Clinical Research

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 University of Galway and Year 2 is completed by a combination of distance learning, and on-site modules delivered by University of Galway. A full-time one-year option is available to students who wish to complete the MSc in a full-time capacity.

What makes this course unique ...
The MSc programme provides training for qualified individuals who wish to become independent clinical investigators or an array of clinical research professionals who wish to seek employment in or to lead clinical research teams. The programme is structured such that those in full-time employment are able to undertake the programme part-time.
The programme content is delivered by experience and active senior researchers, academics and medical professionals from University of Galway and Saolta University Health Care Group via a mixture of face-to-face and online learning.
MSc programme graduates have multiple employment opportunities as the conduct and oversight of clinical research has become increasingly prominent in a variety of settings, including university/colleges, pharmaceutical industry, non-academic clinical research organizations, hospitals, independent funding agencies and government agencies. Additional opportunities include employment in teaching and consultation.

Full-time MSc (Clinical Research)
Full-time or part-time course consisting of 90 ECTS.

Compulsory Modules (Core):

Semester 1

MD510 Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods; 10ECTS

MD511 Introduction to Biostatistics I; 10ECTS

MD1602 Introduction to the Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research; 10ECTS

Additional Modules (Optional):

Semester 1 and 2

MD513 Introduction to Biostatistics II; 10ECTS

MD514 Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; 10ECTS

MD515 Systematic Review Methods; 10ECTS

MD1541 Harnessing the Basic Biology of Cancer for Development of Novel Therapeutics; 10 ECTS

MD1603 Clinical Research Site Level Activities; 10 ECTS

MD517 Clinical Research Administration; 10ECTS

EC584 Health Systems and Policy Analysis; 10ECTS

EC572 Health Technology Assessment; 10ECTS

MD518 Observational and Analytical Research Methods; 10ECTS

MD1600 Bio-Ethics; 10ECTS

MD1601 Biobank—Advanced Clinical Application and Clinical Testing; 10ECTS

MD1528 First in Human, Early Phase Clinical Trials; 10ECTS

PLUS

MD520 Thesis (30 ECTS), completed over the one-year period. Thesis defence will be completed at University of Galway.

Part-time MSc (Clinical Research)
Students are required to complete three compulsory modules at University of Galway in year 1 of the Masters. A further 3* or 5** modules are selected from additional courses available at University of Galway.

Semester 1

MD510 Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods; 10ECTS

MD511 Introduction to Biostatistics I; 10ECTS

MD1602 Introduction to the Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research; 10ECTS

Additional Modules (Optional):

Semester 1 and 2

MD513 Introduction to Biostatistics II; 10ECTS

MD514 Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; 10ECTS

MD515 Systematic Review Methods; 10ECTS

MD1541 Harnessing the Basic Biology of Cancer for Development of Novel Therapeutics; 10 ECTS

MD1603 Clinical Research Site Level Activities; 10 ECTS

MD517 Clinical Research Administration; 10ECTS

EC584 Health Systems and Policy Analysis; 10ECTS

EC572 Health Technology Assessment; 10ECTS

MD518 Observational and Analytical Research Methods; 10ECTS

MD1600 Bio-Ethics; 10ECTS

MD1601 Biobank—Advanced Clinical Application and Clinical Testing; 10ECTS

MD1528 First in Human, Early Phase Clinical Trials; 10ECTS

PLUS

*Thesis (30 ECTS), completed over the 2-year period. Thesis defence will be completed at University of Galway

OR

** MD519 Independent Study Module (10 ECTS), completed and assessed by University of Galway.

Students must have completed either of the following:

An undergraduate degree in medicine
Other healthcare related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1*.
Biomedical science-related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1*.
Applicants from non-healthcare related degrees will be considered (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1*) on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators.

Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.

For applicants where English is a second language, we will adhere to University of Galway guidelines of requiring IELTS scores of 6.5, TOEFL scores of 88 and/or Pearson PTE scores of 61 with no less than 5.5 in any component. Duolingo test score requirement: 110 overall, no less than 110 in any one component and valid for 2 years.

Those who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the programme. The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail.

Significant weight will be placed on:

A) the applicant’s essay describing their motivation for applying for this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc,
B) the applicant’s referee’s comments, and
C) the applicant’s previous academic performance.

*Or equivalent international qualification

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities
Clinical Research graduates are expected to progress to become principal investigators or key team members involved in the conduct, management 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.