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Clinical Sciences

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Master of Research

A Master of Research (MRes) is a research-based postgraduate degree awarded in any academic discipline that offers research training.

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Course overview

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.

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

Compulsory modules

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (MCMR002)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

​This module will introduce students to a range of skills relevant across a wide range of disciplines.

Basic Laboratory Skills (MCMR008)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module introduces the students to the important techniques required for medical research. It is delivered by a series of student practicals supplemented by lectures on the theory behind the techniques. Students will be directed to appropriate literature to aid their understanding of the module. 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 is a series of lectures, seminars and journal clubs focusing on recent advances and challanges in the field of clinical sciences. Lecture and seminars wil be delivered by leaders in the field, highlight the backgroung to their research area and presenting work that they are involved in. Linked j ournal clubs wil be studnet lead, discussing a relevant research paper assoicated with the work described in the accompanying lecture.

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 research environment available in the Institute of Life-course and Medical Sciences. Students will 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.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Study as an intercalated degree

Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.

Your experience

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.

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What students say...

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.

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Careers and employability

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

Career planning

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Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

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We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

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You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

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 £4,712
Part-time place, per year £2,356
International fees
Full-time place, per year £21,850
Part-time place, per year £10,925
Please note, the fees shown are for the academic year 2023-24 and will rise for 2024-25. 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 paying for your studies..

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.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re an international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your master’s tuition fees, if you haven’t studied with us before.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with an ANID Chile Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could apply to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACYT Award.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining a master’s degree, you can apply to be considered for a tuition fee discount of £20,000 with a Fulright Scholarship. One Fulbright Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to ten awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could apply to be considered for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

Do you have recognised status as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection outside the UK? Or are you a Ukrainian who’s sought temporary protection in the EU? You could be eligible to apply for the full payment of your master’s fees and additional financial support.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements
Postgraduate entry requirements

You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree or above, or equivalent. 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.

Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, will be considered on an individual basis.
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.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

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.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Why Liverpool?

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.

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Accommodation

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.

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Fees and Finance

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.

Changes to Clinical Sciences MRes

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.