Overview

Health research

Burdett Fellows Scholarship available, see Fees section for more information.

The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care at King's is a world-leading centre for applied and allied healthcare, clinical research and education. Our focus is on training the healthcare leaders of the future, with a strong commitment to providing post-qualification programmes of the highest quality.

The Clinical Research MRes and PG Cert is a multi-disciplinary course aimed at practitioners who wish to develop their clinical or academic research careers. The course seeks to enhance the skills and knowledge needed for supporting, delivering and integrating research into clinical practice, as well as fostering evidence-based practice. Practitioners with the appropriate innovation and critical-thinking skills may be supported to undertake further study at MPhil/PhD level with the aim of developing a future clinical academic career.

Key benefits

  • You will be studying at the top nursing faculty in the UK, ranked 1st in the world (2025 QS World University Rankings).
  • Located in the heart of London, across four of King’s Thames-side campuses (Waterloo, Strand, St Thomas’ and Guy’s) and the Denmark Hill Campus in South London.
  • Lectures delivered by experienced multi-disciplinary researchers on contemporary issues in the conduct and utilisation of health, clinical and social care research.
  • Support will be given to circulate work relating to your studies, predominantly through publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, with the opportunity to develop your research into a PhD Fellowship application.

Course essentials

There are two compulsory modules on qualitative and quantitative research methods to give you the knowledge you need to work as a researcher. They cover every element of research, from the concept and design of studies, to how to carry out your project in a health environment. You will also learn how to critically appraise specialist health research. If you are following the part-time study pathway, you will typically complete the qualitative and quantitative research methods and the optional modules in the first year and the dissertation in the second and final year.

You can then choose optional modules from any of the Health faculties at King’s to tailor your programme to your interests. Once you have completed the taught elements of the course you will write a dissertation in clinical research.

Our MRes programme is flexible, allowing for full- or part-time study. There is also the option of completing a PG Certificate in Clinical Research (This is Part-time: one year). New funding offered by the HEE/NIHR Pre-doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship scheme has made this a more popular choice among students.

Although you need to apply directly to the NIHR for this funding, we can support you with your application.

Additional support is available to Practitioners with the appropriate innovation and critical-thinking skills to develop a future clinical academic career.

The purpose of this taught programme is to develop students’ knowledge and research skills to enhance their current and future careers in supporting, delivering and integrating research into clinical practice, and fostering evidence-based practice.

Key Information

Course type:

Single honours

Delivery mode:

Classroom & Online

Study mode:

Full time / Part time

Duration:

One year full-time, two years part-time, September start

Credit value:

UK 180/ECTS 90

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Application closing date guidance

Base campuses

Waterloo - students walking

Waterloo Campus

Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.

St Thomas's campus looking out towards the river and the London Eye.

St Thomas’ Campus

St Thomas’ Campus feels inspiring—right on the Thames with stunning views of Parliament. It’s a hub for healthcare and clinical training, offering hands-on experience in a top hospital setting, all in the heart of central London.

King's Open Day Guy's Campus

Guy’s Campus

Located near London Bridge, Guy’s Campus offers a dynamic yet focused environment, ideal for health and science students. Offering cutting-edge labs and a close-knit academic community, at the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and historic areas.

Students outside the main building at Denmark Hill

Denmark Hill Campus

Denmark Hill, in Southwark, London, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and green spaces. Home to King's College and the Maudsley Hospitals, it also features Ruskin Park, named after John Ruskin, and the Camberwell College of Arts.