Research master's options

Choose between earning your Master of Research or Master of Philosophy. Take a deep dive into an area that interests you whilst enhancing your research skills, critical scientific thinking and academic writing.

A Masters is a qualification above Bachelors degrees but below PhDs. As you have been studying medicine at an advanced level for at least three years before intercalating, you are qualified to pursue a masters.

The University of Liverpool’s research power is world renowned, ranked at 20^th in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF), with seven subjects in the top 10.

Clinical Medicine research at Liverpool is ranked 7th in the UK for critical mass of world-leading and internationally excellent research, in part due to our close working ties and excellent collaboration with the prestigious Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

What undertaking a Research master's looks like

You will find Research Masters are more independent in nature than a Taught Masters degree - the focus is on improving your understanding of research, as well as building the skills and techniques associated with the specialist area you choose.

You will research with a high level of independence, guided and supported by world-class clinicians and academics. 

Postgraduate research provides vital experience for student doctors who know they want to combine at least an element of research into their future career.

Research based degree options

MRes - Master of Research

Whilst some MRes programmes offer taught modules, the emphasis is on research – expect at least two thirds of the course to consist of research project work.

Whilst earning your MRes you will be an integral member of an active research team; an excellent introduction into research methods. If you wish to pursue research in your career, or want to delve into a subject area that fascinates you, an MRes provides a remarkable opportunity the modern medic.

The Faculty of Health & Life Sciences offers the following MRes programmes:

• Clinical Sciences MRes
• Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine MRes 
  
• Advanced Biological Sciences MRes.

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

An MPhil is another advanced postgraduate route to earn your Masters. You will find that the Liverpool's world-class hub of scientific research, the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, offers MPhil programmes across a wide range of themes. Example MPhil programmes you may wish to explore:

• Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
• Surgery and Oncology
• Child Health
• Women's Health.

Please visit the Study pages of the Institutes within the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences for more details on the MPhil options available and how to apply:

• Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences
• Institute of Population Health
• Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
• Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology.

Current Liverpool MBChB students - how to apply

The information will be updated for 2025's intercalation. In the meantime, here is last year’s procedure for your reference -

Complete FORM A (pdf) by Friday 9^th February 2024, return the form to intercal.mbchb@liverpool.ac.uk

Complete FORM B (pdf) by Friday 17^th May 2024, return the form to hlsmastersadmissions@liverpool.ac.uk

External MBChB students - how to apply

External applicants can apply now. Please review the 'Apply now' tabs on your chosen programme.
If you have any queries please contact hlsmastersadmissions@liverpool.ac.uk

For courses available outside of the University of Liverpool, start your research by visiting other institution websites or the UK intercalated courses database page.