Translational Biomedical Research MRes (2025 entry)
Drive Innovation at the intersection of science and medicine.
The MRes in Translational Biomedical Research equips you with the knowledge, research skills, and hands-on experience to build a successful career in interdisciplinary biomedicine.
You will work with world-class scientists and clinicians at Warwick Medical School and the Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories. This course provides a strong foundation for turning scientific discovery into real-world impact.
Join us to deliver ground-breaking solutions for a healthier future.
Key information
Location: Campus (laboratories based at Gibbet Hill campus or University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire)
Study mode: Full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years)
Application status: Open
Start date: October 2025
Fees for the 2025/26 academic year: Home students: £8,004; Overseas students: £38,298
Scholarship: Competitive scholarships based on academic merit are available for overseas students. Learn more.
Contact course directors: Leda Mirbahai & Aparna Ratheesh ()
Expression of interest: Please complete this form
Why study MRes Translational Biomedical Research?
- Develop as a skilled researcher while building a global network of peers, mentors, and potential employers.
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Graduate from a top 10 UK university, recognised for excellence in medical and scientific research.
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Train alongside world-leading scientists in cutting-edge laboratories equipped with the latest technologies.
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Gain hands-on experience in a real-world research environment, preparing you for the challenges of modern biomedical science.
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Open the door to diverse career paths, including roles in academia, clinical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and the healthcare sector.
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Pursue further academic excellence with strong foundations for securing a PhD position in the UK or abroad.
Course structure
Research project
The MRes Translational Biomedical Research is designed to provide you with in-depth experience in cutting-edge scientific discovery, with approximately 75% of the course dedicated to hands-on research. Central to the programme is a year-long research project, which begins with a 6-week taster period in two potential host laboratories.
Our world-leading research spans a range of themes, all aligned with the principles of translational medicine, bridging the gap between fundamental science and clinical application to drive innovations in health. A list of potential supervisors, along with brief descriptions of their research interests, is available under each theme. As part of your application, you’ll be asked to identify two supervisors whose work aligns with your interests.
Themes
Cell and Mechano-biology
The research groups working in this theme explore fundamental molecular mechanisms and pathways in health and disease from cytoskeletal self-organisation, membrane dynamics, and tissue mechanobiology to mechanisms that underpin self-organisational events that produce multi-cellular organisms.
Reproductive Health
The research groups working in this theme cover topics including gametogenesis, implantation, miscarriage, endometriosis, labour, and pre-term birth.
Host-Pathogen Interactions
The research groups working in this theme cover topics from discovery of pathogenicity factors and host machinery involved in infection to diagnosis, prevention and immunity.
Translational Research
The research groups working under this theme aim to translate scientific discoveries and knowledge gained in a laboratory setting into practical applications to develop pioneering diagnostic and preventive technologies and deliver ground-breaking treatments for a healthier future for all (including chronotherapy, nanoparticle-based drug delivery, metabolism, surgery, neuroscience).
Taught components
You are required to complete a core taught module in Essential and Transferable Research Skills (MS914) which will prepare you with the fundamental research skills required for a successful research career. In addition, you are expected to complete two optional modules from a list of available options. Guidance will be provided to align your options to your chosen research topic.
MS932: Extended Research Project (Core module)
This module provides extensive experience in conducting high-quality research in real-world settings. The module will start with a 'taster' period where students can explore two of their chosen research projects to make an informed decision about the project they wish to pursue.
MS914: Essential & Transferable Research Skills (Core module)
This module will provide extensive training in research and professional transferable skills to enhance employability. The module will develop analytical and critical skills and will provide training in topics including data analysis and scientific communication.
NT908: Programming for Biomedical Data analysis (Core optional module)
This module provides the foundations in programming in R. Students will learn basic principles of programming through learning-by-doing workshops and a series of mock exams with increasing complexity from one-line statements to multi-loop programs.
MD9A5: Mathematical Modelling for Biosystems (Core optional module)
This module provides a basic understanding of the mathematics of ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations (ODEs and PDEs), how to solve elementary problems analytically, and how to solve them numerically on the computer using MATLAB.
MS913: Translational Biomedical Research & Diagnostics (Core optional module)
This module provides an understanding of new technologies and methodologies in the field of translational medicine to enable translation of discovery science. It will provide knowledge of ethics and regulations around the use of animal models and clinical research.
MD991: Physical biology of the cell (Core optional module)
This module explores the basic physical concepts underlying the behaviour of biomolecules, dynamic cell processes, cellular structure and signalling events, and equips students for a research career at the interface of biology and physics.
CH922: Microscopy and imaging (Core optional module)
This module provides a foundation in the principles and applications of microscopy, starting with the basics of light microscopy and progressing to state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy.
MD998: Molecular biology: principles and technique (Core optional module)
This module provides students with a background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, physics, or chemistry with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of molecular biology.
Assessment
The course uses a diverse and inclusive range of assessments. All assessments are designed to promote learning and prepare students for a career as independent resourceful scientists.
Oral Assessments
Presentations
Journal Clubs
Research Reports
Films
Problem Sets
Lay Audience
Where you will study
For your research project, you will be based at laboratories located at the Gibbet Hill campus and/or University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, providing the opportunity to work in either a clinical or academic setting, depending on your chosen research theme and supervisor.
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building
Centre for Mechnochemical Cell Biology
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
How will completing the MRes help my career?
You will receive personalised guidance from course directors and dedicated career support advisors to help shape your professional pathway, whether you are working towards building your career in academia, industry, science communication, or clinical research. The successful completion of the course will help you to:
- Build a strong foundation for PhD progression, both within the UK and internationally, by deepening your subject knowledge and refining your technical skills.
- Enhance your practical and research skills, including advanced laboratory techniques, research methodology, and data analysis which are essential for careers in both clinical and non-clinical research settings.
- Develop transferable skills, such as critical appraisal, scientific communication, and leadership essential in healthcare and research professions.
- Engage with a global network of leading researchers, gaining insights and opportunities through collaboration with experts in biomedical and clinical science across the UK and beyond.
Entry requirements
The course is aimed at students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree (minimum of an upper second-class degree or equivalent) in a relevant scientific (e.g. biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, statistics) or medical discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. If you hold an international qualification, please consult the International Office webpages for information on UK equivalents.
If you were not educated in English, you will be expected to obtain one of the following recognised English Language qualifications:
- IELTS (British Council International Testing System) overall score of at least 6.5 (with no minimum component scores below 6.0)
- TOEFL (iBT) overall score of at least 92 (with minimum component scores of Reading 22, Listening 21, Speaking 23, Writing 21)
For further information, please visit the Graduate School English Language Information and Entry Requirements webpage.
How to apply
Study mode: Full-time and part-time
Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
Applications can be made online here. In the application form, students are required to provide names of the two potential supervisors listed under research themes, to join their labs for their two taster projects. If you require any assistance with this please contact the course co-directors (Dr Aparna Ratheesh and Dr Leda Mirbahai) at .
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their chosen projects.
Application Portal: Use the course name (Translational Biomedical Research) to find the course in the application portal
Deadline: 31 July 2025 for overseas (international) fees students, 30 August 2025 for home fees students.
Drop-in sessions
Course co-directors Dr Aparna Ratheesh and Dr Leda Mirbahai will be running a series of online drop-in sessions for those interested in the course. Come along to find out more and to ask any questions you may have. See the dates and book your place.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Your host laboratory will fund the research costs for the project. Competitive scholarships based on academic performance are available for overseas students. There are also other scholarships available via the university - find out more about these.
Students are responsible for paying the academic fees. For 2025/2026 the Home student fee is £8,004 and the overseas student fee is £38,298.