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Duration

One year, full-time

Application Deadline

Home fee payers 24 August 2025 | Overseas fee payers 1 July 2025

Location

St George's, University of London

UK, EU and non-EU (international)

citizens may apply

Start dates

8 September 2025

Study this pioneering degree to carry out research that improves fertility and helps identify, treat or manage birth defects.

Reproduction is a fascinating process, but it doesn’t always go to plan. Many couples struggle to conceive. Some experience miscarriage. And, according to NHS statistics, one in 47 babies are born with a congenital anomaly – anything from cleft palate or limb defect to heart conditions or spina bifida.

This course is for you if you want to carry out research that improves fertility and helps identify, treat or manage birth defects. Joining us, you’ll study the interplay between genes and physiology and the complications that can arise.

Kickstart your research career

Research and innovation are in our DNA. Edward Jenner, whose groundbreaking work contributed to the eradication of smallpox, completed his medical training at St George’s in 1770. More recently, our research has helped accelerate the treatment of tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and Covid-19.

You’ll meet experts improving diagnosis and counselling for unexplained infertility and creating new therapies and diagnosis for neonatal disorders. We’ll also reveal how we’re using rare disease models to understand human development and reproduction. 

Why St George's?

  1. Pioneering pathway – our specialist pathway is one of a few of its kind in the UK that focuses on the science behind reproduction, embryo formation and fetal development. 

  2. Expert research community – you’ll have access to specialist equipment and expertise in clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research. Your project might involve working with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.

  3. Intense research training – completing an MRes means you’ll spend nine months working on a research project and receive one-to-one training. Past students have even been listed as authors of published papers.

Want to know more?

Find out more about postgraduate study at St George’s, University of London by registering for our introductory email series.

Course content

Whichever biomedical science pathway you pick, you’ll complete three core modules: Research Methods, Statistics, and Research Project Planning and Management.

All the core modules provide advanced training in biomedical research and help you interpret data. You’ll develop specialist skills in tissue culture, handling of clinical specimens, flow cytometry, gene cloning and protein techniques, microbiological techniques and more.

While sharpening your research skills, you’ll learn about the genetic basis of birth defects and underlying molecular mechanisms. We’ll also take a closer look at events during early pregnancy when the placenta forms and disruptions which result in disorders, such as pre-eclampsia. 

Your research project

Unlike MSc courses, you’ll complete an extensive research project which involves spending up to nine months working as part of a research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.

During the first term, you’ll meet potential supervisors and pick a project. Past projects have explored the effects of progesterone on placenta development, vascular function during pregnancy, and molecular mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Week

Discover our courses, meet lecturers and students, join Q&A sessions and hear about postgraduate life at St George's. Running 25 - 29 November, register your place.

“The Biomedical Science MRes has given me a solid foundation for my research career providing me with the necessary skills and knowledge for scientific research. This has been an invaluable asset that has helped me to progress to a PhD programme funded by the MRC. I am looking to further my research in the field of mitochondrial diseases and transgenic mouse models, knowing that I can always refer back to the structural framework that was built during the MRes. ”

- Hamin Lee

Biomedical Science - Reproduction and Development MRes student

Entry criteria

To be considered for this course, you will need to:

  • meet the entry criteria
  • write a personal statement
  • provide two suitable references.

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

We welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including humanities, science and healthcare.

We may invite you to interview if are unable to make a decision directly from your application. If you are invited for an interview you will be asked to write a short paper (no more than half a page) on a subject associated with biomedical research.

Alternative professional qualifications, or previous related experience, may be considered and we encourage you to apply.

Intercalating students

Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but are current medical students who have successfully completed 360 credits (or equivalent) including at least 120 credits at Level 6 (or equivalent) of their medical degree are also eligible to apply.

International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries and use UKNARIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at pgenquiries@sgul.ac.uk

English Language

This is a Group 2 course.

Full details can be found on our English Language requirements webpages.

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to outline your reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement on the application form. You will also need to provide two satisfactory references.

Go to the Apply tab for more information.

Course structure

There are two core modules:

  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

These are common to all pathways, and most of teaching will take place in the autumn term. The core modules provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science.

Students will also undertake the specialist module (30 credits) which is specific to each of the five pathways. The specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field.

The journal clubs (critical appraisal of papers) led by students themselves with guidance from tutors will run from October until March.

Unlike many other courses, our Research Project (105 credits) offers a chance to spend up to nine months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project studied first trimester placenta cells to identify future indicators of pre-eclampsia, while another analysed the mutation of gonadal genes which to provide new insight into what causes a failure to initiate or complete puberty naturally. Other projects offered opportunities to work with animal models (mouse, zebrafish) to enhance our understanding of congenital disorders and identification of mutated genes through sequencing of patient DNA samples. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster in July and submit a final dissertation in August. 

Students also choose one optional module worth 15 credits from a range of options. In addition to the core and specialist modules, the optional modules will equip students with a comprehensive set of essential research skills for interpreting and applying clinical and biomedical data. They will also provide a broad understanding of research governance and ethics. The optional modules may be subject to availability.

Watch the Biomedical Science MRes webinar from our virtual postgraduate event.

Core and specialist modules

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Research Methods (15 credits)

This module looks at a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research study designs and approaches, their advantages and disadvantages. We focus on good research practice, designing studies using tools and approaches to minimise bias and maximise scientific rigour. 

Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

This module prepares you for conducting and managing a research project and includes ethical, legal, safety and time management aspects of research. You will learn how to identify and appropriately address any ethical and legal issues in your project, as well as safety issues when working with hazardous substances, organisms or equipment. This will also include lectures on writing up scientific work.

Reproduction and Development (30 credits)

This pathway module begins exploring the science of reproduction and covers various aspects of women’s health, including normal sexual differentiation, endocrine disorders, hormonal control of fertility, pregnancy and contraception. It covers embryonic development and disease with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms and human congenital disorders.

You will be introduced to experimental techniques, terminology, model organisms and the use of transgenic mouse technology. The module will also provide you with insight into how new sequencing technologies and ‘omics’ methodologies are helping to decipher the cellular mechanisms involved in reproduction and development. 

While studying this module, you will learn how to appraise and critically evaluate scientific papers, through a series of journal club sessions and presentations. Appraisal of scientific literature is essential in guiding your own research strategies and objectives, as well as peer reviewing other researchers’ works in your specialist area, for example, reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication in scientific journals.

Research Project (105 credits)

This is the main module of our MRes course. Dissertation projects will involve the assembly, analysis and interpretation of substantial research data, primarily lab generated, although some projects may involve metanalyses of theoretical data. You will have the freedom to choose from a wide-ranging list of projects, and to work in a vibrant research environment with world-renowned researchers. You may also work with their PhD students or postdoctoral scientists within the collaborative research group to gain insight and experience over the course of your project.

Why study at St George's?

As the UK's specialist health university, we prepare our graduates for a successful and rewarding career in health and science.

Optional modules

Optional modules may be subject to availability.

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Case Studies in Drug Discovery and Development (15 credits)

The first part of this module focuses on malaria, a disease of global importance. Sessions go through a series of case studies that explore very comprehensively the pathophysiology of malaria, plus preclinical and clinical studies that led to the development of antimalarials. The second half consists of presentations and workshops by translational scientists at St George’s talking about their own research.

Clinical Trials (15 credits)

This module will introduce students to fundamental principles and concepts of clinical trials. Particular attention will be given to randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which are considered to be the most robust approach to testing new treatments. Students will learn how to appraise the validity and reliability of trial results and how trials are managed and conducted in real-world settings. Students will also gain an appreciation of the ethical and regulatory requirements surrounding RCTs.

Students will complete practical sessions each week based on the topic of the preceding lecture. Work from the practical sessions will be documented in a practical session notebook, which will count towards the ICA helping to consolidate learning and knowledge. The final sessions of the module will draw together the key themes explored with a presentation on landmark trials from experts in the field.

Importantly, a one-day face-to-face good clinical practice (GCP) course will form part of the module with a certificate awarded on successful completion. This GCP certificate is a key requirement for those working on clinical trials in any sector. The module thus provides knowledge, skills and a qualification immediately relevant for potential employment in the area of clinical trials management.

Practical Data Analysis (15 credits)

This module will enable you to develop skills in understanding, critically interpreting and extracting data. You will be taught appropriate qualitative and quantitative data analysis methodologies, and how to communicate and present results appropriately in plain English. You will learn about both quantitative and qualitative data. Topics covered include graphs and descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, tests, regression, and the practical collection of qualitative data using interviews and focus groups.

Statistics (15 credits)

You are introduced to modern data analysis techniques and statistical approaches so that you can critically analyse and interpret quantitative data and make inferences from the results when undertaking your research project.

Emphasis is placed on the language and logic of statistical investigation, and not on formulae or calculations, building your confidence in interpreting and discussing the methods and statistics in biomedical, healthcare and clinical research and other scientific literature.

Comparative Health Systems (15 credits)*

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a health care system as consisting of: ‘All organizations, people and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore or maintain health. This includes efforts to influence determinants of health as well as more direct health-improving activities’ (WHO:2007). This is a necessarily simplified definition, but it does point to the complexity of Health System objectives, functions, and infrastructure. This module will focus on addressing the following series of questions and challenges that directly relate to the comparative analysis of health policy and health systems.

*Please note: this module is subject to validation and aspects of the content and delivery may change as part of continuous improvement.

Teaching

Our teaching team share their expertise in lectures and seminars, practical sessions and small group sessions. Spending time completing wider reading and in-depth study of your area of interest will also be key.

You’ll choose your research project and start with laboratory work in mid-October, completing your research by the following August.

Assessment

We’ve designed assessments that prepare you for your research project. You’ll learn to critically review published work, create appropriate experimental designs and analyse data. At the same time, you’ll develop your scientific writing and presentation skills.

All our modules are assessed through written assignments or an oral presentation – except our statistics module which is assessed via examination. Once you’ve finished your research project, you'll also present a poster on your research.

Expertise

We have a global reputation as experts in population health, infection and immunity, and molecular and clinical sciences. St George’s is also a highly active clinical trial site, offering opportunities to become involved in a wide range of ongoing studies.

  • Clinical Academic Groups – we have four Clinical Academic Groups in cardiovascular diseases, genomics, infectious diseases and neuroscience. These groups bring together researchers from the University and clinicians from St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

  • Our Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit is helping develop rapid diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections which are a worldwide public health concern.

  • The Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection is an internationally recognised centre carrying out paediatric infection disease research. Experts are working on global projects to tackle the threat of AMR and develop new vaccines.

Read more about our research.

Student stories

Read about what it's really like to study at St George's with our postgraduate student stories.

Careers

Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind. Your work will have the potential to improve diagnosis, genetic screening and counselling for families affected.

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident planning and managing a research project. This includes knowing how to write a research proposal​, evaluate published research​ and identify good quality research. You’ll also have advanced skills in data handling, scientific communication and using technology to support research projects.

Some of our graduates work in research-active healthcare roles, while others engage with clinical research as trial managers or laboratory scientists. You might find opportunities in:

  • Academic biomedical research institutes and universities​
  • Clinical medicine and hospitals​
  • Pharmaceutical industry​
  • Science communications and journalism​
  • Teaching

With your extensive research experience, you’ll also stand out as a candidate when applying to continue to PhD study.

Careers support

Graduates from St George's have access to lifelong careers support after graduation.

Facilities

Everything you need for success in the health and life sciences profession is here – from opportunities to learn from professionals working on the clinical frontline to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and bio-imaging technology.

We’re the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital. This means you’ll become part of a unique clinical and academic research community, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career.

Laboratories

Our teaching laboratories are fully fitted with equipment for biological, chemistry, biomedical, molecular biology and pharmacy practicals. This includes:

  • Microscopes
  • Spectrophotometers
  • DNA amplifiers
  • Organ baths
  • Specialist glassware

We’ve installed audio-visual equipment so microscope images can be projected onto large screens. You’ll also be able to use our tissue culture facilities, flow cytometry, pathogen containment facilities.

Image Resource Facility (IRF)

The IRF is designed for Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and sample preparation. Here you can image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms such as zebrafish using any of the light microscope, slide scanning, or electron microscope systems.

Zebrafish facility

Our zebrafish facility has an aquarium that can house over 2,500 adult fish. The facility is fully staffed to provide the infrastructure and care required by the Home Office’s strict licensing laws for the use of animals in scientific procedures.

The zebrafish have a vertebrate system which can be used to model human disease. Our researchers take advantage of this to aid drug development, improve patient care, and answer questions at the forefront of medical science.

Did you know each adult mating can produce up to 300 eggs? This provides a great deal of data for performing statistical analysis.

If you use this facility as part of a project, we’ll provide you with training.

Pathology museum

Our on-site Museum of Human Diseases houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including those donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials exploring the mechanisms of disease.

Library and learning technology

Our library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll find silent, quiet and group learning spaces, as well as group discussion rooms.

We have a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources. You’ll also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment and our Hunter discovery service.

Need accessibility equipment? The library also loans noise-cancelling headphones, laptop stands, coloured overlays, desktop whiteboards, and more.

IT facilities

We have an extensive range of IT facilities, including:

  • 260 workstations in five computer suites, three of which are open 24 hours a day
  • 75 self-service laptops available
  • Free Wi-Fi covering the whole campus, including our halls of residence accommodation.

You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Looking for a free space? Simply use our handy real-time computer locator.

University of London

BLOOM@Senate House

As St George's is part of the University of London, you have access to BLOOM@Senate House, a unique space in the heart of Bloomsbury. Senate House offers a central London base which is particularly useful if you’re studying or living further out. The area has great transport links, making it easy to access from anywhere in London or further afield.

Senate House Library

Students can join the Senate House library free of charge. Your membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to digital resources.

State-of-the-art facilities

Based in a major teaching hospital, our students are immersed in a professional clinical and research environment from day one. Read more about our state-of-the-art facilities.

Student support

From day one, you’ll become part of a community of staff and students of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds. Everyone you meet will have one thing in common – a passion for healthcare, science and medicine.

Whether you’re an existing healthcare professional, returning to education after a break or joining us after graduating from an undergraduate degree, we want to help you make the most of your time here. To do this, we offer a full range of academic support and student services.

Careers service

We offer 1:1 career guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate students at every stage of your professional development, from the start of your course through to graduation and beyond. As a student, you’ll also benefit from career development activities that are specifically tailored to your course.

What we offer:

  • Career guidance: We offer 30-minute 1:1 careers guidance sessions to support you in your career planning, build your confidence, and help you identify next steps on your career journey.
  • CV and application advice: We can review your applications with you, support you in presenting yourself to potential employers, tailor your applications to a particular role and help you stand out from your competition.
  • Practice interviews: Work on the content, structure, and delivery of your answers, whether that’s motivation questions, competency questions, role-specific questions or Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
  • Interactive workshops: Our career education workshops are tailored and delivered within courses. Topics may include understanding the graduate job market, learning through reflection on career decision-making, making successful applications and making an impact at interviews.
  • Careers fairs: These are opportunities to explore career paths in different areas and specialities, meet with employers, and have valuable conversations to inform your career thinking.
  • Online support: We offer specific information tailored to each course, plus general careers support and resources relevant to whatever your career choices and direction via our Canvas Virtual Learning Environment.

Cost of Living

We know that this may be a worrying time for our students and their families. Our Cost of Living Hub contains the latest information to our community affected by the rising cost of living. We provide students with various financial support, budgeting advice as well as employability options.

Disability support

If you require reasonable adjustments or disability services, you can find information on our disability information for students pages. For any further information please contact the disability adviser.

The Graduate School

Our Graduate School brings together postgraduate students from different disciplines, allowing you to support and learn from each other while expanding your professional networks.

The Graduate School works closely with our research institutes and provides opportunities for personal and professional development. You’ll also have access to a postgraduate common room where postgraduate students and early career researchers can study and socialise.

Induction programme

Our induction sets you up for your studies and helps you feel part of the University. As well as course-specific activities, we run an online ‘Get Started’ module which provides information about:

  • Social and enrichment activities
  • Student safety
  • Wellbeing and learning support
  • Study skills
  • Our library facilities
  • Careers and employability services

International student support

Our International Students Support service is part of the Student Life Centre and provides information on visas, settlement schemes, enrolment and more. To find out more, visit our EU and international support pages.

If you’re an international student, get in touch with the team as soon as you accept your offer via student.immigration@sgul.ac.uk.

Mental health support

St George’s has a confidential, free and impartial counselling service available to all students. You can also access services through our Student Life Centre and our online resources. This includes links to NHS resources, apps, podcasts and websites dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.

Personal academic tutor

When you start your course, we’ll allocate you a personal tutor. This is a member of the academic team who you’ll see regularly to monitor your progress and pick up any problems, both academic and personal. Even if they don’t have the answer, they’ll point you in the right direction towards the support you need.

Student Ambassador Scheme

Our Student Ambassadors support student recruitment events, widening participation activities such as Science Stars and schemes such as Unibuddy Reps. Our Student Ambassadors also help with one-off or less regular events and creating student generated content like blogs and videos.

Student Life Centre

Our Student Life Centre team can help you with every aspect of student life including:

  • Finances
  • Accommodation
  • Exams and assessment
  • Academic procedures
  • Admissions
  • International queries
  • Disability and wellbeing
  • Confidential counselling service

Your personal tutor can also signpost you to relevant support.

Students’ Union

St George's Students' Union (SU) is an independent organisation run by students for students. The SU runs a wide range of events and is home to the SU Bar and Shop, music room, dance studios and meeting rooms. The team also provides welfare support for all students, with an open-door policy.

Want to join a sports team? Eager to try something new? We encourage you to take part in the wide range of sports, social and cultural activities and events on offer. From fencing to hockey, yoga to hiking, we have over 100 clubs and societies so you can be sure to find something that will interest you.

Our popular ‘Mums and Dads’ buddy scheme is organised by the Students’ Union. Every first year has the choice of being assigned a ‘parent’ from the year above in their respective course. The returning student acts as a go to for advice about courses and university life.

Students with children

Juggling study and parenthood can be difficult, particularly if you’re taking a demanding medical or healthcare degree. Our Student Parents and Carers Empowered (SPACE) society is a group run by studying parents that meets monthly to support each other and discuss how to balance family life with studying. For more information, email the SPACE society.

Study+

We’re here to help you develop the academic skills you need to succeed and make the most of our library collections.

  • Sessions and tutorials on literature searches, keyword searches and using databases
  • Training materials for academic planning, reading and writing to develop key transferable skills
  • 1:1 meetings for a tailored approach to your academic support needs

Student support services

We have a full range of services available to support you during your time at St George's.

How to apply

Before beginning your application please check the entry criteria of the course you wish to study to ensure you meet the required standards.

Applications must be submitted through our online application system, which you can access below. Guidance on submitting an application can be found on our how to apply webpage.

Access our online application system

1. Select the relevant application link and create an account:

2. Once you've created an account, you will then be able to complete the application form and upload any relevant documents. You can save a partly completed form and return to it later. Please make sure you complete all sections. Please make sure that the information you provide is accurate, including the options you select in menus.

3. Add pgadmissions@sgul.ac.uk to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important emails from us.

4. When you have checked that your application is complete and accurate, click ‘submit’.

You can track your application through your online account.

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Guidance for completing your references

When completing your application, you will be asked to provide contact details of two referees. Please ensure these details are accurate. As soon as you have submitted your application, your referees will be contacted by the university asking them to upload a reference to your online application.

One must be a recent academic reference. The other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/employer reference. They should cover your suitability for the course and your academic ability.

Your referees should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. We do not accept references from family, friends, partners, ex-partners or yourself.

We will send reminder emails to your referees but it is your responsibility to ensure that contact details are correct and referees are available to submit a reference. References should be uploaded within two weeks of making your application.

Make your application stand out

Read our guidance on how to apply for a postgraduate degree.

Fees and funding

In this tab you will find the financial information for this course of study, including details of financial support.

Tuition fees

2025 UK (home): £10,950

2025 International (including EU): £16,750

We do not expect students to incur any extra costs over and above those that we have advertised on the course page. To get the most from your studies, you will need your personal computer or laptop and an internet connection in your home. Find out more about technology requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit transfer from the Healthcare Research Skills and Methods PgCert qualifies for a proportional discount in course fees. Recognition of prior learning, including credit from research skills modules at other recognised providers, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Funding

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

Postgraduate scholarships

We offer a number of scholarships for outstanding students wishing to study a postgraduate course with us.

Apply now

Duration

One year, full-time

Application Deadline

Home fee payers 24 August 2025 | Overseas fee payers 1 July 2025

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