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Clinical Research (MSc, full-time and part-time)

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Course Overview

The objective of this Master of Science course is to provide training for the next generation of healthcare workers in the clinical research arena. The course aims to provide a platform for achieving greater efficiencies in applying medical discoveries to clinical practice. It is aimed at qualified individuals who wish to become independent clinical investigators or those who wish to seek employment in leadership positions in clinical research teams.

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 NUI Galway and Year 2 is completed by a combination of distance learning, 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, and Saolta University Health Care Group who are actively engaged in clinical research. This programme is closely linked with the HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway.

Work placement Scholarship

Full-time registered MSc Students are offered a unique experience to partake in a one year work placement in the HRB Clinical Research Facility. This funded scholarship allows the student gain greater understanding of clinical research, its conduct, clinical research practice guidelines and data entry requirements. These skills will contribute to the students overall learning and are transferable to their career in clinical research practice. Each year the HRB CRF is able to take a limited number of students, therefore we also have an option to gain experience in the clinical research setting through a volunteering program that would provide great hands-on experience in Clinical Research.

Eligibility criteria

  1. Full-time registers MSc in Clinical Research students
  2. Available for scholarship placement from September 2018–August 2019
  3. Be available to work 20 hours/ week

 

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment will take the form of formal, end-of-module examinations as well as continuous assessment, evaluation of contribution to group discussions and module projects. Semester One exams take place in December; Semester Two exams take place in April/May. The research thesis is submitted in August.

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.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

Closing Date

May 26, 2018

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

9

Mode of study

Blended learning, lectures, tutorials, problem-based learning (PBL), and distance learning.

ECTS weighting

90 ECTS

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYM56 (full-time)
GYM57 (part-time)

Course Outline

Full-time MSc (Clinical Research)


* Minimum threshold of students per module will apply

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.

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.    

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Clinical Research graduates are expected to progress to become principal investigators or administrators in theconduct, managing and monitoring of clinical research. Such roles have become a prominent source of jobs in a variety of settings, including universities and colleges, the pharmaceutical industry, non-academic clinical research organisations, hospitals, independent funding agencies and government agencies. Additional opportunities include employment in teaching and consultation settings.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,820 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Tuition

€6,596

Fees: Student levy

€224

Fees: Non EU

€13,750 p.a. 2017/18
GYM56 (full-time):  EU full time €6,820. p.a. 2017/18
GYM57 (part-time: EU part time €4,500.  p.a. 2017/18

Find out More

Professor Martin O’Donnell
E martin.odonnell@nuigalway.ie

Dr Sonja Khan 
E sonja.khan@nuigalway.ie
www.crfg.ie/

Twitter: @CrfgHrb

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nuig-clinical-research-masters 

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