The MRes in Clinical Sciences will enable you to develop advanced knowledge and research skills in clinical sciences. The programme is aimed at intercalating medical, dental and veterinary students and medical, biomedical and biological science graduates. Under expert supervision, you will produce a major piece of independent research on one of five specialist pathways.
Introduction
This MRes will equip you with advanced knowledge of clinical sciences and provide a tailored research experience. You can follow a general clinical science pathway or focus your research on cardiovascular and metabolic medicine, eye and vision science, musculoskeletal and ageing science, or women and children’s health.
Whichever of these five pathways you choose, you’ll receive intensive preparation for your future career including PhD study. We’ll immerse you in contemporary clinical science research techniques, explore recent challenges and advances, and examine how evidence-based practice can inform health, disease and therapeutic interventions.
You’ll discover how to develop a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyse and present your findings. This will equip you with a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, project management, written and verbal communication, and problem solving.
You’ll be supported by academic experts in the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences. Our team of MRes supervisors are actively engaged in research that makes a real impact. Their work is focused on exploring key issues to local population health needs, combating health challenges from early years to later life, and positively changing patient care in our communities.
Who is this course for?
This programme is suitable for:
Undergraduate medical, dental and veterinary students undertaking an intercalated research degree
Graduates from medical, biomedical and biological science disciplines looking to gain further experience of research.
What you'll learn
Important techniques and laboratory skills required for medical research in both clinical and academic environments.
Recent advances and contemporary methodologies in clinical sciences research.
The ways in which clinical sciences research relates to health, disease and therapeutic interventions.
How to formulate a robust research proposal.
How to critically appraise relevant literature in the field of clinical sciences.
How to plan and conduct a major piece of original, independent research.
How to collect, interpret and analyse data and present your findings.
Project management and problem-solving skills.
Communication skills that enable research debate and the sharing of ideas with both scientific and layperson audiences.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (MCMR002)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module will enable students to develop a range of skills relevant across a wide range of career disciplines. It comprises a series of lectures and workshops. These will give students opportunities to communicate scientific concepts to expert, commercial and lay audiences. Students will receive training in statistical analysis and ethics, both of which are crucial for research. They will also participate in workshops on how to best present their skills and expertise when applying for jobs.
Basic Laboratory Skills (MCMR008)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces students to the important techniques required for clinical science research. It is delivered by a series of student practicals supplemented by lectures on the theory behind the techniques (“Research-connected teaching” in line with the Curriculum framework). Students will be directed to appropriate literature to aid their understanding of the module. This module also includes workshop for students to actively learn and engage experimental design (“Active learning” in line with the Curriculum framework). The module will be assessed by continuous assessment and a MCQ exam.
RESEARCH FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL SCIENCES 1 (MCMR003)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module encompasses a series of topical lectures, interactive seminars and journal clubs focusing on recent advances and challenges in the field of Clinical Sciences. Diverse lecture topics and seminars will be delivered by leaders in their fields, highlighting the state-of-the-art methodologies linked to topical research areas. Linked journal clubs will be student led, critically discussing a topical research paper associated with the research area described in the accompanying lecture material. Students will have an opportunity to present published findings in an impactful manner, develop critical journal peer-reviewing skills and produce a state-of-the-art review linked to topical research areas. Students will gain critical appraisal skills and develop deeper understanding of experimental approaches and key research areas within Clinical Sciences alongside future-proofing transferable skill sets focused on digital fluency, confidence and global citizenship in line with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework.
Clinical Sciences Research Project 1 (Full-Time) (MCMR703)
Credits: 40 /
Semester: semester 1
The Clinical Sciences Research Project 1 forms the first part of a two-part research project within the MRes Clinical Sciences programme. The project area can be in general clinical science, or in a specific area including eye and vision science, musculoskeletal and aging science, cardiovascular and metabolic medicine or women and children’s health relevant to the student’s area of interest. The teaching approach relies upon research-led and enquiry-based learning with authentic assessments in the form of a preliminary report, oral presentation, and a reflective skills portfolio. Students will become full members of a research group and take advantage of first-class facilities and an active laboratory research environment available in the Institute of Life-course and Medical Sciences. Students will also have the option to undertake clinical research in the NHS trusts including Alder Hey Children’s hospital, Liverpool Women’s hospital, the Royal Liverpool hospital and St Paul’s eye hospital. Furthermore, students can conduct a computational project including systematic review, data analysis, computer modelling, and bioinformatics.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
RESEARCH FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL SCIENCES 2 (MCMR004)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is a series of lectures, seminars and journal clubs focusing on recent advances and challenges in the field of clinical sciences.
Lecture and seminars will be delivered by leaders in the field, highlighting the background to their research area and presenting work that they are involved in. Linked journal clubs will be student-led, discussing a relevant research paper associated with the content covered in the accompanying lecture.
Clinical Sciences Research Project 2 (Full-Time) (MCMR704)
Credits: 80 /
Semester: semester 2
The Clinical Sciences Research Project 2 forms the second part of a two-part research project within the MRes Clinical Sciences programme. The project area can be in general clinical science, or in a specific area including eye and vision science, musculoskeletal and aging science, cardiovascular and metabolic medicine or women and children’s health relevant to the student’s area of interest. The teaching approach relies upon research-led and enquiry-based learning with authentic assessments in the form of scientific report, poster presentations, and a reflective skills portfolio. Students will become full members of a research group and take advantage of first-class facilities and an active laboratory research environment available in the Institute of Life-course and Medical Sciences. Students will also have the option to undertake clinical research in the NHS trusts including Alder Hey Children’s hospital, Liverpool Women’s hospital, the Royal Liverpool hospital and St Paul’s eye hospital. Furthermore, students can conduct a computational project including systematic review, data analysis, computer modelling, and bioinformatics.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (MCMR002)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module will enable students to develop a range of skills relevant across a wide range of career disciplines. It comprises a series of lectures and workshops. These will give students opportunities to communicate scientific concepts to expert, commercial and lay audiences. Students will receive training in statistical analysis and ethics, both of which are crucial for research. They will also participate in workshops on how to best present their skills and expertise when applying for jobs.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester three
Compulsory modules
Clinical Sciences Research Project 2 (Full-Time) (MCMR704)
Credits: 80 /
Semester: semester 2
The Clinical Sciences Research Project 2 forms the second part of a two-part research project within the MRes Clinical Sciences programme. The project area can be in general clinical science, or in a specific area including eye and vision science, musculoskeletal and aging science, cardiovascular and metabolic medicine or women and children’s health relevant to the student’s area of interest. The teaching approach relies upon research-led and enquiry-based learning with authentic assessments in the form of scientific report, poster presentations, and a reflective skills portfolio. Students will become full members of a research group and take advantage of first-class facilities and an active laboratory research environment available in the Institute of Life-course and Medical Sciences. Students will also have the option to undertake clinical research in the NHS trusts including Alder Hey Children’s hospital, Liverpool Women’s hospital, the Royal Liverpool hospital and St Paul’s eye hospital. Furthermore, students can conduct a computational project including systematic review, data analysis, computer modelling, and bioinformatics.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (MCMR002)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module will enable students to develop a range of skills relevant across a wide range of career disciplines. It comprises a series of lectures and workshops. These will give students opportunities to communicate scientific concepts to expert, commercial and lay audiences. Students will receive training in statistical analysis and ethics, both of which are crucial for research. They will also participate in workshops on how to best present their skills and expertise when applying for jobs.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and independent study.
An active research environment encourages individual and group work where you’ll develop ideas and hypotheses to solve problems and analyse, interpret and present your findings.
Research projects may be carried out in laboratories on campus or could be based in local NHS trusts including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, St Paul’s Eye Hospital or the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. There’s also the option to complete an online research project.
How you're assessed
Assessment activities mirror those undertaken by professional scientists and healthcare professionals. These real-life scenarios include drafting grant applications, writing reports, creating visual abstracts, developing a business proposals, and making presentations.
All modules include assessments that are linked to research project work, where you’ll gain appropriate skills to complete your final project report at the end of the programme. Such assessments include a lab report, literature review and referee report.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences addresses the issues that are most important to local population health needs. We conduct research that makes a real impact, delivering results from bench to bedside and positively changing patient care in our communities.
The course has profoundly enhanced my research skill, in particular on musculoskeletal ageing. This is very important for my career as a specialist in metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis when I go back to my country. It has also given me an opportunity to collaborate with researchers who are in the same field.
This programme prepares you for a future career in biomedical research which could be in the academic, industrial or public sectors. It also provides a strong foundation for doctoral research and satisfies the criteria of UK research councils for Master of Research training.
You’ll gain the research knowledge, skills and attributes to contribute to evidence-based practice, pursue further study, and progress your career.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
With an MRes in Clinical Sciences, you’ll be well qualified to enter a wide range of medical and scientific roles or pursue a career in industry or academia.
In the public sector, graduates in clinical sciences are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, and the Environment Agency.
You may choose to pursue PhD study in preparation for a future career as a research scientist. You would also be well prepared for graduate-entry medicine training.
With proven analytical, numeracy, communication and project management skills, you’ll graduate with a skillset well suited to many leadership roles and opportunities, including a career in accountancy or human resources.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£4,786
Part-time place, per year
£2,393
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,750
Part-time place, per year
£11,700
Fees stated are for the academic year 2024/25 and are subject to change for 2025/26. Some MRes courses incur additional bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which applies to you in your offer letter.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a medical, biomedical or relevant biological science discipline. Previous MRes or MSc study or a medicine, veterinary or dental qualification may also be accepted.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MRes, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
