MRes and PGR options

Choose between earning your Masters of Research or Masters 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 20th 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 Masters 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 – exepct 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:

Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine (MRes)

Students can choose a pathway and corresponding project that matches their individual research interests.

Pathways include: Biology of Cancer, Biomedical Imaging and Biosensing, Cancer Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Medical Sciences, Molecular and Clinical Gastroenterology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Stem Cells, Tissues and Disease.

Click on the link for more information

How to Apply (current UoL MBChB students):

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

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

How to Apply (external applicants):

Click on "Apply Now" on the course page: Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine - 2024/25 entry (link)

Any queries please contact: hlsmastersadmissions@liverpool.ac.uk

Clinical Sciences (MRes)

Students can follow a general clinical science pathway or can focus their research on one of the following pathways:

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Eye and Vision Science, Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Women’s Health, Children’s Health.

See more information on the MRES Clinical Sciences course page (link).

How to Apply (current UoL MBChB students):

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

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

How to Apply (external applicants):

Click on "Apply Now" on the course page: MRES Clinical Sciences - 2024/25 entry 

Advanced Biological Sciences (MRes)

Students looking to move into a career in science, whether in academia, industry or biomedicine research, this MRes will enable you to develop advanced knowledge, skills and understanding in biological sciences. Check out further information on the MRES Advanced Biological Sciences (link) page. 

How to Apply (current UoL MBChB students):

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

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

How to Apply (external applicants):

Click on "Apply Now" on the course page: MRES Advanced Biological Sciences (link)

MPhil. Master of Philosophy

An MPhil is another advanced postgraduate route to earn your Masters. You will find that the Liverpol'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:

For courses available outside of the University of Liverpool, start your research by visiting other institution websites.

At Liverpool, we have connections with a broad range of really excellent, local, specialist centres and there are fabulous cultural opportunities, as well as educational ones.

Dr Victoria Tippett, Director of Medical Education, Educational Research, Educator Development & Engagement at the School of Medicine

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