Clinical Research, MClinRes, PGDip, PGCert

Module Content

This part-time programme has a modular structure and is based on academic credits. You accrue academic credits for each module completed successfully.

It is normally expected that each stage of the Programme (Certificate, Diploma then Masters) will be completed in one year, with the full Masters being completed in 3 years. However it is possible for suitable candidates to study 2 years concurrently.

At the end of each module the credits you have gained will be verified. When you have gained 60 credits you can exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate, after 120 credits with a Postgraduate Diploma, and when you have gained 180 credits you will have completed the Masters.

The total time allowed for to complete the Masters is 5 years. Once this time has elapsed following your first registration, if you have not completed enough credits to be awarded the Masters of Clinical Research you will be able to exit with a lesser award.

Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research Modules

It is possible to study the programme either by attending teaching days on campus, supported by self directed study, through our attendance pathway; or as distance learning through our e-learning pathway. Please see the module outlines for further information on modules content. . You are welcome to contact the Programme Director for further advice.

N.B. Module Outline Forms are subject to change

New to Academic year 2012/13- as well as our original Clinical Research porgramme, we now offer 2 new pathways:

  • Clinical Research (Ageing)- taught via e-learning
  • Clinical Research (Leadership)- taught via attendance

(In order to gain one of the new awards, you must study the relevant compulsory modules at Diploma or Masters level, please see below for module information)

Certificate – Year 1

In year 1, students complete the PG Certificate in Clinical Research. The PG Certificate programme comprises three 20 credit compulsory modules and may be studied in either the attendance-based OR e-learning mode:

Students choosing to follow the attendance based mode study:

  • MCR8001 (compulsory for attendance based) Research Governance and Ethics  
  • MCR8002 (compulsory for attendance based) Study Design and Data Interpretation
  • MCR8003 (compulsory for attendance based) Writing in a Research Setting ­

Students choosing to follow the e-learning mode study:

  • MCR8009 (compulsory for e-learning) Research Governance and Ethics
  • MCR8010 (compulsory for e-learning) Study Design and Data Interpretation
  • MCR8011 (compulsory for e-learning) Writing in a Research Setting ­
Diploma – Year 2

Students completing and passing the Certificate level may continue study to Diploma level in year 2. Three pathways are available:

  • PG Diploma Clinical Research
  • PG Diploma Clinical Research (Ageing)
  • PG Diploma Clinical Research (Leadership)

PG Diploma Clinical Research Modules

Students undertake a 20 credit compulsory module. This module is available as attendance-based OR e-learning mode:

Students choosing to follow the attendance-based mode study:

  • MCR8006 (compulsory for attendance based) Designing a Research Proposal

Students choosing to follow the e-learning mode study:

  • MCR8013 (compulsory for e-learning based) Designing a Research Proposal

Students are required to complete a further 40 credits from the 20 credit optional modules below : 

  • MCR8004: Developing your Career in Clinical Research (attendance based) OR MCR8014 Developing your  Career in Clinical Research (e-learning)
  • MCR8008: Clinical Trials (attendance based) OR MCR8015 Clinical Trials (e-learning)
  • MCR8017:  Developing yourself as a Leader (attendance based)
  • MCR8027: Strategic Leadership within the NHS (attendance based)
  • MMB8004:  Ageing and Health (attendance based) OR MCR8020 Ageing and Health (e-learning)
  • MMB8009: Clinical Epidemiology (attendance based)
  • MCR8019: Clinical Research Statistics (e-learning)
  • MCR8021: Clinical Research with Older People (e-learning)

Students may also opt to undertake the following 10 credit modules to contribute towards their 40 optional credits

  • HSC8051: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (attendance based)
  • HSC8052: Further Qualitative Research Methods (attendance based)

HSC8051 and HSC8052 must be taken together (in rare cases the Degree Programme Director may give a student permission to undertake an alternative 10 credit module associated with their Master’s project).

PG Diploma Clinical Research (Ageing)

Students wishing to study the PG Diploma Clinical Research (Ageing) pathway must follow modules:

  • MCR8013: Designing a Research Proposal (e-learning) (compulsory for Ageing pathway)
  • MCR8020: Ageing and Health (e-learning) (compulsory for Ageing pathway)
  • MCR8021: Clinical Research with Older People (compulsory for Ageing pathway)

PG Diploma Clinical Research (Leadership)

Students wishing to study the PG Diploma Clinical Research Leadership pathway must follow modules:

  • MCR8006: Designing a Research Proposal (attendance based) (compulsory for Leadership pathway)
  • MCR8017:  Developing yourself as a Leader (attendance based) (compulsory for Leadership pathway)
  • MCR8027: Strategic Leadership within the NHS (attendance based) (compulsory for Leadership pathway)

All module choices are subject to Degree Programme Director approval, cohort size and timetabling constraints.

Masters – Year 3

Students completing and passing the Diploma level may continue their studies to Master level in year 3, continuing on their chosen pathway. As such three pathways are available:

  • Masters Clinical Research
  • Masters Clinical Research (Ageing)
  • Masters Clinical Research (Leadership)
Master Clinical Research

The Masters in Clinical Research comprises the study of modules on the PG Diploma in Clinical Research plus a 60 credit research dissertation. The dissertation may be studied by attendance or e-learning: MCR8007 dissertation (attendance) or MCR8025 dissertation (e-learning). The research project must be suitably practice based with reference to a clinical research issue. 

Master Clinical Research (Ageing)

The Masters in Clinical Research (Ageing) comprises the study of modules on the PG Diploma in Clinical Research (Ageing) plus a 60 credit research dissertation. The dissertation may be studied by attendance or e-learning: MCR8007 dissertation (attendance) or MCR8025 dissertation (e-learning). The research project must be suitably practice based with explicit reference to an ageing and heath issue. 

Master Clinical Research (Leadership)

The Masters in Clinical Research (Leadership) comprises the study of modules on the PG Diploma in Clinical Research (Leadership) plus a 60 credit research dissertation. The dissertation may be studied by attendance or e-learning: MCR8007 dissertation (attendance) or MCR8025 dissertation (e-learning). The research project must be suitably practice based with explicit reference to a leadership issue. 

For an example of the Virtual Learning Environment (BlackBoard) that is used as part of our programme, we recommend that you take a look at this taster video (we recommend that you select 'high speed broadband'). Please note that this video focuses on another of our programmes, but the Virtual Learning Environment is identical.

 

Standalone Modules

It is possible to study all Certificate and Diploma modules 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.