| Code | MRESMS |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months Full-time; 24 Months Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time |
| Qualifications | MRes |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | Currently open for applications |
Course Outline
The MRes in Medical Sciences is a combined research and teaching programme with advanced tuition in skills in health sciences research that is taken full-time over 12 months, or part-time over 24 months.
On this research and teaching MRes programme we provide you with training in the theoretical and practical aspects of supporting and managing clinical or translational medical research. The MRes is your opportunity to embrace transferable and generic skills for further research in your discipline.
An MRes student undertakes a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12-month (full-time) or 24-month (part-time) programme, the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 20,000 words. In parallel, students must take and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.
Modules
Core Module
- MH6014 Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals (10 credits)
Elective Modules (choose 10 credits)
- PG6003 Teaching and Learning for Graduate Studies (5 credits)
- PG6009 Graduate Information Literacy Skills (5 credits)
- PG6014 Scientific Outreach and Communication (5 credits)
- PG6015 An Introduction to Research Integrity, Ethics and Open Science (5 credits)
- PG6024 Qualitative Research Inquiry (5 credits)
With the permission of the programme coordinator, students can opt to take other discipline-specific or otherwise relevant modules to fulfil the elective requirement. Note modules offered above are reviewed regularly and may change, and places are subject to space availability on the module.
Research Thesis (70 credits)
You will undertake independent research towards the completion of a research thesis to a workload equivalent to 70 credits on a selected topic in medicine.
Programme Learning Outcomes for MRes (Master of Research) in Medical Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, you should be able to:
- Carry out an independent and original research project to address an emerging question in Medical Science.
- Prepare and write a research project thesis in a critical, logical and systematic manner, in keeping with the standards of postgraduate research.
- Display advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding within a research area of Medical Science.
- Understand the basis and application of quantitative and qualitative methods used in Medical Science.
- Avail of relevant workshops or modules to increase scientific technical skills.
- Develop the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies.
- Develop professional practice skills including teamwork, negotiation, time management, scientific writing and oral communication.
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for more information.
Course Practicalities
The MRes in Medical Sciences is a combined research and teaching programme that is taken full-time over 12 months, or part-time over 24 months, from the date of first registration.
See also Procedures for Submission and Examination of Research Masters Degrees.
Why Choose This Course
We offer students a structured approach to developing their medical transferable skills, techniques, and knowledge appropriate to postgraduate research at Master's level. The MRes in Medical Sciences enables you to conduct independent research through practical experience in devising appropriate research strategies, methods, data collection, and analysis via a 12-month clinical or translational research project.
This MRes will provide you with excellent opportunities to expand your horizons in research, allowing you to develop skills and competencies that will serve you well throughout your career.
Connected Curriculum
Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between subjects in the field of medical sciences and research practice.
Requirements
Applicants for the 12-month full-time MRes Medical Sciences must:
Be an intercalating medical student at University College Cork (UCC) or another recognised medical school.
Intercalating students from UCC: must have completed Years 1 - 3 of the MB, BCh, BAO programme (CK701), having passed the third year and attained an aggregate mark of at least 60% in their Second Year.
External intercalating students: must have successfully completed the 3rd/4th year of their medical programme (equivalent to the MB, BCh, BAO qualification) and must have achieved an overall profile which is a Second Class Honours Grade 1 equivalent. External intercalating applicants must also have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical Education or equivalent from their home University, which must be submitted to the Programme Director (the application process is detailed below).
OR
Be a medical graduate with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).
Note: UCC students registered for Medicine (Graduate Entry) (CK791) are not eligible to apply.
Applicants for the 24-month part-time MRes Medical Sciences programme must:
Be a medical graduate with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8). Intercalating medical students are not eligible to apply for the 24-month part-time option.
Graduate applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following a review of their individual academic qualifications and professional experience and an interview may also be required.
The Programme team will base their decision on the following:
- academic performance
- suitability, strength and feasibility of the research project proposal
- previous research experience
- academic references
Fees and Costs
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
How To Apply
All interested applicants must contact the Programme Director at medschoolresearch@ucc.ie in the first instance to discuss options and next steps.
Following an informal discussion with the Programme Director applicants will be invited to apply directly to UCC.
As part of the online application process applicants will be required to submit:
- an academic and research curriculum vitae, detailing academic qualifications and research experience, which can include participation in credit-bearing and/or extracurricular research activities
- a 500-word (max) motivation statement. This should include why the applicant wishes to undertake this programme of study; all relevant past research experience and what they think they can bring to the programme; how the programme fits into their future career plans
- a 1000-word (max) research proposal, which must include details that would ordinarily be contained within an abstract
- the names and contact details of the proposed project supervisors
- the names and email addresses of two academic referees
- external intercalating applicants must also submit evidence of permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical Education or equivalent from their home University.
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