Program Overview

Program Overview

The Spinal Pain MRes offers elite training, providing a strong foundation for research in spinal pain and rehabilitation. This interdisciplinary degree, run in partnership with the University of Birmingham's School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, pioneers advancements in rehabilitation and patient care.

Course Structure

The MRes consists of one compulsory module and two optional modules, undertaken while completing a research project.

Term 1

• Autumn Term: 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
• In the first semester, students immediately begin working on their Spinal pain research project with the guidance of their supervisor.
• Students undertake a compulsory module in Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, equipping them with essential skills in understanding the research process and analyzing data.
• Students have the option to choose one or two elective modules offered during this semester, such as Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant (Physiotherapy training required) or Innovation in Professional Development.

Course Highlights

• Become an expert researcher by studying at one of the UK's leading research departments, ranked 6th in the latest Research Excellence Framework.
• Gain hands-on research experience at the Centre of Precision Rehabilitation in Spinal Pain (CPR Spine).
• Collaborate with researchers in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Birmingham Medical School.
• Learn in a highly interactive teaching and research environment.
• Tailor your degree with a variety of optional modules and have the unique opportunity to undertake a six-month research project in your chosen field.

Course Delivery

• The taught elements of the course will be delivered in the form of one core module and two optional modules in core disciplines within exercise and rehabilitation sciences, allowing students to shape the course to their particular interest.
• Lecture
• Practical assignments
• 1:1 Supervision
• Laboratory
• Assessment Methods: A variety of assessments will be used throughout the course, including presentation, problem-based assessments, portfolio, and extended writing.
• Teaching methods: The course has a taught component and an extended period of research to produce a dissertation. The methods in which the course is delivered will depend on the optional modules chosen.

Research Projects

• At Birmingham, students can apply for an advertised PhD or propose their own research.
• An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
• If students want to pursue their own research project, they can apply to the research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.

Entry Requirements

• 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g., biomedical engineering, sports science, physiotherapy).
• Research proposal: If proposing their own research topic, students will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of the application, so they should take their time. Their potential supervisors will use it to decide if their research is something they can support.

Fees and Scholarships

• Fees information:
  • £5,181 (full-time)
  • £2,591 (part-time)
• Funding options:
  • Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached.
  • Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship.
• A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants.

Application Process

• To apply for a postgraduate research programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online.
• If applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
• If submitting their own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if they wish to start in September, they are encouraged to apply by 1 June.

Career Opportunities

• The career opportunities available are expanding all the time. As well as developing knowledge and skills in research and research management, this MRes supports development in preparation for doctoral studies.
• Many clinical settings are now appointing individuals with a strong research profile to strengthen research in clinical practice and rehabilitation.
• Other career routes include roles in the fitness and leisure industry, governing bodies, teaching, exercise prescription, and testing.

Related Courses

• Manipulative Physiotherapy (MSc / PGDip)
• Clinical Health Research (MRes)

Student Experience

• At Birmingham, students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.
• The university offers a variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, as well as all the support and advice needed.
• Students can explore the beautiful campus, get involved in campus life, and access student support services.