mark allen | Northampton University, Daleware

MRes Biomedical Research (Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection)

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MRes

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

Our one-year full-time course provides broad training to prepare you for a career in biomedical research.

The programme provides an excellent background in biomedical research, and will integrate chemical, biological and physiological aspects in a unified approach.

This course teaches a mechanistic approach to the problems encountered in molecular and cellular biomedical science.

It also emphasises an investigative and empirical approach to the practical problems encountered in experimental and human biomedical science.

Study programme

The course is made up of a general stream and number of specialist streams.

All of our biomedical research streams have the same course structure. The taught elements and research project are determined by your chosen stream.

Over 12 months, you complete two five-month research projects (4.5 days per week) and a core programme (0.5 days per week) including grant writing, technical workshops, journal clubs and transferable skills.

The research projects incorporate cutting-edge developments in the field. You will experience some of the most technologically advanced approaches currently being applied to biomedical research.

Streams

Whichever stream you choose, the emphasis is on a research-orientated approach made up of both theoretical and practical elements.

You will acquire an understanding of modern molecular and cell science in world class biomedical research laboratories through both theory and practical exposure.

You will also demonstrate practical dexterity in both commonly employed and more advanced practical techniques.

You have the option of choosing our general biomedical research stream, or one of eight specialisms in the following areas:

General Biomedical Research
Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care (this stream)
Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection
Data Science
Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases
Microbiome in Health and Disease
Molecular Basis of Human Disease
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science

Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection stream

This specialist stream provides research training in fundamental aspects of:

bacterial pathogenesis
host immunity
the microbiota
antibiotic resistance and persistence

The emphasis is on molecular approaches to understanding infection, immunity and antibiotic susceptibility at the host-pathogen interface.

This research-orientated approach to training in biomedical sciences comprises both theoretical and practical elements.

Through two five-month research projects and a series of lectures and technical workshops, you will be exposed to the latest developments in bacterial pathogenesis, host immunity, antibiotic resistance and the microbiota by applying technologically advanced approaches to biomedical research questions.

In addition, we focus particular attention on the scientific and professional acumen required to establish research independence.

MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection

This stream is based in the MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection (CMBI), a cross-faculty, multidisciplinary research centre.

It comprises over 55 academic and postdoctoral research staff and 35 postgraduate students.

The overall goals of the CMBI are to understand the biology of infectious diseases with an emphasis on bacterial infections and to translate this information into novel strategies for preventing and treating microbial disease.

Is this stream for you?

This stream is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in bacterial pathogenesis and infection research, whether it be in academia, industry or government. To date, the vast majority of our graduates have gone on to study for a PhD.

Careers

Our MRes in Biomedical Research is designed for students looking to pursue a career in biomedical research, whether in academia, industry or government. The overwhelming majority of graduates, who have wanted to continue on to PhD study, have done so.

The course will equip you with the key skills needed to plan, conduct, publish and obtain funding for successful research.

The programme offers training in a vast array of laboratories across the Faculty of Medicine (approximately 700 world leading research groups) and an opportunity to learn from leaders in the field.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 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.

You take all of the modules below.

Grant Writing Exercise
Project 1
Project 2

You have a wide range of research projects available to you, and complete two projects during your studies.

The projects available to you are determined by your chosen stream.

You can also choose projects from other streams, though will only have priority within your own stream.

Past projects from students of this stream have included:

Host cell membrane targeting of Salmonella integral membrane effector proteins
The Type VI Secretion System: Effector Proteins for Host Cell Subversion
Does combination therapy reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance?

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Computer tutorials
Journal Clubs
Laboratory/computational experience
Research supervision
Technical workshops
Tutorials and Seminars

Assessment methods

Laboratory/computer based research
Oral presentation
Poster presentation
Research reports
Viva voce

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

MSc Applied Genomics

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MSc

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

Please note: the name of this course has changed from MSc Functional Omics to Msc Applied Genomics. You may see this course referred to as MSc Functional Omics in print and other materials.

This Master’s course will teach you how to generate and handle “big data (omics)” associated with biological processes and diseases. You will learn to extract the relevant information and perform functional analysis and validation of your selected targets You apply novel experimental techniques in the laboratory to leverage large amounts of data towards understanding the causes, and potentially find cures, for diseases.

This course will be especially appealing to students with a background in biology, genetics, biochemistry, medicine and related areas and for those who are interested in a career in modern biomedicine, whether going on to study a PhD in academia or straight to work in biomedical industry.

The course will prepare you to perform quantitative data analysis at scale, and design and perform experiments to enable you to interpret the results meaningfully. This will provide a key skill in modern biomedicine, in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.

Study programme

During the first four months, you will acquire theoretical knowledge on how to mine biomedical data to find interesting genes associated with a particular disease as well as on the experimental tools (in vitro and in vivo) that you can use in the laboratory to test your hypotheses. In order to do so, you will attend lectures, workshops, journal clubs, demonstrations and practical laboratory sessions.

During the fifth month, you will select a biological or medical topic of your choice and prepare a report in the form of either a review or a PhD/grant proposal. This will equip you with a breadth of transferable skills essential to design a successful research programme, highly desirable in both academia and industry.

During the last six months of the MSc course, you will conduct a research project in one of our internationally recognized laboratories at Northampton. You will be able to choose from a wide range of projects, focused either on experimental research (“wet lab”) or with a strong computational component.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 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.

Core modules

You take all of the core modules below.

Omics

An introduction to -omics (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.) and the approaches to handle, understand and find targets from big data in biology.

Non-coding RNA, gene editing and in vitro modelling

Role of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, CRISPR, etc.) and application of gene editing and other widely used laboratory research techniques in biology and medicine.

In vivo modelling and use of human material and data

Use of animal models and human samples to investigate mechanisms of disease.

Systematic review and grant/PhD proposal

A literature review on a topic of your choice leading to a scientific poster and a written review paper, PhD project or grant proposal.

Core and profesional skills

Training in basic laboratory skills during the performance of a mini researchproject (3 weeks long) designed by the students in groups.

Functional omics research project

Six-month laboratory project in a host research group leading to the production of an MSc thesis. Students will choose between wet laboratory-based and/or computational research projects.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Laboratory project
Laboratory sessions
Online tests
Seminars
Small group teaching
Systematic review
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Assessment methods

Literature project thesis
Laboratory project thesis
Oral presentation of laboratory project and journal club
Oral examination
Poster presentation
Team Based Learning

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in chemistry, biochemistry, physiology or a related biomedical science discipline.

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements listed but who have substantial relevant industry experience may be admitted following completion of a Special Qualifying Exam.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

MRes Biomedical Research (Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care)

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MRes

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

Our one-year full-time course provides broad training to prepare you for a career in biomedical research.

The programme provides an excellent background in biomedical research, and will integrate chemical, biological and physiological aspects in a unified approach.

This course teaches a mechanistic approach to the problems encountered in molecular and cellular biomedical science.

It also emphasises an investigative and empirical approach to the practical problems encountered in experimental and human biomedical science.

Study programme

The course is made up of a general stream and number of specialist streams.

All of our biomedical research streams have the same course structure. The taught elements and research project are determined by your chosen stream.

Over 12 months, you complete two five-month research projects (4.5 days per week) and a core programme (0.5 days per week) including grant writing, technical workshops, journal clubs and transferable skills.

The research projects incorporate cutting-edge developments in the field. You will experience some of the most technologically advanced approaches currently being applied to biomedical research.

Streams

Whichever stream you choose, the emphasis is on a research-orientated approach made up of both theoretical and practical elements.

You will acquire an understanding of modern molecular and cell science in world class biomedical research laboratories through both theory and practical exposure.

You will also demonstrate practical dexterity in both commonly employed and more advanced practical techniques.

You have the option of choosing our general biomedical research stream, or one of eight specialisms in the following areas:

General Biomedical Research
Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care (this stream)
Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection
Data Science
Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases
Microbiome in Health and Disease
Molecular Basis of Human Disease
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science

Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care stream

This stream focuses on a unique medical speciality which involves hands-on manipulation of physiology and real-time pharmacological intervention to effectively and safely manage patients in all parts of the hospital.

You will learn about the fundamental principles of molecular mechanisms.

You will go on to study advanced physiology and pharmacology of anaesthetics, pain medicine and intensive care.

By completing two research projects, alongside lectures, seminars, tutorials and technical workshops, you’ll gain a detailed knowledge of the facts, principles and theories in a particular subject area and learn research techniques and how to translate research.

You will also develop key skills in communication skills, project design, and producing written and oral reports.

Is this stream for you?

This stream is suitable for science graduates with an interest in biomedical research and medicine.

You should be interested in furthering your understanding of pain medicine and intensive care.

This stream is aimed at:

trainee doctors in anaesthesia, pain medicine and intensive care, who are interested in pursuing further education and research;
junior trainee doctors interested in studying perioperative medicine; and
science degree graduates with a biomedical background.

Careers

Our MRes in Biomedical Research is designed for students looking to pursue a career in biomedical research, whether in academia, industry or government. The overwhelming majority of graduates, who have wanted to continue on to PhD study, have done so.

The course will equip you with the key skills needed to plan, conduct, publish and obtain funding for successful research.

The programme offers training in a vast array of laboratories across the Faculty of Medicine (approximately 700 world leading research groups) and an opportunity to learn from leaders in the field.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 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.

You take all of the modules below:

Grant Writing Exercise
Project 1
Project 2

You have a wide range of research projects available to you, and complete two projects during your studies.

The projects available to you are determined by your chosen stream.

You can also choose projects from other streams, though you will only have priority within your own stream.

Past projects from students of this stream have included:

Role of necroptosis and stem cell repair in perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury
Investigation of the pleural space as a site of inflammation during ARDS
Inflammation-induced post-translation modification in histones in primary sensory neurons

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Computer tutorials
Journal Clubs
Laboratory/computational experience
Research supervision
Technical workshops
Tutorials and Seminars

Assessment methods

Laboratory/computer based research
Oral presentation
Poster presentation
Research reports
Viva voce

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

Allergy

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Postgraduate Certificate

Duration: 9 months part-time
(standalone course)

Postgraduate Diploma

Duration: 2 years part-time
(including PG Cert)

MSc

Duration: 2–3 years part-time
(including PG Cert and PG Dip)

Overview

Allergy is an increasing global health problem. There is an urgent need both in the UK and worldwide for training in clinical allergy.

Our Allergy courses have been designed to suit all levels of healthcare professionals who deal with patients with allergic conditions, including doctors (GPs, Paediatricians, Specialists in Allergy, Dermatology, Respiratory medicine or ENT) as well as specialist nurses, dietitians, nutritionists and biomedical scientists.

The course enables students to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills to optimally diagnose and manage allergic diseases at all ages.

Teaching is delivered by world-renowned experts in the field and covers all aspects from the basic immune mechanisms underlying allergic diseases to cutting-edge research that may influence clinical practice.

Our courses are structured around a modular teaching week each term at St. Mary’s Medical School Campus in Paddington, London, supported by extensive interactive online learning resources. This flexible schedule enables students from around the world to take part. It allows you to fit the course in with your professional commitments and to study in your own time as your personal situation permits.

Study programme

This course is made up of three phases (Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc).

You must apply to the Postgraduate Certificate in the first instance. Read more about how this works under ‘Choosing your course’ in the how to apply section. This can be awarded in its own right or, on successful completion of this component of the programme, you will be offered the opportunity to progress to the PG Diploma or the MSc in Allergy programme.

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)

The PG Cert in Allergy offers a broad coverage of the scientific basis of allergic disease, a focus on innovations in diagnosis and treatment in allergic diseases as well as a theoretical background to the principles of evidence-based medicine and critical evaluation. There are also opportunities to develop skills in teaching and learning within the discipline of allergy.

By the end of the PG Cert programme, you will have enhanced your understanding of the scientific basis of allergy, your ability to diagnose and manage allergic conditions to the highest standards, as well as your critical appraisal skills and understanding of evidence-based allergy care. You will also have developed skills in the use of computing applied to healthcare and a deeper understanding of your own approach to adult learning.

Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)

The PG Diploma will allow you to develop your knowledge and skills in more advanced and specialized subjects within allergy, directed towards your own clinical practice and research. You will be required to complete all 5 specialist modules. This level also gives you additional practice in skills such as presentation skills, case report writing, journal article writing and communication with different audiences, from healthcare professionals to patients and families.

Master’s Degree (MSc)

The MSc adds a rigorous academic training, an introduction to appropriate research methods and practice and the opportunity for intellectual development within a stimulating yet supportive environment. Through completion of an MSc thesis, you will gain experience in research methodology and techniques, design of a research project or systematic review, data analysis and presentation, literature searching, critical appraisal and presentation of your work at scientific and clinical meetings as well as write-up for publication. In addition, you will have studied in depth a research project or systematic review in Allergy within your own working environment.

Careers

These qualifications will be of great value to those healthcare professionals holding or wishing to apply for specialist posts in secondary and tertiary care in areas of medicine such as allergy, paediatrics, respiratory medicine, dermatology and gastroenterology.

It will also be very valuable for GPs, specialist nurses, nutritionists and dietitians wishing to further develop their expertise and careers in allergy.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 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.

Core module

Research Skills in Allergy

Through completion of an MSc thesis, you will gain experience in research methodology and techniques, design of a research project or systematic review, data analysis and presentation, literature searching, critical appraisal and presentation of your work at scientific and clinical meetings as well as write-up for publication. In addition, you will have studied in depth a research project or systematic review in Allergy within your own working environment.

Core modules

The Scientific Basis of Allergy

In this module, you will explore the scientific basis of allergy, focussing on areas such as the immune mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and how this relates to the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and potential therapeutic targets. You are also introduced to the practicalities of allergy patient care in a scenario-based setting, from how an allergy service is organised to managing severe anaphylaxis effectively.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Disease

This module aims to develop your understanding of the clinical features seen in allergic diseases. This will enable you to conduct appropriate clinical history-taking and tests and arrive at an accurate diagnosis. It also enables you to create a robust treatment plan that can alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, you will develop skills in the use of medical devices and treatments that will enable you to teach the patients in your care.

The Cutting Edge of Allergy

This module will cover recent research advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases and how this can be applied in clinical practice. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to turn ideas into your own research projects. This will be achieved through lectures, interactive sessions, group work, debate, poster creation and oral presentations.

Core modules

Allergic Airways Disease and Asthma

This module will review recent advances on the mechanisms underlying allergic airways diseases, including the role of genetic and environmental factors, and how this may impact future practice. A rational evidence-based approach to the differential diagnosis, diagnostic work-up and management will be discussed through lectures, case-based discussions, group work and interactive sessions. Challenging areas such as difficult asthma, adolescence and poor concordance will be addressed.

Allergic Gastrointestinal Disease

This module will cover the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, advanced diagnostic work-up (including differential diagnoses) and therapeutic approach for allergic gastrointestinal diseases, such as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Difficult practical scenarios such as multiple dietary exclusions, functional and protracted symptoms (such as reflux, pain or diarrhoea) will be addressed through lectures, case-based discussions and interactive sessions.

Allergic Rhinitis and Hayfever

This module will cover the mechanisms, clinical presentation and advanced diagnostic and management strategies for allergic rhinitis. Diagnostic procedures such as rhinoscopy, nasendoscopy and nasal challenges will be demonstrated in practical sessions and differential diagnosis using imaging techniques will be discussed. Allergen immunotherapy, including case-based discussions and key aspects such as efficacy biomarkers and risks/benefits, will be covered.

Allergic Skin Disease

This module will cover a wide range of allergic skin diseases, including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, urticarias, hereditary and acquired angioedemas, photodermatoses and drug allergies. The underlying mechanisms, diagnostic work-up and advanced management will be discussed through lectures and case-based discussions. Challenging topics such as the role of food allergy in eczema, refractory urticaria and mastocytosis will be addressed.

Food Allergy

This module will cover the mechanisms, clinical presentation as well as advanced diagnostic and management strategies for the wide range of allergic reactions to foods. Innovative preventive and therapeutic approaches for food allergy will be discussed. Complex areas such as highly restrictive diets, feeding difficulties, molecular tests and high-risk food challenges will be covered through lectures, workshops and case-based discussions.

Paediatric Allergy

This module will cover advanced aspects of allergic diseases in childhood, from the mechanisms underlying the ‘atopic march’ to difficult clinical scenarios such as multisystem allergic disease, immunodeficiency, adolescent transition and psychological or safeguarding issues. Interactive sessions, case-based discussions and practical workshops on infant weaning, food challenges and immunotherapy will be available.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

In this programme, an emphasis is placed on “Active Learning” by all of the students and “Peer Learning”. Teaching and learning methods include:

The Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE):

Pre-module work to prepare for the teaching
Flipped Classroom – where you read, consider and reflect before coming to the class

Face-to-face sessions including:

Lectures
Tutorials
Interactive quizzes
Question and answer sessions
Group work
Workshops and practical sessions
Scenario-based sessions and role play
Student-led activities such as a Pro-Con debate, oral presentations and poster or case presentations

Assessment methods

Formative assessments:

Tutor and peer verbal responses to your work in classes
Group work and interactive sessions
Student-led presentations and case-based sessions

Formative online work:

Quizzes
Diagram completion exercises
Case-based scenarios
Mock exams

Summative assessments:

Computer-based exams
Group-work such as:
- Poster development and presentation
- Multi-disciplinary team type presentations
Individual work such as:
- Case reports
- Practical skills-based exams
- Research proposals
- Creating posters and presenting them
- Creating patient or parent leaflets
- Writing review articles for a journal
- Writing case reports
- Presenting “Grand Round” type presentations or quizzes

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in a healthcare related subject such as nursing, dietetics, immunology, physiology or biomedical science.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

We will start reviewing applications in December and will invite successful candidates to interview in the new year.

Places are filled on a first come, first served basis so we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.

Choosing your course

This course is divided into three progressional levels of study. Each level of study leads to a separate qualification:

PG Certificate (PG Cert)
PG Diploma (PG Dip)
MSc

You must apply to the PG Cert in the first instance.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

Clinical Research

by mark allen | Aug 5, 2019 | Medical

MRes

Duration: 1 year full-time, or 2 years part-time
ECTS: 90 credits

Postgraduate Certificate

Duration: 1 year full-time
ECTS: 30 credits

Overview

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

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.
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.
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.

Students of the MRes programme must study all compulsory modules listed below:

Compulsory modules

Research Conduct & Clinical Research Measures
Clinical Research Scenarios
Critical Appraisal
Research Project

Students of the MRes programme will choose one elective module out of the following, based on their selected pathway at registration:

Elective modules

Human Nutrition
Diabetes and Obesity
Translational Medicine

Students of the PG Certificate must study all compulsory modules listed below. In contrast to the MRes programme, PG Certificate students will not take the Research Project module (which is only a part of the MRes programme):

Compulsory modules

Research Conduct & Clinical Research Measures
Clinical Research Scenarios
Critical Appraisal

Students of the PG Certificate will choose one elective module out of the following, based on their selected pathway at registration:

Elective modules

Human Nutrition
Diabetes and Obesity
Translational Medicine

Teaching methods

Lectures
Interactive workshops
Journal clubs
Online modules
Student presentations

Project learning

Group meetings
Oral presentations
Project reports
Research proposal

Assessment methods

Case studies
Critical appraisal reports
Preparing research documentation (including ethics and grants documents)
Practical assessment
Oral exam
Poster presentation
A final thesis of your research project

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in medicine or life sciences.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

We will start reviewing applications in December and will invite successful candidates to interview in the new year.

Places are filled on a first come, first served basis so we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.

Choosing your course

This course is divided into two progressional levels of study:

PG Certificate (PG Cert)
MRes

Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to either level in the first instance.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.