Clinical Research, MClinRes, PGDip, PGCert

Certificate modules may be studied by e-learning (distance learning).

The Master of Clinical Research is a taught modular programme, delivered by Newcastle University with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  It has evolved as a partnership between both organisations.  It provides professionals within the NHS (and international equivalents), ancillary services and industry with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in planning, conducting, analysing and writing up clinical research.

The initiative has been to deliver high calibre, inter-disciplinary integrated training in research methodology focusing on the translation of research findings into therapy.

This programme is aimed at all professionals who require a thorough generic training in research methodology.  It will suit those with some experience of research who wish to know more, and those who want to have first experience of research methodology.  It will be particularly suitable for you if: -

  • You are an NHS professional working in the field of clinical research, e.g. research nurse, clinical trial manager, and you want to improve your practice and expand your knowledge.
  • You hope to work in the field of clinical research and want to acquire the expertise you need.
  • You are an Academic Trainee e.g. NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, requiring a thorough generic training in research methodology.

"Formal training in research methods and research governance provides an important springboard for the inexperienced clinical researcher. The Master of Clinical Research degree at Newcastle University has an excellent syllabus and the added bonus of multi-disciplinary input by faculty and students."

Professor James P Neilson, NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Dean for Training.

The programme has recently won a UTLC Innovation Fund Award to further develop the Certificate e-learning pathway.

The programme will be delivered by researchers with active research programmes in ageing, cellular medicine and neuroscience and will be hosted by the Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.

Interested applicants can find out more detail about the programme.  Our next intake will be September 2011, but places are limited and early application is recommended.  Our deadline for submission of applications is 31st August 2011 and you can apply using the Newcastle University online application system.

On the online application system you can apply for any of the following programme titles:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research - the Certificate attendance pathway
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research (e-learning) - the Certificate e-learning pathway
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research- the Diploma attendance pathway
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research (e-learning)- the Diploma e-learning pathway
  • Master of Clinical Research

Applying for the Certificate or Diploma will not prevent you from progressing to higher levels of the programme if you wish. Students are asked at the end of every academic year whether they wish to progress with the programme. The Programme Coordinator will be able to transfer you between different levels of the programme.

Visas for Entering UK Borders

If you are a non-EEA National you will require a visa to enter the UK. Visa and immigration information can be found at: www.ncl.ac.uk/international/visa

Please note that the university cannot issue a CAS to study on a part-time course with a Tier 4 General visa. You may be able to apply for a student visitor visa for part-time study if your course is 6 months or less. Please check out your eligibility before you apply.

Course Progression

In your first year you will study the Certificate and you can then opt to progress up to Diploma and Masters levels in years two and three.
The academic credits for Certificate, Diploma and Masters will be:

  • Certificate - 60 credits
  • Diploma - 120 credits
  • Masters - 180 credits

Module credits from each stage can be carried over to the next stage as appropriate.

Standalone Modules

We offer you the option of studying modules from the programme on a standalone basis. As such, you can select to study modules on an individual basis to support your Continual Professional Development or particular learning need. Please contact the Programme Team for further details.

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