Postgraduate Prospectus

Clinical Research Executive MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Clinical Research

Suitable for those already working in a clinical research environment, who are looking to gain a professional qualification that will formally recognise their skills, knowledge and expertise in this complex field. This part-time course is especially suited to those who wish to combine working and studying.

Takes you on to an enhanced career in clinical research.

You will be taught by a team comprising a combination of University staff and external experts who are practitioners in the subjects they deliver.

Course description

In the 21st century, clinical research is conducted on a truly global stage. Alongside this globalisation comes a responsibility to ensure that an organisation provides a consistent approach and service - no matter where in the world it is being delivered.

For companies to remain competitive and successful in this global market, they must significantly reduce the time and cost taken for products to reach the market - a strategy best achieved through employing highly qualified and well-trained professional staff.

Today's clinical research personnel must demonstrate knowledge of national, European and international legislation, in order that required standards are achieved, whilst the safety and well-being of patients are maintained.

This MSc has been developed in partnership with the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) in order to ensure that all of these requirements are met and that the course content remains highly relevant and up-to-date. 

 

 

The credibility afforded to the course, through Cranfield’s industrially focused reputation and the ICR’s experience as an organisation at the forefront of clinical research, ensures that this qualification is widely recognised by employers and colleagues alike. 

Our Clinical Research MSc is divided into three parts:

  • a formal taught component comprising eight modules
  • an integrating portfolio
  • an extended personal research project and thesis.

"My MSc in Clinical Research has allowed me to place my pre-existing knowledge of clinical research into a wider context, and exposed me to areas of clinical research of which I had no experience, therefore enabling me to gain a greater appreciation for the work I am now doing. Even with a full-time job I found that if you plan your work sufficiently it is relatively easy to keep up with demands on the course. It is a big commitment in terms of time and effort but I found that the structure of the course made that commitment relatively easy.The support and assistance I received was superb".

Nick May, Director of the Project Coordination Center, Quintiles

Modules:

  • Introduction to Clinical Trials and Clinical Trial Practice
  • Drivers of the Drug Discovery and Development Process 
  • Business Management and Health Economics
  • Analysis and Interpretation of Published Information
  • Research Governance and Ethics
  • Pre-Clinical Evaluation
  • Clinical Trial Practice
  • Regulatory Affairs and Marketing

Each module is delivered over two and a half days in our dedicated postgraduate teaching facilities at Cranfield University.

Research project

This crucial part of the course gives you the chance to concentrate on a particular subject area of interest to you and your employer. The research project is usually undertaken within your place of work, allowing you to focus on a topic which is relevant to you and your field of work.

Course website - Click for further details

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree from a UK university or equivalent and at least one year’s work experience in the area of clinical research (in certain cases a blend of qualifications, motivation and relevant experience will be acceptable). Where applicable, students must achieve a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 92. 

Duration

2-3 years part-time.

Start date

January.

Number of places

25.

Assessment

The assessment methods for this course will be a combination of coursework, examination and thesis.

Funding

Places on this course are usually self-funded or sponsored by the student's company. For further information please contact Enquiries. 

Please note that a formal offer of a place on this course must have been received before consideration can be given for funding.

Further details & applications

Further information

Course website

Course video

Course brochure request form 

Open day - 5 July 2012

Contact

Enquiries
T: +44 (0)1234 758008
E: enquiries.health@cranfield.ac.uk

Application process

Application form and interview.

Online application

Clinical Research (Executive)

Teaching location

Cranfield campus, Cranfield Health.