Develop in-depth knowledge in the field of cardiovascular research while gaining practical experience by working with a leading research group in our renowned Department of Cardiovascular Sciences.
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.
This course will run over 12 months, full-time. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term. This is based on a full time Masters course.
Our programme immerses you in the fascinating world of cardiovascular research, where you’ll investigate molecular, physiological, and pathological processes that regulate cardiovascular homeostasis in both health and disease.
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.
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine
QS World Rankings, 2025
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 programme is available on a full-time basis. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of three taught modules. You will also complete a research project.
The course comprises 60 credits of taught modules. There is also a 120 credit laboratory based research project.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Biology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Cardiovascular Biology Research Project | 120 | Semester 2 |
| LM Cardiovascular Practical Skills Toolkit | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must take one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Clinical Cardiology | 20 | Semester 1 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry or other relevant science subject.
Equivalent qualifications and work experience will also be considered alongside University regulations.
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Full-time
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Completing the programme offers numerous benefits for your future career prospects. Graduates of our MRes Biomedical Research: Cardiovascular Sciences are well-prepared for further research at PhD level. Additionally, they pursue graduate medicine courses and roles such as scientific and medical writing and hospital-based laboratory work.
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.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
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Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
