Biomedical Research: Cardiovascular SciencesMRes

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization. Our programme provides an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying these conditions, with the goal of advancing the development of more effective treatments and interventions.

Course Structure

You'll gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting lab-based research projects, while also mastering a wide range of both general and cardiovascular-specific experimental techniques. Additionally, the programme provides training in essential research skills, including scientific writing, critical analysis of literature, presentation skills, and key experimental techniques in cardiovascular sciences.

• Tackle cutting-edge biomedical research questions that have real-world impact.
• Learn from top cardiovascular researchers who are leaders in their field.
• Be part of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, one of the University of Birmingham's prestigious Research Centres of Excellence.

Our Department of Cardiovascular Sciences is globally recognised for its groundbreaking research in areas such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, thrombosis, haemostasis, and vascular biology.

As part of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to join a leading cardiovascular research group and gain access to state-of-the-art facilities. These include the Department of Biomedical Research, the Welcome Trust Clinical Research Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, and Birmingham City Hospital.

This course consists of three taught modules. You will also complete a research project.

• Taught modules – provide you with a basic grounding in all aspects of the field and to introduce the topics and research questions on which your projects are to be based.
• Research project - this is an eight-month laboratory-based research project, where you'll be supported by regular tutorials.
• Assessment – taught modules are assessed using a mixture of essays, exams and presentations. The research project is assessed through the submission of a Thesis which will be examined by an internal and external examiner.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The following must be taken:

Students must take one of the following modules:

Equivalent qualifications and work experience will also be considered alongside University regulations.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

This programme can be taken as an intercalated option for those studying MBChB Medicine and Surgery at another Institution.

To apply for the Intercalated MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences please fill in this registration form  and we'll be in touch with details about how to apply.

For more information, please contact us on mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.