Clinical Research - PgDip/PGCert Research Methodologies MSc

About the course

This intensive MSc Clinical Research course provides the starting point to expand your skills and expertise to develop a career in clinical research. Working in accordance with research governance within a global framework, the MSc Clinical Research course provides the opportunity to design studies, including data collection and analysis, produce and evaluate research reports as well as developing knowledge and skills for evidence-based research practice.

The course also gives you the opportunity for work-based experience within a clinical research setting in the NHS, where you will observe clinical research in action.

The MSc Clinical Research course includes six modules – five of which are compulsory core modules. You do have the option, however, to choose from a variety of optional modules which gives you the flexibility to tailor the course to your learning needs.

To obtain an MSc Clinical Research degree you need 180 credits. Please see below the list of modules that are available:

Core Modules

• Research Methodologies (30 credits)
• Clinical Trials, Design, Ethics and Management (30 credits)
• Evidence-based Practice 30 credits
• Research in Practice (30 credits)
• Health Disciplines Project (30 credits)

Optional Clinical Modules

These are available in some clinical areas for students who want to pursue these specialities

• Patient and Public Involvement in Research (30 credits)
• Health and Medical Simulation: Design and Delivery (30 credits)
• Expert Witness (30 credits)
• Mental Health Law (30 credits)
• Chronic Skin Conditions (30 credits)
• Contemporary Mental Health Interventions (30 credits)
• Principles of Psychopharmacology and Neurosciences (30 credits)
• Medical Emergency (30 credits)

Why choose this course?

• The MSc Clinical Research gives you a starting point to expand your skills and expertise to develop a career in clinical research.
• It includes work-based experience in an NHS clinical research setting so that you can observe clinical research in action.
• At the end of the course you will have the knowledge, skills and expertise you need to implement clinical research using an ethical and patient-centred approach.

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

At the end of the MSc Clinical Research course you will have the blend of the knowledge, skills and expertise that you need to implement clinical research using an ethical and patient-centred approach.

Graduates from the MSc Clinical Research course have progressed to senior research roles within their clinical research teams or have changed employment for senior clinical research opportunities. Quite a few of our graduates have gone to study for a PhD.

Teaching methods

Full-time study mode: you will study 60 credits per semester over three semesters, which will include study blocks, supportive distance learning and weekly sessions.

Part-time study mode: you will study 30-60 credits per semester which will include a combination of two day blocks, supportive distance learning and weekly sessions over two years.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Clinical Trials, Design, Ethics and Management

  This module aims to raise the students' awareness of developments in clinical trials and explore the current regulatory frameworks, legal and ethical requirements in relation to clinical trials. Design and planning issues will be addressed such as the development of trial protocol and procedures. Management of a trial will cover costing of a trial, data collection, quality assurance, appropriate management groups and end trial procedures.

• Evidence Based Practice - Distance Learning

  Students will construct a research question and search strategy, conduct systematic searches of on-line databases, internet and other sources of information; appraise the evidence base of health and social care practice and interventions through the use of a range of tools; apply and critically explore, through discussion and debate, the contextual factors which influence application of evidence to practice.

• Research Methodologies

  The module examines the nature of research methodologies relevant to health and professions allied to medicine. It introduces the students to the practices of quantitative and qualitative research methods including data collection, management, analysis and interpretation. Students will be given formal instructions and hands-on workshop in IT to ensure that concepts in data analysis and interpretation can be undertaken.

Optional

• Chronic Skin Conditions

  This module enables health professionals to develop enhanced knowledge and practical skills to improve the quality of clinical care for people with chronic skin disorders. It is suitable for Practitioners with a Special Interest in dermatology (PwSI) who want to consolidate their diagnostic skills and examine the best available evidence to support treatment of commonly occurring chronic dermatological conditions for example eczema, psoriasis. This course focuses on managing the delivery of appropriate dermatology care in the primary and secondary care setting and promoting health and self help for patients with skin conditions.

• Contemporary Mental Health Interventions

  This module is designed to provide critical overview of evidence-based contemporary mental health interventions including self-help orientated approaches applicable to support the recovery of mental health service users. Opportunities to practice mental health interventions and work towards a safe and competent delivery will be firstly provided through practice simulations. Students will develop critical analytical skills necessary in working therapeutically with people experiencing mental health problems.

• Health and Medical Simulation - Design and Delivery

  The module content will focus on the evidence base and practical delivery of simulation as an educational and training tool in order to enhance patient safety and improve services. Students will have the opportunity to design, deliver and evaluate simulated sessions based on scenarios written according to the learning needs of participants, and accross a range of situations which will involve neonatal, paediatric and adult subjects. Students will also be enabled to understand the real world planning and resourcing of simulation facilities. Students will be familiarised with a range of simulation modalities; and models including some input on programming. Students will also develop a range of skills including the facilitation of interpersonal and team working, briefing and de-briefing, and assessment of competencies.

• Medical Emergencies and Human Error- Managing Risk, Improving Services

  The module is designed to extend and enhance practitioner s knowledge and skills relating to the assessment and management of a range of patients presenting with a medical emergency. The module will enable the development of an advanced understanding of the philosophies and theories which underpin the risk management process and its application to a medical emergency situation. Students will also develop an awareness of the impact of risk management on services and on organisational learning. The module will be delivered through lectures, group work, seminars and simulation activities where students will be encouraged to explore the process of risk management in relation to the medical emergency situation and consider its impact on the delivery of emergency care within the wider organisation

• Patient and Public Involvement in Research

  The course will enable students to appreciate the importance of patient and public involvement in research and its links to current health policy. It explores notions of engagement and advocates active participation of patients and members of the public within the research. Therefore, it demonstrates concrete examples of patient and public involvement within all stages of the research cycle. Students will be given the opportunity to develop skills relating to best practice, which will include support and ethical considerations. The course also explores issues relating to the evaluation of patient and public involvement, with a strong emphasis placed on outcome and impact

• Principles of Psychopharmacology and Neurosciences

  This module is designed to provide critical overview of evidence-based principles of psychopharmacology and neurosciences. Students will develop critical analytical skills necessary in utilising a range of different treatment frameworks when working with people experiencing mental health and neurological dysfunction and critically evaluate the appropriateness within psychiatric care delivery.

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

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Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply