The MRes Clinical and Health Research at Aston University can either be taken as a one-year, full-time or a two-year, part-time, work-based master’s degree designed for professionals seeking to advance their research expertise in clinical and health-related settings. The programme combines taught modules with a substantial independent research project, blending academic excellence with practical application. On graduation, you will be equipped to progress to PhD-level study or pursue impactful careers in healthcare research, clinical practice, or public health.

As an MRes Clinical and Health Research student at Aston University, you will work alongside leading health sciences researchers who collaborate closely with the NHS and professional healthcare organisations. This means your learning is always grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities.

You’ll gain access to:

• Dedicated research groups and advanced resources to support your independent project.
• A supportive academic community, with one-to-one supervision and mentoring.
• Specialist software, tools, and facilities to strengthen your research skills and professional practice.

Aston University resources include:

• Modern learning spaces – refurbished lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and computer labs designed for collaboration and innovation.
• A comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – your hub for study, revision, and assessment, with access to digital study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, and specialist databases.
• The Aston Library – fully refurbished, digitally equipped, and open 24/7 at key points in the year. The library offers diverse study spaces, course texts in print and digital form, and support from expert academic advisors.

1. To provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to carrying out clinical and health research within a specific discipline and/or clinical domain.
2. To provide advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in a specific area within the field of health.
3. To develop a range of transferable skills (written and oral communication, time management, project management, data collection and analysis) that will produce graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgement and reasoning to their chosen occupation and who are capable of applying and disseminating knowledge.
4. To enable graduates to develop the skills required to proceed to a more specialist higher degree at PhD level or a career in health research.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

A UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree or recognised international equivalent from a recognised university in a clinical or health related discipline. • 

Applicants should be actively engaged in a clinical or health setting, with the ability to carry out research in their professional environment.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

Specific requirements will be confirmed in individual offer letters.

Project selection

As part of your application to the MRes Clinical and Health Research programme at Aston University, you will need to submit a proposed research title and a 250‑word summary of your proposed research idea in a topic area relevant to health and clinical sciences. This summary should briefly outline the background and rationale for the topic, the proposed research focus or question(s), the significance of the work, and an indicative methodology (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods). Please include this information in the personal statement section of your application.

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How to apply for the part‑time route

To apply for the part‑time option, please submit your application via the full‑time route. In your personal statement, clearly state that you wish to be considered for the part‑time route for this programme.

If you are unable to include this in your personal statement at the time of applying, please email pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk with your 9‑digit application number to confirm that you would like to be considered for the part‑time route.

Where a part‑time request is clearly stated in your personal statement, no further action is required. We will update your application to the correct route on your behalf once your request has been received.

Please note that the part‑time route is only available to applicants who do not require a study visa.

Course fees