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Course overview
Become a specialist in trauma science and its management. Our programme is delivered by experts in the field, including those from civilian and military backgrounds at the forefront of trauma care.
Our masters programme meets the growing global demand for professionals with trauma sciences training.
Whether you’re a specialist civilian or military doctor, nurse, paramedic, emergency medical technician, physiotherapist, bioengineer, biomedical scientist, or work in the pharmaceutical industry, our programme is tailored specifically for your career needs.
This (course) has created many opportunities for myself such as attending shifts with the Major Trauma Service and emergency surgery cases with military surgeons, without the course I would not have been able to create these opportunities as easily.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months full-time. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. 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.
Course highlights
Our interactive programme equips you with the skills to become a trauma science specialist.
The Trauma Science MSc programme explores the general theoretical basis of trauma science whilst also providing hands-on experience, where possible, through voluntary ward rounds and hospital placements.
As well as learning from world-leading clinical and non-clinical research staff, you can tailor your learning to fit your personal and professional needs, and develop your leadership skills in a multidisciplinary trauma care setting.
- Train for a career that is rapidly growing in demand.
- Have the opportunity to publish your research.
- Birmingham is the UK's only full-time Trauma Science MSc course, running successfully for over 10 years.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
- 68th
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
Benefit from our word-leading Centre of excellence for translational research in Trauma
Partnership with frontline experts
Our programme is delivered in partnership with frontline experts from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (which is a designated Level 1 major trauma centre), University Hospitals Birmingham, Centre for Defence Medicine, and the University of Birmingham. Together, they form a major trauma treatment centre with a full range of world-leading specialists.
This joint civilian and military clinical trauma centre shares a campus with the University of Birmingham where researchers from biomedical, engineering, life and physical sciences are working together with the clinical teams on a range of trauma-related research programmes.
Course delivery
Our Trauma Science masters degree includes a combination of taught lectures, seminars, small group sessions, and practical sessions. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of six taught modules and a research project.
- Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars and small group session, with optional practical experience in clinics and laboratories where appropriate.
- Research project – this can be undertaken in an academic laboratory or in a clinical setting.
- Assessments – these will include essays, posters, formal questions, and oral presentations.
Benefit from our Centre for Trauma Sciences Research (CTSR) - a word-leading Centre of excellence for translational research in Trauma.
The CTSR covers all aspects of trauma care, from immediate post-injury to final rehabilitation, ensuring research is applied from the lab to patient care.
Module information
The course comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit research dissertation.
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.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Research Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Conflict Trauma | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Critical Care, Torso Trauma & Burns Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Trauma Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Musculoskeletal Trauma & Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Neurotrauma | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods (distance learning) | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 Honours degree
You should have, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 Honours degree in engineering, life sciences or biomedical sciences.
Trauma-related work experience is considered for borderline cases on a case-by case basis.
For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 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.
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £16,860
Full-time
- £8,430
Part-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.
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.
Application process
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.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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.
This programme can be taken as an intercalated option for those studying MBChB Medicine and Surgery at another Institution.
To apply for the Intercalated MSc Trauma Science please fill in this registration form and we'll be in touch with details about how to apply. Or to find out more, please contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Career opportunities
The incidence of trauma continues to rise. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2030 trauma will become the leading cause of death worldwide. This expansion is generating demand for professionals with a recognised background of trauma sciences training. Our programme gives you the opportunity to tailor your learning experiences to meet your own professional needs, with a route to specialisms for physiotherapists, nurses, doctors, engineers, scientists, and military personnel.
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.
Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
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.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.