Clinical and Health Research (MRes)

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 Leire Ambrosio 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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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.

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

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.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) South Central INSIGHT Programme

Early career healthcare professionals can now apply for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) South Central INSIGHT Programme (SCIP). The NIHR SCIP funding pays your tuition fees, and you'll receive a stipend (living allowance) of up to £19,237 tax-free.

Find out more about the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) South Central INSIGHT Programme.

Southampton Health Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Health Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Health Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Presidential International Scholarship

A scholarship of up to £10,000 or 100% off your tuition fees is available to international students starting either an undergraduate or postgraduate master's degree in 2025.

Find out more about the Southampton Presidential International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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 need to submit two references, one professional reference and one academic reference.

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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000