Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Clinical Trials Program

The HRB Clinical Research Facility is delighted to announce the official launch of its new academic programme, MSc Clinical Trials (online). It is a part-time programme, which commenced in September 2018 with the Postgraduate Certificate Clinical Trials. Students can progress from the Certificate to the Diploma and finally to the MSc in a stepwise manner.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the programme are threefold:

1. To develop knowledge and understanding of the key decisions surrounding the design, conduct and assessment of clinical trials.
2. To mitigate all elements of risk associated with the conduct of research in human subjects by educating the PFR community to a high standard that can be used to apply independent scientific judgement.
3. To teach students how to apply the conceptual and practical tools needed to initiate clinical trials.

Target Audience

This Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc Clinical Trials are designed to give a competitive advantage for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical trials in the pharmaceutical, medical device or academic sectors. It is the first such course in Ireland providing a pathway for progression from PG Certificate to PG Diploma and ultimately to a MSc in Clinical trials, and the only course designed and paced for the working professional.

Program Structure

At the end of this MSc, students will be trained to conduct multicentre clinical trials. This course started in September 2018 with the first intake into the Postgraduate Certificate. A student can graduate after the Certificate and stop here if they wish. Provided they receive a minimum Second Class Honours grade two in their PG Certificate year, they can progress to the PG Diploma in Year 2, again they can stop here and graduate with a Diploma if they wish. However, provided they receive a minimum Second Class Honours grade one in the Diploma, they have the option to progress to the MSc in year 3.

Academic Calendar

There are three 10-week semesters in each year. Each 10-week block has 8 teaching weeks in total, with one week in the middle and end to catch up and complete work.

Eligible Candidates

Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, managers, scientists, health scientists, food scientists, and workers in the allied health professions are encouraged to apply. Clinical trials is a rapidly expanding discipline with exciting new job opportunities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, e.g., data manager, clinical research associate, clinical research nurse, project manager, trial monitor, regulatory affairs associate, pharmacovigilance associate, etc.

Career Opportunities

Join us on our exciting journey promoting clinical trials and patient-focused research to improve the health of our citizens. The program provides a competitive advantage for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical trials in the pharmaceutical, medical device, or academic sectors.