-wide MRes programme and is unique within the UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) sector. The MRes has been designed to incorporate a taught phase (80 credits) and research phase (100 credits) that will support candidates from the initial stages of conceptualising and developing research ideas, and critically analysing empirical literature, through to planning and completing a substantial, independent research project in a specialist subject. The modular approach, with set assessments, provides candidates with clear progression milestones throughout the programme of study, while the 100-credit dissertation ensures a majority of the studied credit is awarded to independent research. These features ensure the MRes provides a more research-intensive focus than typical taught master’s programmes (e.g., MSc, MA), while removing the uncertainty often experienced when studying for a less structured Level 7 award, such as the MPhil.