Teaching

It is possible to study the Certificate, Diploma or Masters 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. Each stage of the programme (Certificate, Diploma then Masters) should be completed in 1 year, with the full Masters being completed in 3 years. However suitable candidates can study 2 years concurrently.

Attendance pathway students email PGClinRes@ncl.ac.uk for details of teaching dates.

Modes of Study - Attendance and E-learning

Students studying via the attendance mode will be expected to attend a small number of teaching sessions for each module. Teaching days will take place on campus, at Newcastle University, and will involve a combination of workshops, lectures and seminars. There will be work based assignments and learning will be supported by self directed study using Blackboard VLE.

Students studying via e-learning will, for most modules be given a weekly topic to study; topics will be supported by lectures, seminars and discussions boards via Blackboard VLE. Each student will also be allocated a tutor who will guide them through the programme.

The mix of these methods varies with each module, reflecting the learning outcomes and the extent to which the subject lends itself to resource based learning. The attendance required is given in the details for each module.

Assessment

Each module is assessed in a manner appropriate to its content and intended learning outcomes. Formative assessment takes place in classroom activities, and tutorial discussion, for attendance students.

For e-learning students formative assessment takes place electronically through Blackboard VLE.

For summative assessment, the nature of assignments reflects the content and learning outcomes of the module. Where a module is concerned with developing professional practice, portfolio-based assessment is used. Evidence of the achievement of learning objectives will make up part of the portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

On completing the programme we expect you to be able to use theories and principles underpinning clinical research to inform your own research practice and the practice of others within the research governance framework.

As you progress through the programme, you should be able to make an increasing contribution to clinical research in your own context and to develop the ability to participate in local, national and international debate regarding best practice in clinical research.