Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Clinical Research (MSc/PgDip)

Course Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a senior role in clinical research. The course aims to present an overview of all aspects of the drug development process, and establishes a multidisciplinary approach to bringing a new chemical entity to the market place. It fosters networking and collaborative learning between participants.

Course Description

The course is designed to increase the knowledge and skills of the student not only in Clinical Research but also in a diversity of therapeutic areas. This allows the individual to be able to move confidently between these therapeutic areas and therefore increases their value to employers as well as their prospects of promotion. In the MSc year, students are encouraged to carry out projects which have direct value to their employer and this potentiates the worth of their studies.

The course not only represents a good way of furthering a career and but also of gaining a prestigious qualification – without having to spend an undue amount of time away from work.

Taught modules are undertaken in the first two years. Participants who successfully complete these modules may either receive a Diploma in Clinical Research as an exit award or progress on to carry out an individual project in the third year for the MSc qualification

Initial Diploma topics covered in the first two years

• Clinical Research
• Drug Development
• Therapeutics of the Respiratory and Central Nervous Systems
• Advanced Clinical Research
• Regulatory Affairs
• Complementary Therapeutics
• Pharmacovigilance
• Cardiovascular and Immunological Diseases and Oncology

The MSc is attained through completion of a dissertation in Year 3.

Available Modules

PG Diploma in Clinical Research

First year

• Clinical Research + Coursework - Module Code PHT101 (30 credits)
• Therapeutics + Coursework - Module Code PHT102 (30 credits)

Second year

• Advanced Clinical Research + Coursework - Module Code PHT201 (30 credits)
• Complementary Therapeutics + Coursework - Module Code PHT202 (30 credits)

MSc in Clinical Research

Third year (i.e. after successfully completing 2-years of the PG Diploma)

• Research Methods Module + Dissertation – Module Code PHT301 (60 credits)

Skills Acquired

The course provides:

• An in-depth knowledge of best practice in Clinical Research which will give a real understanding of how to conduct Clinical Research.
• An understanding of all aspects of the drug development process thus improving multidisciplinary teamwork when bringing a new chemical entity to market.
• Development of interpersonal, communication, project management and problem-solving skills relevant to Clinical Research so the individual can contribute more effectively to the Clinical Research team.

Career Prospects

The course is designed to advance and enhance a career in Clinical Research

Entry Requirements

Suitable for graduates with a degree from a UK or other approved university, or for suitably qualified and experienced individuals.

Applicants are usually employed in the pharmeceutical industry, contract research organization, the NHS or academia, and will normally be sponsored by a pharmaceutical company or their employer although those wishing to fund themselves are also encouraged.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Next intake: September each year

More information

• Learn more about Cardiff School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
  
• How to apply
• New Search