Clinical Health Research MRes

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.

Course Structure

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.

• Work directly with esteemed researchers on well-established projects.
• We passionately champion research in palliative and end-of-life care across all age groups and healthcare environments.
• Additionally, we’re interested in projects related to organisation and delivery of healthcare services and risk, abuse and violence.

The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.

Let our reputation enhance yours

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). 59th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine by QS World Rankings (2025). 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 course consists of two core taught modules and one optional module. You will also complete a thesis based on a research project.

• Taught modules – these are mainly delivered in a week-block pattern. There are also a number of distance learning modules.
• Supervised thesis – this can be a research study or a systematic review. A quality improvement project may be suitable if sufficiently robust.
• Assessment – taught modules are assessed using a variety of methods, including written essays, exams, and poster presentations. The thesis forms a 15,000 words report and is examined by an internal and an external examiner.

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 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.

Core Modules

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

Students intending to gain the MRes qualification undertake a research project equivalent in effort to 120 taught credits and submit a thesis

Optional Modules

2026/27 Session

Students must select a further 20 credits of M Level modules provided by the College of Medicine and Health 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:

• Mixed Methods Research Design (20 credits)
• Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods (20 credits)
• Practical Epidemiology and Statistics (20 credits)
• Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis (20 credits)
• Creating and Applying Evidence (20 credits)
• Project Management and Research Governance (Distance Learning and workshops) (20 credits)

English language requirements

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 or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.

Paying your tuition fees

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.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Students applying for a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Loan must select the fixed programme option at enrolment. The flexible (flex) study route is not eligible for PGT Loan funding under current government regulations.

Students should check the full eligibility criteria on the official government website.

Postgraduate Masters loan

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.

Scholarships

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.

Funding available for health and care professionals from England/Home students

• INSIGHT West Midlands: Tuition fee and stipend available for regulated health and care professionals based in the UK who have been registered less than five years.
• NIHR research career funding: Please look at NIHR research career development funding programmes for opportunities related to funding your MRES, MScR or PhD. 
• Preapplication support fund

Careers Network

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.

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.