Clinical Research

Overview

The MRes in Clinical Research is an umbrella programme made up of three pathways. You choose to study one pathway from:

1. Diabetes and Obesity – this pathway introduces modern investigative techniques including MRI and metabolomics and provides a deep understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of both types of diabetes, and obesity.
2. Human Nutrition – this pathway provides a greater insight into the academic, clinical, practical, and regulatory requirements of human nutrition and introduces the latest in cutting-edge research.
3. Translational Medicine – this pathway explores the challenges of research in non-drug interventional research, including regenerative medicine, and illustrate the use of humans as an experimental animal. You also have the opportunity to investigate why drugs fail in development.

For the MRes programme (90 ECTS), you will undertake four core modules, in addition to a fifth elective module that is specific to the pathway you choose. The taught aspect (exams, coursework and practicals) contributes to 30% of the overall mark, with the research aspect (proposal, thesis and oral exam) covering the remaining 70% weighting of the course. The research project topic will be based on your selected pathway.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research (30 ECTS) will comprise all taught modules only and does not include the research project.

The course is supported by both NHS clinical and Northampton College academic staff, who regularly review content and assessment methods. The programme is based at the Hammersmith campus, however, a very small number of students may undertake their projects at other campuses.

Study programme

The MRes in Clinical Research is made up of two progressional levels (PG Cert and MSc), and you can apply to either level in the first instance.

Progression from the PG Certificate to the MRes is allowed, however, the research project will commence at the start of the following academic year. Successful PG certificate students will have to apply to the MRes and progression will not be automatic. If you take a break from studies after completion of the PGCert, the award to progress to the MRes will be valid for three years. If progression to the MRes is not undertaken within this period, then the PGCert component of the MRes must be repeated.

This course provides practical experience and training in designing, implementing, and reporting clinical studies. You complete the majority of the taught elements together; the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest is provided through a pathway-specific elective taught module and extensively through the research side of the programme.

The research project allows you to implement essential research skills supported by your supervisor(s). Project options are provided by staff, however, if you have a particular topic in mind this can also be considered. The key criteria are that:

• the research question is examined using appropriate design and methodology
• the project is feasible given available time-scales, and
• the scope and depth are sufficient for Master’s level study

The majority of our graduates go on to undertake PhDs in relevant fields and other graduates have gone on to work in research and clinical settings as well as Industry. Students who complete the PG Certificate can, for example, take forward knowledge and skills to develop research programmes in the workplace.

Careers

The careers open to graduates will vary depending on which pathway is chosen. Graduates have progressed to employment within research, for example, clinical trials and the food industry.

Others have continued careers and sought promotion within the health sector. A large number progress to PhD scholarships. These degrees are ideal for those wishing to progress to a PhD studentship or a research-based role within the NHS. Some graduates have gone on to successfully secure a place at medical schools.

Structure

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Entry requirements