Translational Research in Surgery, Perioperative and Critical Care
Develop, adapt and trial new models of scientific exploration to accelerate innovations into surgical, perioperative and critical care practice.
Course key facts
Qualification
MRes
Duration
1 year
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
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Hammersmith
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in Biomedical Science, Life Sciences (or a related discipline) or MBBS degree.
Course overview
Gain immersive insights into how laboratory discoveries are translated to improvements in surgical, perioperative and critical care practice.
You will be taught by internationally renowned clinicians and scientists, and gain first-hand experience of multidisciplinary research through a substantial research project embedded within one of imperial’s leading research groups.
This course integrates core principles of experimental design, research methodology, statistics, clinical trials, innovation and implementation science with practical laboratory and clinical research experience.
With close links to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, you will develop the scientific, analytical and communication skills required for careers in academic medicine, biomedical research, healthcare innovation and industry.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take all of these core modules, covering translational science, research methodology and emerging technologies.
Core modules
You will explore how to spot clinical gaps, shape research ideas, identify unmet clinical needs, and build strong networks in SPCC. A short observership will show you how teams turn these ideas into real-world impact. This module covers core themes of ethics, regulatory frameworks, funding, and knowledge mobilisation.
Explore emerging research frontiers in surgery, peri-operative and critical care (SPCC), including major biomedical and technological innovations across disciplines. You will focus on four key themes: models of human disease, advanced experimental techniques, imaging and interventional science, and bioinformatics with AI.
Prepare for your research project by joining your chosen research team.
You’ll review and critically assess the literature in your field to identify gaps and highlight unmet clinical needs. This module provides training in study design, statistics, protocol writing and project feasibility.
The Research Project is the cornerstone of the MRes in SPCC and the largest module in the programme.
From the spring term, you will undertake an independent, in-depth research project on a chosen topic within the field of SPCC. The Research Project Module spans eight months and is tailored to your interests, aligned with the programme aims
This module focuses on embedding you within an active research group, where you will apply advanced research methods, collect and analyse data rigorously, and interpret your findings within the context of translational research.
Student experience
You will become part of a vibrant research community through departmental seminars, journal clubs, networking events and multidisciplinary research meetings.
Throughout the course, you will work closely with supervisors and research teams, developing practical experience within internationally recognised translational research environments.
Course highlights
- Taught by internationally renowned clinicians and scientists.
- Small cohort with personalised academic supervision.
- Research project embedded within Imperial's leading research groups.
- Access to world-class laboratory and clinical research facilities.
- Strong links with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre.
- Excellent preparation for PhD training, Academic Clinical Fellowships and careers in healthcare innovation and industry worldwide.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
This course is delivered by Imperial College London in close collaboration with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, one of the UK’s largest and most research-active NHS organisations. Clinical teaching and research supervision are supported by expert clinicians across surgery, anaesthesia, and intensive care.
While the programme is not formally accredited by a professional body, students benefit from working within an integrated academic health science centre, with access to real-world clinical settings, active research projects, and translational initiatives led by joint academic-NHS teams.
As part of the research project, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate with external industry, NHS and other academic partners, depending on project alignment and supervision.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Taught modules
- Research project planning
- Individual research
- 15% Title 1 goes here
- 18% Title 2 goes here
- 67% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Seminars
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Presentations
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Guest lectures
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Laboratory work
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Skills workshops
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Independent study
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Journals clubs
Balance of assessment
Key
- Grant writing exercise
- Research projects
Balance of assessment
- 53% Title 1 goes here
- 47% Title 2 goes here
Assessment methods
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Written coursework
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Reflective writing exercise
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Oral presentations
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Critical appraisal
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Dissertation
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Scientific posters
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 3 March 2027
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 7 January 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 5 May 2027
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 11 March 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 28 April 2027
- Decision by Thursday 1 July 2027
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee - Translational Research SPCC
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £16,000.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
We offer a range of scholarships for students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for on our dedicated Scholarships search tool.
Overseas fee - Translational Research SPCC
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £47,300.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
We offer a range of scholarships for students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for on our dedicated Scholarships search tool.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsHow will studying at Imperial help my career?
Build a strong research foundation for clinical training or medical school applications.
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Develop expertise in project design, data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Progress to PhD or MD(Res) programmes in translational science, surgery, perioperative medicine, or critical care.
Work in clinical trials, R&D, regulation, or medical innovation within biomedical and health industries.
Apply your skills to make an impact in healthcare, academia, or industry.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: d.yatsyshyn@imperial.ac.uk
Course directors: Mr Piers Boshier and Dr Sanooj Soni
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Register your interest
Stay up to date on news, events, scholarship opportunities and information related to this course.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications