Overview

This programme offers a firm foundation in biomedical research, enhancing your understanding and critical awareness of the scientific method and practical experience in an area related to your interests. Taught units provide training in research methodology, experimental design, statistical analyses and data interpretation. Skills training in verbal and written communication is also emphasised.

The core of the programme is an eight-month research project, conducted within one of the University's internationally recognised research groups. Opportunities will be available in laboratory or clinical-based investigations. If you have a specific research area you wish to pursue, please discuss with the Programme Directors at the time of application.

The programme is suitable for medical, dental and veterinary students interested in pursuing a research-intensive intercalation option after three years of study. It is also suitable for graduates in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and bioscience subjects who wish to develop their research skills.

Translational Cardiovascular Medicine pathway

Students with a particular interest in cardiovascular medicine can study the MRes Health Sciences Research (Translational Cardiovascular Medicine). In addition to the units listed within the Programme Structure (except the Project Proposal), you will be able to choose two of the following:

  • Coronary Artery Disease I
  • Coronary Artery Disease II
  • Heart and Valve Disease
  • Paediatric Heart Disease
  • Aneurysm, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Stroke.

You will conduct a cardiovascular-related research project.

Renal pathway

Students with a particular interest in renal medical sciences can study the MRes Health Sciences Research (Renal). In addition to the units listed within the Programme Structure (except Project Proposal), you will be required to take the Introduction to Renal Sciences unit.

Research projects on this pathway will be renal-focused, taking the form of a fundamental bioscience project, translational research, or an epidemiological population health study (in partnership with the UK Renal Registry). There is an additional option to undertake a clinical placement, shadowing adult or paediatric nephrologists during inpatient and outpatient consultations.

Programme structure

Unit 1: Foundations in Health Sciences Research (20 credits) - This unit will equip you with fundamental knowledge and understanding of statistical analyses and experimental and clinical research design. You will also gain an awareness and understanding of the theory and practical application of commonly used laboratory techniques.

Unit 2: Project Proposal (20 credits) - This unit will enable you to gain knowledge of the scientific background of your research project and obtain a clear understanding of your project aims and the methods by which they will be achieved.

Unit 3: Research Club in Health Sciences Research (20 credits) - This unit will enable you to develop a thorough understanding of the scientific method; it will provide you in-depth training on how to review, assess, interpret, summarise and present research information in several formats that are important to your development as a researcher.

Unit 4: Research Project in Health Sciences Research (120 credits) - This unit aims to teach you to design and conduct a substantial piece of independent novel research. It will be written in the form of a thesis/dissertation, given as an oral presentation, and as a poster at the viva voce exam.

Part-time options should be discussed with programme directors as not all research projects are suitable for part-time study.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MRes in Health Sciences Research.

Entry requirements

Graduates in a biological (or related) science or medical subject will normally be expected to hold an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent). Applicants intercalating from the professional programmes of medicine, dentistry and veterinary sciences will need to have successfully completed year three before they can be considered for this programme. Graduates of these professional programmes are also eligible to apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£5,900 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£2,950 per year
Overseas: full-time
£24,800 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Bench fees

£4,428. Further information about bench fees can be found on our webpages. Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme is suitable for students with a clinical or biosciences background who want to develop their research skills before embarking on a research/clinical career in academia or the pharmaceutical industry. It provides the ideal foundation for further studies leading to a PhD.

Contact us

Contact
Dr Domingo Tortonese, Programme Director
Phone
+44 (0) 117 331 3054
Email
fohs-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk
Contact
Dr Fiona Holmes, Programme Co-Director
Phone
+44 (0) 117 342 3583
Email
fohs-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk