This course is for 2025/26 entry.
Clinical Research MRes/PGCert Course overview
Benefits of this course
The programme focuses on formal training in research methods for evidence based practice and on applied data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative research and statistical analysis. Through the allocation of a University-based supervisor and a practice-based clinical mentor, you will be prepared for the conceptual, methodological, ethical and logistical challenges faced by all researchers.
Under the guidance of methodological and profession specific experts, the course will provide the opportunity to explore the application of advanced-level research. You will undertake high quality, publishable research, that can be used to influence and lead health service related delivery, policy and innovation.
Awards
You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.
- Master of Research (MRes)
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone interested in leading research in healthcare settings. Students will be able to tailor their research training to their field through a wide range of electives delivered by academics with expertise in public health, mental health, health management, health technology, health policy and leadership.
The course will lay the groundwork for advancement to clinical research leadership roles or doctoral studies.
Structure
Awards
You can select to apply for one of the two available exit points for this course.
Master of Research (MRes)
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 year
Total credits: 180
Modules:
- 5 in total
- Core modules: 4
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
Total credits: 60
Modules:
- 3 in total
Modules
Core modules
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Introduction to Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis-online module (30 credits)
You will develop an understanding of the principles, theory and epistemology of research and data analysis. You will be guided and supported to conduct research in practice by developing a pragmatic research proposal.
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Advanced Research Methods (15 credits)
You will further develop your understanding of research methods in a health context, introducing more complex forms of study design and higher-level methods of appraisal and review of literature.
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Work-based Clinical Research Placement (15 credits)
You will undertake a clinical research placement, providing the opportunity to work with a research team in a specialist clinical area, under the guidance of a practice mentor.
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Application of Research in Clinical Settings (15 credits)
You will learn how to critically appraise and tackle operational, strategic and ethical issues when conducting and implementing research in clinical practice.
Elective module
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Elective module (15 credits)
Choose from a wide range, including (indicative list): Commissioning for Health and Social Care; Engaging Technology; Evaluation; Global Health; Health Economics; Health Policy; International Health Systems; Leading Change; Professional Leadership; Public Health.
Dissertation
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Clinical Research Dissertation (90 credits)
You will conduct a systematic review and an empirical research study and write up your dissertation in the format of two manuscripts for publication.
Programme specification
The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.
Download course specification:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is conducted via a mixture of:
- lectures
- class discussions and seminars
- student presentations
- analysis of case studies
- worked examples
- interactive computer-based exercises
- online Virtual Learning Environment
- self-directed reading.
You will learn through discussions with peers in tutorials and with expert practitioner researchers, and through work-based learning during your clinical research placement.
Clinical Research Placement
During the course you will undertake a clinical research placement, providing the opportunity to work with a research team in a specialist clinical area, under the guidance of a practice mentor.
Fees and funding
Fees for academic year 2025/26
Master of Research
(MRes)
Full-time
per year
Home/UK: £13,500
International: £16,250
Part-time
per year
Home/UK: £6,750
International: £8,125
Full-time per year
Home/UK: £13,500
International: £16,250
Part-time per year
Home/UK: £6,750
International: £8,125
Postgraduate Certificate
(PGCert)
Full-time
per year
Home/UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Full-time per year
Home/UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Where applicable, tuition fees for City's programmes will be subject to inflationary increases in each year of study. Our policy for these increases is set out in our terms and conditions of study.
Funding
School of Health & Psychological Sciences Funding Options
The School of Health & Psychological Sciences (SHPS) is committed to providing financial support to students who show academic and/or clinical excellence. Find out about the funding options available to SHPS Postgraduate Taught applicants.
Additional expenses
Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.
Career
The programme aims to support you to develop your clinical academic research career and become a leader in your clinical field.
Graduates have gone on to doctoral-level research and/or have entered clinical research leadership roles.
How to apply
Entry requirements
UK
- An honours degree, minimum 2:2 or equivalent
- An upper second class or higher mark in undergraduate or postgraduate dissertation would normally be expected
- In addition, we welcome applications from individuals with significant clinical experience, who do not meet the above admission criteria but do demonstrate the ability to undertake Level 7 academic studies, for example documented evidence of exceptional innovative practice, practice leadership, service development, research projects or publications, or successful completion of a recognised HEE/NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic Programme Internship. Such applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applications from clinicians working in the health sector will be prioritised; however this is not an essential requirement.
Applications can be made in conjunction with an application for an NIHR Pre-doctoral Fellowship or a HARP Pre-doctoral Fellowship.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required:
- A first degree from a UK university
- A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): a score of 7.0 is required, with no subtest scoring below 6.5
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): a score of 72 required.
English language programmes
Don't meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.
Application process
September 2025 entry
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is where we accept a previous qualification as meeting the learning outcomes (or covering the syllabus) for part of a course or module, so you don't need to take it as part of your degree.
If you have previously completed credits from a Masters level qualification that can be matched to credits on the programme qualification you would like to apply for, then you may be eligible for RPL or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) at City.
For more information on the policy, the maximum credits permitted and how to apply, please see the Guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Maximum transferable credits for each award
Contact the postgraduate team
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 5000
Email: health@city.ac.uk
Our academics
Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.
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