About this course
Develop the expertise for a successful clinical academic career, research management role, or further research training on our flexible MRes Clinical and Health Research programme. This master’s degree at the University of Southampton will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in all aspects of clinical, healthcare or academic research.
You can choose to study this course either full-time or part-time across 2-5 years and at a PGCert, PGDip or master's level.
We have a strong global reputation for research excellence, as well as the latest facilities and leading academics to support it.
Our teaching staff for this programme includes:
- world-renowned clinical academics
- medical sociologists
- health psychologists
- epidemiologists
- health service researchers
It is all these things together that help make this one of the leading programmes of its kind anywhere in the world.
We have designed this master's clinical and health research for people who want to move into senior clinical roles, including those in leadership and research.
It will also help you develop skills that will assist your doctoral studies if you choose to take this option.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
- a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) - you'll usually study for around 15 weeks and will not need to write a dissertation
- a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - you'll usually study for around 30 weeks and will not need to write a dissertation
You can also take a single module as part of continuing professional development (CPD). Explore modules that are available as CPD
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is a lecturer within Health Sciences, with research interests in the delivery of urgent care services, and the use of mixed methods in applied health services research. Visit Dr Joanne Turnbull’s staff profile to learn more about her work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:2 degree in a subject such as:
- nursing
- medicine
- biological sciences
- psychology
- sociology
- midwifery
- dentistry
- physiotherapy
- podiatry
- occupational therapy
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has introduced a pre-doctoral personal award scheme. If you wish to apply for this, you can visit the NIHR website for more information.
Please contact Dr Joanne Turnbull if you intend to undertake some or all of the MRes programme as a component of a pre-doctoral award.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If don’t have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
The full-time version of this master’s course takes place over 12 months and the part-time version runs across 2 to 5 years.
You must complete the following to achieve the MRes award:
- 3 taught modules
- 2 research project modules
You can also study this course at PGCert and PGDip level.
To complete the PGCert award you must complete 3 taught modules. For the PGDip version, you'll need to complete these modules and 1 research project module.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this clinical research course include the following:
- lectures and seminars
- practical sessions
- action learning groups
- data analysis
- independent learning
We deliver modules in short blocks or on a day-per-week basis so that you can work and study at the same time. We have designed our assignments to help you to integrate theory and practice - optimising your critical thinking and clinical research skills.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- critical appraisal of literature
- presentations
- project reports
- empirical research tasks
- your research proposal and project
Dissertation
You’ll complete a research project, including research proposal and report, totalling about 13,500 words. Your programme leader and research supervisor will help you choose a topic and provide support throughout the project.
Academic Support
You’ll have:
- a welcome session to meet fellow students and learn about our facilities through the course handbook and module guides
- module leaders and research supervisors to support you with modules and carrying out your research project
- a personal academic tutor for additional support and pastoral care
- access to faculty computer workstations
- study skills support with online resources
Careers
This programme is suitable if you want to take up a:
- clinical academic career
- doctoral studies
- research management role in a clinical research setting
- related clinical and health research role
The course is ideal for healthcare practitioners including:
- nurses
- midwives
- allied healthcare professionals (AHPs)
- healthcare scientists
- doctors
It is also suitable if you don’t have a health professional qualification, but have relevant academic qualifications and are hoping to work in clinical and health research environments.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As a student on this course you may be entitled to help from the NHS Learning Support Fund.
This can include a training grant of £5,000 per academic year, parental support of £2,000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs, and help with travel and temporary accommodation costs for placements.
Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
We'll invite shortlisted candidates to a selection day, which includes an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection day. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000