MSc (Clinical Research)

Course details

The objective of this course is to provide training for the next generation of healthcare workers in the clinical research arena, providing a platform for more enhanced efficiencies in the translation of medical discoveries into clinical practice. Aimed at individuals employed in the healthcare sector, this course has been developed to meet the needs of working graduates who wish to up-skill, specialise or change career direction.

The MSc (Clinical Research) is intended to be a part-time two-year programme of academic study in Clinical Research Methodology. Year 1 will be spent at NUIG and Year 2 is completed by a combination of distance learning through modules delivered by McMaster University and NUI Galway, and on-site modules delivered by NUI Galway. A full-time one-year option is available to students who wish to complete the MSc in a full-time capacity.

Special Features

This is the only Masters programme of its kind in Ireland. Course contributors include senior academics and medical professionals from NUI Galway, Galway University Hospitals and McMaster University, Canada, who are actively engaged in clinical research. This programme is closely linked with the HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway.

Key facts

Entry requirements

Students must have completed either; 1) Undergraduate degree in medicine or; 2) Other healthcare-related undergraduate degree, minimum of Second Class Honours degree Grade 1* or; 3) Biomedical Sciences, minimum of Second Class Honours degree Grade 1*. Applications from graduates of non-healthcare related degrees are also considered (minimum requirement of Second Class Honours degree Grade 1*) on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.

*Or equivalent international qualification.

Potential students should be seeking a career in clinical research as a principal investigator, research coordinator or research administration.

Course outline

Full-time MSc (Clinical Research)

* Minimum threshold of students per module will apply

Students are required to complete three compulsory modules at NUI Galway. A further 3 modules are selected from additional courses available at NUI Galway and/or by distance learning by McMaster University.

Compulsory Modules (Core):

1. Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods; 10ECTS
2. Introduction to Biostatistics I; 10ECTS
3. Ethics of Health Research; 10ECTS

Additional Modules (Optional):

SELECT 3 FROM THE FOLLOWING:

4. Introduction to Biostatistics II; 10 ECTS

5. Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; 10ECTS

6. Systematic Review Methods; 10ECTS

7. Translational Medicine; 10ECTS

8. Clinical Research Administration; 10ECTS

9. Health Systems and Policy Analysis; 10ECTS

10. Health Technology Assessment; 10ECTS

11. Observational and Analytical Research Methods; 10ECTS

12. Independent Study; 10ECTS

PLUS

Thesis (30 ECTS), completed over the one-year period. Thesis defence will be completed at NUI Galway.

TOTAL: 90 ECTS over 1 year (FT).

Part-time MSc (Clinical Research)

Students are required to complete three compulsory modules at NUI Galway. A further 3* or 5** modules are selected from additional courses available at NUI Galway and/or by distance learning by McMaster University.

Compulsory Modules (Core):

1. Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods; 10ECTS

2. Introduction to Biostatistics I; 10ECTS

3. Ethics of Health Research; 10ECTS

Additional Modules (Optional):

SELECT 3 FROM THE FOLLOWING:

4. Introduction to Biostatistics II; 10 ECTS

5. Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; 10ECTS

6. Systematic Review Methods; 10ECTS

7. Translational Medicine; 10ECTS

8. Clinical Research Administration; 10ECTS

9. Health Systems and Policy Analysis; 10ECTS

10. Health Technology Assessment; 10ECTS

11. Observational and Analytical Research Methods; 10ECTS

12. Independent Study; 10ECTS

PLUS

*Thesis (30 ECTS), completed over the 2 year period. Thesis defence will be completed at NUI Galway OR **Independent Study Module (10 ECTS), completed and assessed by NUI Galway.

TOTAL: 90 ECTS over 2 years (PT).

Module assessment: 40% examination, 50% end of module project, 10% lecture/tutorial input.