卡迪夫大學(xué)

Overview

This part-time, distance learning course offers extensive knowledge and expertise relevant to those working in clinical trials. Its is also suitable for those in a senior role in clinical research in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, device, contract research or site management company or the NHS. The MSc in Clinical Research is designed to advance and enhance your career in Clinical Research in the pharmaceutical industry, health service, contract research organisations, regulatory authorities, data management organisations and in medical writing. It aims to provide you with an enhanced level of knowledge, understanding and skills in clinical research. It provides an overview of clinical trial processes and the regulations for bringing in a new chemical entity, and it provides an enhanced level of knowledge and understanding of therapeutic areas and their treatments in relation to clinical trials, drug registrations and drug safety. Clinical research methods and data analysis skills are taught and embedded throughout the programme. You will demonstrate and be assessed in these skills as part of the third year Research Dissertation. The course is designed to increase your knowledge and skills not only in Clinical Research but also in a diverse range of therapeutic areas. This allows you to move confidently between therapeutic areas and increase your potential value to employers. In the dissertation year, you will be encouraged to carry out a project which has direct value to your employer.

Course structure

The program is delivered on a part-time basis over three years. In the first year, students will study 3x 20 credit core modules. In the second year, students will study 2x 20 credit core modules and choose one optional 20 credit module from a list of 5 options. It may not be possible to run optional modules where 5 or fewer students have enrolled on the module. This means that not all optional modules may be available for you to study in a particular year. In the third year, students undertake an individual project worth 60 credits.

Learning and assessment

The course will be taught through a series of pod-casts, online formative exercises, online tutorials and discussion forums. Assessments measure academic progression towards the learning outcomes for each module. Many modules include formative assessments (assessments which do not count towards the module mark) which are intended to provide you with feedback and an indication of your progress.

Career prospects

Clinical research is an expanding and highly competitive area. Undertaking this MSc will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to advance and enhance a career in clinical research. This programme is suitable for graduates from healthcare, life sciences or other related disciplines, and healthcare professionals who are interested in a career in clinical trials in the health service, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, device industries, Contract Research Organisations/ suppliers to the pharmaceutical industry. It is also ideal for professionals working in clinical trials who wish to further develop their knowledge and skills of clinical trials. Potential career opportunities include clinical trials, clinical research, clinical data management, regulation of clinical trials, medical writing, academic clinical trials, Phase I clinical trials units, the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, archiving in clinical trials, quality assurance in clinical trials, clinical research project management, clinical trial administration, clinical trial co-ordinator, clinical trial administration/support to clinical trials and more. After successfully completing this course, you will have an advanced standing both clinically and academically, with the potential to be at the forefront of your chosen profession.