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.
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.
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.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
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
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.
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.
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.
The course comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit research dissertation.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
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.
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:
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.
Full-time
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
