Clinical Science (Intercalated degree)MSci

Build upon your clinical science learning that you have already acquired during your third year of the MBChB programme. You will be trained in translational research with the opportunity to undertake a seven month project with researchers from one of the College’s Research Institutes. Upon successful completion of the taught elements and research project, you will graduate with MSci Clinical Sciences.

• Undertake a seven month extended research project gaining substantial, hands-on experience of modern medical research
• Understand how to conduct laboratory work safely and competently, ensuring accuracy and reliability
• Deepen your understanding of your research area as you craft and refine innovative research questions, developing methods to test your hypotheses
• Gather your own scientific data and use statistical methods to analyse and interpret it objectively 
• Critically analyse relevant literature and apply ethical judgment to navigate the moral dimensions of your research
• Organise and present your research progress effectively, whether verbally, in a written thesis, or as a presentation for publication

Advance your medical career

Preparation for your career in medicine should be a major consideration as you proceed through Medical School. You will have opportunities to produce international conference presentations and academic publications through your research project. These educational achievements are well recognised in applications for Foundation Programme and Academic Foundation Programmes at the start of your post-graduate medical training. 

You will have the opportunity to undertake a seven month project  in a laboratory or Trials Unit with researchers from one of the College’s Research Institutes. This leads to a thesis to be submitted in March/April. You will spend approximately 60% of your time on your research projects. 

Assessment methods

You will be assessed in a variety of ways. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. You’ll receive feedback on each assessment so that you can learn from and build on what you have done. 

Each taught modules is assessed through 50% in course assessment and 50% written examination. The research project is assessed through a thesis, oral presentation, and supervisor’s report.

You will take one 20 credit compulsory taught module providing you with training in analysis of large clinical and laboratory data sets, including genomics. You will also have a choice to take two 20 credit optional taught modules in the various disciplines of Clinical Sciences that are within your interests. 

You may take this programme between the third and fourth, or fourth and fifth years of your MBChB degree. You will have to demonstrate that your performance in years 2 and 3 of the medical degree is equivalent to a 1 or 2.1 in a standard classified degree.

Transcripts are reviewed to confirm student academic achievement. You are expected to have achieved 65% or above (or have extenuating circumstances which were accepted for the academic year in question) for all completed years with the exception of year 1. In exceptional circumstances if you have failed to achieve this, you will be considered if a clear and strong case for academic progression can be made. If your academic achievement in year 2 and above of your medical studies has fallen below 60% (or equivalent for external candidates) year mean in the absence of extenuating circumstances, please detail any evidence which supports your academic ability to engage with the chosen programme of study.

You are expected to have knowledge and understanding of:

• The whole spectrum of the disciplines making up the Clinical Sciences, including current research issues and clinical developments.
• One of the Clinical Science disciplines at a level that will enable them to critically evaluate current experimental literature so as to design and undertake independent research under supervision.
• The experimental processes and analytical methods that underpin research in their chosen Clinical Science discipline.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Intercalation bursaries and awards

Prior to intercalating, information on funding for University of Birmingham students can be found on the relevant page of the internal MBChB CANVAS course. Details and application deadlines of internal and national bursaries and awards are also sent to all students from the intercalation administration team at the start of the programme. For more details contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

At the end of the year prizes are also awarded to the top performing students in a number of categories.

If you are interested in a particular project you are advised to contact the supervisor. For further information please contact our Programme Administrator, Fiona Collard by email: intercalclinscience@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness. 

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

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.