Designed for students with a background in health or life sciences, the course combines academic rigor, practical skill-building, and cultural immersion.
The College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham is home to world-leading experts.
This unique programme reflects the University of Birmingham’s 200-year medical heritage and 125-year legacy as a civic university, bringing together a common theme that unites two pathways, each addressing different aspects of biomedical and healthcare challenges.
Students will first explore their chosen pathway before coming together in the second phase, where they will integrate their knowledge, share insights, and tackle real-world healthcare challenges collaboratively. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the interconnected nature of biomedical research, clinical care, clinical trials and public health, demonstrating how collaboration drives medical progress.
Programme Structure
Phase 1: Specialised Pathways
Bench to Breakthroughs
A research-focused track exploring laboratory science, molecular biology, and translational research.
From Clinic to Community
A clinically oriented track focused on patient care, communication, health interventions, and public health.
Phase 2: Multidisciplinary Integration – Tackling Global Health Challenges Together
After gaining specialised foundational knowledge in their respective pathways, students will come together in the second phase, where they will:
- Learn about and examine the interconnections between biomedical research, clinical trials, clinical care, and public health.
- Explore clinical trials and global health challenges
- Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
Each year, the summer school will centre around a key theme inspired by the city and Birmingham’s medical heritage, innovation, and the university’s civic commitment to health and well-being.
Why study this course?
- World-Class Education – Learn from leading academics and clinicians at a top 100 global university.
- Two tailored pathways: Bench to Breakthroughs – laboratory research and clinical trials and From Clinic to Community – clinical skills and population health
- Hands-On Learning – Gain practical skills in research, data analysis, and clinical techniques; Lab sessions, workshops, and interactive seminars.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Work across disciplines to foster understanding in holistic solutions to real-world health challenges.
- Cultural and Professional Growth – Engage in networking, career development, and cultural immersion in the UK.
- Make new friends – Meet and work with like-minded students from across the globe, as well as our current undergraduate students.
- Gateway to future opportunities: Insights into postgraduate study and health-related careers.
What to Expect
- Laboratory Research and Clinical Training
- Data Analysis and Critical Thinking
- Global Health and Clinical Trials Exploration
- Poster Presentations and Research Symposium
- Birmingham’s Medical and Public Health Heritage
What You’ll Gain
- Foundational knowledge in biomedical science and population health.
- Practical skills in research, clinical trials, and health analysis.
- Transferable skills for careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and research.
- Explore pathways for further study and careers in health sciences while developing cultural competence and understanding the UK’s healthcare and research context.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in research methodologies and communicate insights effectively
How to Apply
As part of the Birmingham International Summer School (BISS), you’ll enjoy cultural visits, games nights, and networking opportunities. From exploring historic sites to engaging in lively social events, this is your chance to experience British culture in a truly immersive way.