MClinRes Clinical Research

Interprofessional teams of clinical researchers are needed in order to bridge a transitional gap between scientific innovation and healthcare, and to optimise patient care and ensure efficiency of costs for healthcare providers. This programme provides in-depth training in qualitative and quantitative research methods and equips you with the skills to direct, develop, manage and deliver research in any clinical setting.

Key features

• Aligned with key Health Education England (HEE) and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) objectives: to develop clinical academics skilled in evidence-based practice with the capacity to research.
• Programme delivery via flexible and blended learning - experience an inclusive curriculum designed specifically for health professionals, continually developed in line with student feedback this currently features 2-3 day face-to-face study blocks and supported distance learning.
• Receive mentorship and supervision from experienced clinical academic researchers. A research mentorship 'mini-module' is available.
• Develop a critical understanding of research.
• Learn advanced qualitative methods and analysis using a variety of approaches.
• Incorporates quantitative study designs such as RCTs and observational studies.
• Join the Institute of Health and Community to further engage with contemporary clinical research during and beyond your studies.
• Progress your career and become a leader in clinical research with a programme that provides both theoretical and first hand practical experience of the whole research process from developing a clinically relevant question through to implementation of research in clinical practice.
• Learn from experts from across the University of Plymouth, other higher education institutes, the Research Design Service, the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) and the Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit.
• Study a contemporary MClinRes founded on ongoing consultation with patient and public support groups, NHS staff, managers and commissioners and international partners.
• Receive support with onward funding applications to further your integrated clinical research career. Opt for the research management and mentorship module to gain protected time and support with academic writing to publish your research, develop your profile and compose onward funding applications.
• Choose from three award pathways – PgCert, PgDip, MClinRes.

This programme originated as a result of close collaboration with the NIHR, HEE and the student voice. The programme offers either full-time or flexible part-time pathways, designed to accommodate busy clinical caseloads/postgraduate occupations. The interprofessional programme is delivered via a structured pathway with core modules building on each other, providing skills in literature searching and implementing findings to the workplace; designing research protocols; understanding applied qualitative and quantitative methods; and undertaking a clinically relevant research project. Overseas applicants must submit their application 4.5 months prior to the proposed programme start date. For Home/EU applicants the deadline is 2.5 months prior to the proposed programme start date. There are three possible start dates per year, 1 October, 1 January and 1 April.