MRes Cardiovascular Sciences: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MRes Cardiovascular Sciences course at the University of Manchester promotes cardiovascular research within a unique multi-disciplinary training environment. The programme aims to equip students with broadly based biomedical research skills, but with an emphasis on application to cardiovascular science.

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for considerable mortality, disability and a reduced quality of life in the developed world. Despite the large number of treatment strategies, the widespread occurrence of these disorders dictates the search for improved treatments. The development of these relies on a continued evolution of their understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the development of cardiovascular disorders.

It is now widely recognised by employers and research councils that unravelling the basis of cardiovascular disease and development of new therapies is a high priority area for investment especially since the economic burden of CVD is increasing. It is also recognised, however, that a gap has opened up between the skills possessed by new graduates and the skills normally expected on entry to a research degree or an industrial research career. The MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences has been specifically designed to fill this gap for those who wish to pursue a research career in cardiovascular sciences.

Career opportunities

After the course, many students will continue their studies and register for a PhD. However, the programme is also of value to students wishing to progress in the pharmaceutical industry or in clinical research.

The MRes is also ideal for MBChB intercalating students who wish to undertake directly channelled research training in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: An honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in the biomedical sciences is required, under exceptional circumstances candidates with a 2:2 will be considered. International candidates must have obtained the equivalent of a 2:1 in a related degree from a reputed University. Candidates on the undergraduate medical programme must have satisfactorily completed years 1-4 of the MBChB with no failure at any examination.

English language: Candidates whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5, or TOEFL 575 paper-based or 230 computer-based.