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Course overview
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.
Course Structure
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.
Course highlights
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.
- Tackle cutting-edge biomedical research questions that have real-world impact.
- Learn from top cardiovascular researchers who are leaders in their field.
- Be part of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, one of the University of Birmingham's prestigious Research Centres of Excellence.
- 68th
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings).
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.
Course delivery
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.
- Taught modules – provide you with a basic grounding in all aspects of the field and to introduce the topics and research questions on which your projects are to be based.
- Research project - this is an eight-month laboratory-based research project, where you'll be supported by regular tutorials.
- Assessment – taught modules are assessed using a mixture of essays, exams and presentations. The research project is assessed through the submission of a Thesis which will be examined by an internal and external examiner.
Module information
The course comprises 60 credits of taught modules. There is also a 120 credit laboratory based research project.
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.
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 |
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
in Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry or other relevant science subject.
Equivalent qualifications and work experience will also be considered alongside University regulations.
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
- £10,900
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.
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.
- 31 August 2025
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.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Career opportunities
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.
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.