Become part of the next generation of experts investigating why respiratory conditions are one of the most common causes of death and poor health worldwide.
Develop skills to thrive in an in-demand health sector whilst studying in cutting edge facilities for precision medicine.
As a full-time student, you'll typically take three modules in each term, followed by a dissertation. Whilst content of the course may change, here's what you can expect to study in each term.
This term begins with introductory sessions on respiratory anatomy, physiology and other basic sciences. The first core module you study this semester is Respiratory Medicine in the Community, which covers common conditions including asthma. You'll study at least one optional module, then end the term with a presentation to your peers where you can share what you learnt in your optional module and how it applies to respiratory medicine. Finally, during this term you'll pick your dissertation topic from a list we provide.
This programme offers a comprehensive overview of common respiratory conditions, covering their diagnosis, management, and the integration of public health, community, and secondary care in service delivery.
Our course provides specialised training for aspiring respiratory specialists in both primary and secondary care, catering to medical professionals and allied healthcare workers alike.
Study in one of the UK’s largest healthcare regions.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
for Medicine in the Complete University Guide (2024)
for Medicine in the Times Higher Education (2024)
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, which brings with it the challenge of managing disease in different communities, whose health beliefs may differ. From a learning perspective this means opportunities to see different models of care at work, from intense hospital-based work to integrated and virtual care models in the community setting.
Our blended learning approach gives you exposure to a range of experiences, on campus, online and on specialist placements.
With a wide selection of optional modules available, you'll have the flexibility to customize your learning experience and degree to suit your individual goals and interests. For the masters course, you'll have to complete the three core modules (20 credits each), a dissertation and a variety of optional modules to provide the total of 120 credits.
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.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Medicine in Secondary Care | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Respiratory Medicine in the Community | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Allergy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Dissertation MSc Respiratory Medicine | 60 | Full Term |
Students are required to choose 60 credits from the below; other modules in the College which are offered openly by their module leads may be considered after discussion with the programme lead. Students should be aware that timetabling considerations may impact on the modules they can choose. Students are required to choose at least one methodological module which will train them in relevant research methods they plan to use in their dissertation module.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Health Information and Health Informatics | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Adult Learning Theory and its Application to Multidisciplinary Healthcare Simulation. | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical Trials | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health Economics | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Leadership and Management for Health | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Healthcare Public Health | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Human Factors in Healthcare | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Palliative Care of Cancer Patients | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Radiation Biology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Legal Aspects | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Occupational Exposure and Risk Assessment | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Principles and Practices of Occupational Health | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis | 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.
or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy, biomedical science or medical degree).
On a case-by-case basis, other classifications of degrees and/or relevant qualifications and experience of working within respiratory medicine will be considered.
For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
If you're made an offer of a place to study and you don't already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you'll be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.
Full-time
Part-time
Please note that international students are only eligible to study this programme on a full-time basis.
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.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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.
By completing this programme, you'll be well-prepared to work at an advanced level in respiratory medicine, whether as a clinical nurse specialist or allied healthcare professional. If you're medically qualified, you'll gain a competitive edge over those who have completed Deanery-based training and assessment, giving you a strong advantage when applying for consultant roles.
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.
