Choose from one of our five streams and develop in-depth knowledge in the field of biomedical research while gaining practical experience by working with a leading research group in our renowned research laboratories.
Studying Biomedical Research will equip you with critical skills to understand and address health challenges, drive innovation in treatments, and improve healthcare outcomes. It'll empower you to make impactful contributions to medicine, shaping a future of discovery and societal benefit.
My experience studying cardiovascular science at the University of Birmingham has been so incredibly enriching. I feel extremely privileged to have been welcomed into Birmingham’s research team so warmly. The invaluable knowledge, expertise, and encouragement from my supervisors and other staff members have truly sculpted me into the scientist that I am today. I am so fortunate for the skills that I have learnt and the many opportunities that are now coming my way upon the completion of my degree, and I am excited for the future that awaits me as a University of Birmingham alumni scientist.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. You'll select one of the five streams from the tabs below.
While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study.
In the first semester, you'll undertake two taught modules. The first is a subject-specific module, providing a foundational understanding of key aspects of the field and introducing the topics and research questions that will underpin your projects. The second module focuses on honing and advancing your research skills.
In semesters two and three, you'll join one of the world-leading research labs in the College of Medicine and Health to carry out your focused research project.
Develop in-depth knowledge in the field of cardiovascular science while gaining practical experience by working with a leading research group in our renowned research laboratories.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization. This stream develops extensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying these conditions, with the goal of advancing the development of more effective treatments and interventions.
Stream lead – Dr Steve Thomas
Develop in-depth knowledge in the field of neuropharmacology while gaining practical experience by working with a leading research group in our renowned research laboratories.
Neuroscience is one of the greatest opportunities for new drug discovery and development. This stream provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric conditions and neurotransmitter systems with the goal of understanding the challenges of developing more effective treatments and interventions.
Stream lead – Dr Zsuzsuanna Nagy
Our programme immerses you in the fascinating world of biomedical research. It'll allow you to gain a broad range of research experience and to investigate molecular, physiological, and pathological processes that regulate human health and disease.
You'll gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting lab-based research projects, while also mastering a wide range of biomedical experimental techniques. Additionally, the programme provides training in essential research skills, including scientific writing, critical analysis of literature, presentation skills, and key experimental techniques used commonly across biomedical research.
You’ll benefit from being part of a cohort of students studying Biomedical Research across the five streams. This allows you to experience diverse perspectives, explore interdisciplinary learning and develop networking and collaborative skills.
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings).
Benefit from a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities including microscopy, genomics and flow cytometry.
Learn from world-leading scientists and clinical experts across your chosen field.
Our College is globally recognised for its groundbreaking research in areas such cardiovascular sciences, neuropharmacology, neurogenetics, immunology and inflammation and ageing.
As part of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to join a leading 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.
Benefit from the supportive atmosphere with this close-knit, welcoming programme that offers dedicated, personalised support from programme leaders and staff.
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 two taught modules. You will also complete a research project.
Taught modules – provide you with a basic grounding in all aspects of your chosen area and 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 and presentations. The research project is assessed through the submission of a thesis which will be examined by an internal and external examiner.
The course comprises 60 credits of taught modules. There is also a 120 credit laboratory based research project.
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 Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must choose one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Ageing and Inflammatory Diseases | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Cardiovascular Biology | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Immunology and Immune-Mediated Disease | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Neurogenetics | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Neuropharmacology | 40 | 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 Biomedical Science, Biology, Biochemistry or other relevant science subject. Equivalent qualifications and work experience will also be considered alongside University regulations.
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
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
As part of your application, please tell us which of the five streams you wish to choose and the reasons for this. This should be uploaded with your application in the “Research proposal” section.
International students - We encourage you to apply early, so that you have plenty of time to prepare the necessary travel, study and immigration documents. In some cases, it may be a time-consuming process to apply and receive the necessary travel and study documents.
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.
Completing the programme offers numerous benefits for your future career prospects.
Graduates of our MRes Biomedical Research programme 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.
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.
