Clinical Research PGCert

Program Overview

The Clinical Research PGCert program from Queen Mary University of London equips clinical researchers with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career. Through interactive lectures, workshops, and seminars, students develop expertise in research design, analysis, communication, and ethics. The program offers two pathways, one focusing on core skills and the other culminating in a research project or dissertation. Graduates are qualified for roles in academia, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Clinical Research PGCert programme provides academic and professional training for clinical researchers in medicine and dentistry. Developed by Queen Mary University of London's William Harvey Research Institute, this programme is designed for clinical academic trainees and clinical lecturers at all levels of experience, aiming to equip them with the necessary research skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the key skills and knowledge required for a research career.
• Provide formal training in the regulatory and ethical framework of clinical research.
• Develop critical review and analytical skills for research design, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Enhance communication skills to effectively present research findings to diverse audiences.
• Foster an understanding of public and patient involvement in research.
• Qualify trainees to meet the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and other funders' requirements for relevant research methodology training.

Outline:

Four compulsory modules:

Clinical research project design and implementation:

Covers the essential aspects of designing, implementing, and managing clinical research projects.

Written and oral communication:

Trains students to communicate research findings effectively in written and oral formats.

Logical and critical thinking:

Develops critical thinking skills for evaluating and interpreting research data.

Ethics and public involvement in research:

Provides in-depth knowledge of the ethical principles and regulations governing clinical research, including public and patient involvement.

Assessment:

• Written assignments and essays.
• Oral presentations.
• A potential research project or dissertation, depending on the chosen pathway.

Teaching:

• Taught through a combination of interactive lectures, workshops, seminars, and independent study.
• Led by experienced academics and researchers from Queen Mary University of London and associated NHS trusts.
• Focuses on interactive learning, encouraging active participation and discussion among students.

Careers:

• Graduates can pursue careers as academic clinical fellows, clinical lecturers, and research fellows, working in hospitals, universities, and research institutes.
• The programme also equips students with the necessary skills to pursue research roles in the pharmaceutical industry or government agencies.

Other:

• Students can choose from two pathways within the programme: a shorter pathway focusing on core clinical research skills, and a longer pathway culminating in a research project or dissertation.

Entry requirements:

• Applicants should hold an MBBS or BDS with employment as an Academic Clinical Fellow or Clinical Lecturer at Queen Mary or associated NHS Trusts.
Other individuals with non-clinical qualifications and relevant experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Home: £4,250 Overseas: £EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for the first 2 years.