Learn how to design and conduct projects that bring about improvements in care with the support of experienced researchers. If you like to question what you see and wonder how we can improve outcomes, working conditions, or education, then this MRes is for you.
This dynamic course offers cutting-edge clinical research training. Whether you want to integrate research into your current role or embark on a thrilling journey towards a research-focused career, this programme has you covered. You'll collaborate with experienced researchers, master advanced research methods, and use them to tackle your own exciting research question.
Since graduating, the MRes programme has helped me within my career and the further research which I’m doing as part of my day-to-day job.
This course will run over 12 months on a full-time basis or in two years on a part-time basis. We have two intakes per year, in September and January.
Our Clinical Health Research MRes programme supports the National Institute for Health and Care Research's mission of integrating research into health and care, enhancing patient access to clinical studies and better treatment options.
You'll master quantitative and qualitative research skills through core modules, with the chance to explore topics like mixed methods and statistics in optional modules. Plus, you'll complete a supervised thesis to put your knowledge into practice.
You’ll also gain valuable research and project management skills for clinical projects. Whether you're driven to answer clinical questions, improve health outcomes, or advance your research career, our programme will equip you with practical skills and an understanding of good clinical practice essential for success.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
for Nursing and 19th for Medicine (Complete University Guide 2024).
for Clinical & Health (Times Higher Education 2024).
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings).
We have a global reputation for our world-leading research and teaching.
We’re ranked 15th for Nursing and 19th for Medicine in the Complete University Guide (2024). 74th for Clinical & Health in the Times Higher Education (2024). 68th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine by QS World Rankings (2024). 65th for Clinical Medicine in US News rankings (2023). 51st – 75th for Clinical Medicine in the Shanghai rankings (2023).
Why are these rankings so important? The higher we place, the more your reputation and development will benefit.
This programme is available both full and part-time. The flexibility of module options enables learning to be tailored to your specific needs. 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 core taught modules and one optional module. You will also complete a thesis based on a research project.
Depending on the modules you take, you can typically expect six to nine hours of classroom time per week, two or three per module. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules across one year, followed by a thesis in year two.
The course comprises 60 credits of taught modules. There is also a 120 credit 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.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods in Healthcare | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must select a further 20 credits of M Level modules provided by the College of Medical and Dental Sciences or beyond, as appropriate to their research area and the aims of the ACF scheme and in negotiation with the programme leader. Examples of modules include the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Creating and Applying Evidence | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Mixed Methods Research Design | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students intending to gain the MRes qualification undertake a research project equivalent in effort to 120 taught credits and submit a thesis
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 a 2:1 Honours degree in a field that leads to professional regulation, such as nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, allied health professions, or healthcare sciences.
If you don’t hold an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate qualification and/or experience in a relevant health related area may be considered.
For international students there is an English language requirement of IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not 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 will be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.
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.
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.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 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.
By completing this programme, you’ll develop transferable research skills and integrate a health-related research component into your career.
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.
