Our Spinal Pain MRes offers elite training providing a strong foundation for research in spinal pain and rehabilitation. Ran in partnership with the University of Birmingham's School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, this interdisciplinary degree pioneers advancements in rehabilitation and patient care.
Our research orientated training approach, will enhance your practical, theoretical and applied knowledge of spinal pain and rehabilitation. You’ll be part of a vibrant research community, developing your skills for future research or employment in a diverse range of careers.
I chose the MRes Spinal Pain because it combined what I wanted, the opportunity to develop my research skills and the opportunity to do it in a field I was really passionate about.
The MRes consists of one compulsory module and two optional modules, these will be undertaken whilst you complete your research project.
Autumn Term : 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
In the first semester, you will immediately begin working on your Spinal pain research project with the guidance of your supervisor. You will also undertake a compulsory module in Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, which will equip you with essential skills in understanding the research process and analysing data. Additionally, you have the option to choose one or two elective modules* offered during this semester, such as Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant (Physiotherapy training required) or Innovation in Professional Development.
Become an expert researcher by studying at one of the UK's leading research departments, ranked 6th in the latest Research Excellence Framework. Gain hands-on research experience at the Centre of Precision Rehabilitation in Spinal Pain (CPR Spine). Collaborate with researchers in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Birmingham Medical School.
Learn in a highly interactive teaching and research environment. Tailor your degree with a variety of optional modules and have the unique oppourtunity to undertake a six-month research project in your chosen field.You may also be eligiable to recieve funding to study MRes Spinal Pain. This will be available to dynamic, self-motivated physiotherapists who are striving to develop in the field of spinal pain and rehabilitation.
in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2024
in the World
QS World University Rankings 2024
The taught elements of the course will be delivered in the form of one core module and two optional modules in core disciplines within exercise and rehabilitation sciences, allowing students to shape the course to their particular interest.
At Birmingham, you can apply for an advertised PhD or propose your own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.
Become an expert researcher by studying at one of the UK's leading research departments, ranked 6th in the latest Research Excellence Framework. Gain hands-on research experience at the Centre of Precision Rehabilitation in Spinal Pain (CPR Spine). Collaborate with researchers in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Birmingham Medical School.
If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
in a relevant subject (eg; biomedical engineering, sports science, physiotherapy)
If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
Full-time
Part-time
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
The career opportunities available are expanding all the time. As well as developing knowledge and skills in research and research management, this MRes supports development in preparation for doctoral studies. Many clinical settings are now appointing individuals with a strong research profile to strengthen research in clinical practice and rehabilitation. Other career routes include roles in the fitness and leisure industry, governing bodies, teaching, exercise prescription and testing.
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.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.
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.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
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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.
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.
