Program Overview

Clinical Research MSc

The Clinical Research MSc course prepares students with the skills to critically evaluate research and handle the practical and regulatory challenges of designing and conducting clinical and health research projects.

Course Description

This course is a gateway to a dynamic and rewarding career in clinical and health-related research, both nationally and internationally. It can also serve as excellent preparation for doctoral/PhD study. The curriculum prepares students with the essential knowledge and skills to initiate and conduct high-quality research projects. Students will learn to critically appraise research methods and results, and explore their implications for clinical practice.

Programme Routes

There are three routes into this programme:

1. For any health or social care professional wishing to learn about clinical/health research and pursue health research as a career in its own right or as a clinical/practitioner academic.
2. For those registered as NIHR Academic Clinical Fellows in Medicine or Dentistry.
3. For medical students wishing to intercalate.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year, including:

• Introduction to Research Methods
• Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal
• Randomised Controlled Trials
• Practical Aspects of Clinical Research
• Health Needs Assessment, Planning and Evaluation
• Epidemiology
• Qualitative Research Design and Analysis
• Public Health Informatics
• Economic Evaluation and Healthcare Financing
• Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers
• Contemporary Health Psychology and Behaviour Change
• Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques
• Dissertation

Duration

• 1 year, full-time
• 2-3 years part-time

Teaching

Students will learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group discussions, online screencasts, videos, podcasts, guided reading, and case studies.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through written assignments and exams.

Your Career

Upon completing the course, graduates will open doors to a range of exciting possibilities. Many find dynamic roles in clinical research work with leading healthcare organisations. Some also choose to continue their studies and start PhD programmes.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject that is a clinical pre-registration course.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £12,875
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £30,625
• NIHR INSIGHT funding: Bursaries are available from the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for Yorkshire and Humber, offering financial support to eligible UK students.
• £3,000 scholarships for international students: Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility).
• Save up to £2,500 on your course fees: Sheffield graduates can save up to £2,500 on their postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.