Biomedical Research: Therapeutic Target Identification and Drug Discovery MRes

Advances in multi-omics, computational biology and AI are reshaping how medicines are developed.

In the past decade the development of multi-omics technologies and high-performance computation has accelerated therapeutic target identification. AI models are facilitating more precise drug design, helping drug discovery and development.

However, many steps rely on specialised insight and experimental expertise: from identifying the therapeutic targets to the proof-of-concept studies towards clinical trials.

During this MRes, you'll deepen your understanding of multi-omics analysis, drug screening, data interpretation, and therapeutic innovation.

You'll also gain direct experience of the technologies and approaches driving innovation across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, alongside working in one of our research groups focusing on translational research.

By integrating fundamental science with drug development approaches, this course gives you a holistic understanding of the field, preparing you for the MRes research project and a future career in academia, clinics or industry.

Course structure

By conducting an MRes at the University of Birmingham, you'll benefit from our research excellence. You'll learn from leading researchers, clinicians and industry experts who will showcase current research and emerging therapies for rare genetic disorders, metabolic diseases and cancer.

• Gain practical experience in one of our research groups focusing on translational research.
• Learn how new therapeutic targets are identified and how innovative therapies for rare genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer are developed.
• Understand the full drug development pipeline from target identification to lead optimisation. 

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences 

Our Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences combines discovery science and genomics expertise with on-site clinical trials and surgical units.

This integrated approach empowers us to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of cancer while we design the next generation of cancer treatments and better surgical protocols to improve patient outcomes.

During this MRes, you'll gain real research experience through an extended project in our world-leading translational research environment.

Why study an MRes in Biomedical Research?

By choosing an MRes, you'll access training in essential research skills through our research skills module. This will help prepare you for a research career in your chosen biomedical discipline or for work in the life sciences industry. 

You'll develop your understanding of: 

• Scientific writing
• Data interpretation and analysis
• How to critically analyse literature
• Delivering presentations
• Key experimental techniques used across biomedical research

You'll then use the knowledge and skills you develop during the MRes to inform your research project. 

This course consists of two compulsory taught modules and a research project.

• Taught modules – provide you with knowledge in all aspects of the field and introduces the topics and research questions your projects will be based on.
  
  
• Research project - this is an eight-month laboratory-based research project. You'll be supported by regular tutorials.
  
  
• Assessment – taught modules are assessed using a mixture of essays, exams and presentations. The research project is assessed through the submission of a Thesis which will be examined by an internal and external examiner.

What will you learn?

You'll explore:

• How multi-omics data and state of the art experiments are used to identify and validate therapeutic targets.
• How in vivo disease models support preclinical drug development.
• Contemporary drug screening and candidate selection strategies, including in silico prediction methods and experimental approaches such as fragment-based screening, high-throughput imaging, and surface plasmon resonance.
• The biological and ADME/PK assays used during hit-to-lead optimisation, gaining insight into the key stages involved in transforming promising compounds into potential therapies.

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

2027/28 Session

The following must be taken:

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 iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• 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 2027 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.

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 offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

As part of your application you will be asked to submit a research proposal.

However for this MRes course you will select your research projects during the first term.

Please use the research proposal section to tell us about your research interests in Therapeutic Target Identification and Drug Discovery and how your interests align with our research specialisms.

Find a supervisor

To apply for an MRes, you'll need to find supervisor for your research. 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 research programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

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.