Clinical Research: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MClin Res programme will equip students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge and skills in a range of theoretical underpinnings and research methods relevant to applied research in a range of contemporary clinical practice contexts.

The programme is particularly aimed at qualified health professionals from a range of disciplines seeking a career in, or currently engaged in clinical research or wishing to pursue a variety of careers where research is a core component. The majority of modules within the course are shared with other students undertaking MSc and MPhil/PhD study.

The course is delivered mainly online but is complemented by two compulsory five-day campus-based introductory and winter study schools. Opportunities for face-face support are also available in some modules as an alternative to online methods for students who are able to attend. For more information see details below.

Module details

MClin Res comprises 6 taught units (90 academic credits in total) and a 90-credit dissertation unit.

Taught units focus on key areas:

• Research design
• Good practice in managing clinical research OR foundations of research
• Critical appraisal and evidence synthesis
• Quantitative research design and analysis
• Qualitative research design and analysis and statistics
• The dissertation unit comprises a thesis derived from the undertaking of a supervised, clinical research project

PGDip Clin Res comprises 6 taught units from the taught unit areas as above (90 academic credits in total) and a mini-dissertation (30 academic credits).

PGCert Clin Res comprises 4 taught units (60 academic credits in total) from the taught unit areas outlined above.

Career opportunities

The MClin Res is specifically for health professionals from a range of disciplines who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in clinically focused research. It is aimed at those who wish to pursue clinical/academic research careers e.g. research nurses, clinical trials coordinators and principal investigators.

The programme provides a comprehensive education and training in research providing an excellent foundation for students who wish to go forward to study for a PhD.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

(i) An honours first degree (normally 2:2 or above, or equivalent) in a relevant subject from an approved higher education institution. Or,

(ii) Demonstrable evidence of previous advanced study, research or professional experience which the School accepts as qualifying the applicant for entry. And,

(iii) For part-time students seconded to the course from employment, written support of their employer to attend the programme and to complete any necessary requirements.

English language: Candidates whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 on any one component, or TOEFL 575 paper based or 230 computer based, or evidence of equivalent learning.

Other entry requirements: In order to undertake the course students should also ensure that they have:

• Two days per week minimum study time (part-time students); Full-time hours availability (full-time students)
• For those seconded from employment to undertake the course - approval and support from their employer
• Consistent computer and IT access
• Computer hardware minimum: P4 1.6 GB PC with 256Mb RAM
• Broadband connection: downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k
• Software: Windows XP or Vista
• Webcam and Skype