Master of Clinical Research

Help improve human health. Study Clinical Research and get the skills you need to carry out evidence-based research that will advance medical knowledge.

You’ll learn to use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and find out how to critically evaluate current literature. Gain knowledge in good study design and research practice, data analysis and research presentation. You'll find out how to carry out clinical trials and cover ethical and cultural issues in clinical research.

Toward the end of your studies you'll be guided to write a full research grant application that describes a proposed clinical research project. Past students' projects have included a trial of medical grade honey in childhood impetigo, an investigation of a new type of prosthetic hip, a trial of a new medication in Huntingdon's disease and research into the benefits of steroids in pneumonia treatment.

Taught by the School of Biological Sciences in partnership with Capital and Coast Health, the PGDipClinRes will give you the skills essential to conducting your own clinical research or to work for a research institution.

You’ll learn from highly regarded clinicians from Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB), the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) and Victoria University of Wellington. Some sessions are delivered by outside tutors from around New Zealand who have specific areas of expertise.

If you’re a medical trainee or graduate, a nurse or other health professional who wants to carry out clinical research, or you just need to up-skill in research methods, then this qualification is well-suited to you. To enrol in the Diploma, you’ll need a relevant degree in health, medicine, neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science or biostatistics with a B+ average in relevant subjects, or have extensive relevant experience in the field.

The PGDipClinRes is mostly taught online and through teleconferencing, but includes a practical weekend seminar each semester that you need to attend in person. Teleconferencing forums are normally held on a weeknight.

The programme is best suited to part time study over two years, and is equivalent to about 1,200 student work hours. You’ll complete six compulsory courses totalling 120 points and will be assessed through your presentations, essays and formal reports. There is no formal examination.

You can enrol if you’re an international student, but you should note:

this programme is only available part-time
you need to attend a weekend seminar in Wellington at least twice a year
you need to participate in up to eight telephone conferences each semester
all of the above will be at your own expense, and is on top of your international student fees.

Programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research
Master of Clinical Research