Science and Health MRes

This course will give you an in-depth understanding of research skills and process whilst also improving your understanding of, and ability to critique, contemporary research in a range of settings.

You will cover topics including:

• Importance of sound research design
• Navigating ethical approval processes
• Governance of research in a range of settings
• Engaging with the public, special populations and third sector organisations

You will be encouraged to collaborate with the University research community as you complete the course and your own research.

There will be the opportunity to collaborate with our Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI) or one of our other research groups covering health, bioscience and sport. There is a strong social justice element to this work. These groups are concerned with finding solutions to key health challenges currently faced by the region.

You will be supported and guided by a qualified research supervisor with subject specialist knowledge applicable to the topic for your research project. 

How you will study

You must study this postgraduate course full time.

The course will take 1 year to complete.

You will study 2 modules worth 30 credits each, as well as 1 module worth 120 credits.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the course specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will learn mostly online. The content of the course is informed by the research and practice of the academic staff from across the School of Science, Technology and Health. There will be a  number of compulsory online learning activities, on-campus study days, and meetings with your personal supervisor.

The first 2 modules are taught via compulsory online learning, supported by a day on campus at the beginning and end of the semester. This will help you to build peer support, useful networks and a research community.

The thesis module is taught via individual meetings with your supervisor. You will work closely with this supervisor, who will give you support and guidance throughout the project. This will give you one to one, tailored support which will help to give you confidence in your own research skills. 

Your learning will be informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. Our academic teams are constantly investigating, interrogating and contributing to their respective fields. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

Assessment methods will evaluate both your theoretical knowledge and practical research skills. You will complete critiques of published work in the style of peer-review, which is a common method in research. The final assessment will be your thesis. The thesis must report the findings of your independent research, which will showcase the research capabilities you have learned throughout the course.

Qualifications

Qualifications

A 2:1 in Health, Bioscience, Sport and Exercise Science or a closely-related discipline. If your first degree is not in Health, Bioscience, or Sport and Exercise Science we will consider applications on a case-by-case basis to ensure that you have covered sufficient levels of Health, Bioscience, or Sport and Exercise Science and research methods during your first degree.

If we have further questions about your application, you may be invited to a short interview.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.5 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2025-2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to the Science and Health MRes is:

• £7,000 for full time study
• £3,500 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master's course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to the Science and Health MRes is:

• £11,800 for full time study

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Science and Health MRes take you?

A research degree is your opportunity to develop incredibly transferrable and desirable skills in investigation and data analysis.

You are also preparing yourself for a potential career within the academic sector. These roles include a lecturer of higher education or a university researcher.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £5,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.