Trauma ScienceMSc

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.

Course Structure

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.