Course summary
Ranked 9th nationally in Times Higher Education World University subject rankings for research quality in Medical and Health (THE 2025) 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 graduates in bioscience and clinical subjects such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science who wish to develop their research skills. It is also suitable for medical, dental and veterinary students interested in pursuing a research-intensive intercalation option after three years of study. In addition to the standard MRes Health Sciences Research programme we offer subject-specific pathway options: 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. This MRes programme is available as an intercalated degree for current undergraduate students in medicine, dentistry or veterinary sciences from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/health-life-sciences/intercalate/.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/mres-health-sciences-research.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £31200 | Year 1 |
| International | £31200 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU