Overview
Introduction
MSc Clinical Research comprises three core modules providing an introduction to clinical research and applied methodological skills and will enable students interpret and communicate healthcare and clinical research. Students will choose then from a range of optional modules tailored to their needs to complete the Master's. The structure of the Master's is very flexible and it can be completed full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 or 3 years.
Programme overview
The programme is delivered by whole day sessions of face-to-face teaching supported by flexible online learning resources and interactions. Face-to-face teaching sessions led by experts in their respective fields focus on sharing knowledge and group activities, while online interactions use our virtual learning environment and include discussion forums and collaborative digital spaces.
Taught Core Modules- The Life Cycle of Clinical Research
- Methodological Foundations
- Translating Research into Healthcare Policy and Practice
- Evidence-Based Improvement Science
- Quality Improvement and Measurement
- Drug Development (from concept to clinic)
- Systematic Reviews
- Infectious Disease Modelling
- Spatial Statistics
- Secondary Data Analysis
There are a total of 120 taught credits, followed by a 60 credit dissertation, which can be taken over a one, two or three year pathway.
DissertationFor the 60 credit practice-based dissertation module, you will develop and undertake a research project designed, delivered and submitted as a dissertation. This project is undertaken in your own professional context, under academic supervision. Supervisors will be chosen based on relevant theoretical or methodological expertise within a student’s area of interest where possible.
Our academic staff have expertise in:
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- Public health and population health
- Palliative care
- Cancer
- Social and Ethical Aspects of Health and Medicine
Programme outcomes
The Master's in Clinical Research aims to:
- Promote advanced knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of research in a healthcare setting.
- Foster critical approaches to evidence review
- Develop advanced skills in awareness of research designs, data analysis, presentation and dissemination
The programme is available to study full-time over one year, part-time over two years, or as a Clinical Academic Fellow over three years. Depending on which option students choose, the study modules take place in the following years:
1) Three year/ Academic Clinical Fellow pathway Year 1The life cycle of clinical research MED706 (30 credits)
Methodological Foundations MED707 (30 credits).
Equivalent to a PG Certificate/60 credits
Year 2Translating research into healthcare policy and practice MED708 (30 credits)
30 credits from optional modules
Year 1 and year 2 equivalent to a PG Diploma/ 120 credits]
Year 3Dissertation MED703 (60 credits)
2) Part time/ two-year MSc pathway Year 1The life cycle of clinical research MED706 (30 credits)
Methodological Foundations MED707 (30 credits)
Translating research into healthcare policy and practice MED708 (30 credits)
Year 230 credits from optional modules
Dissertation MED703 (60 credits)
3) Full time/ one-year MSc pathway Year 1The life cycle of clinical research MED706 (30 credits)
Methodological Foundations MED707 (30 credits)
Translating research into healthcare policy and practice MED708 (30 credits)
30 credits from optional modules
Dissertation MED703 (60 credits)
Optional Modules
30 credits from optional modules within the faculty allowing the student to develop specific research interests. The Course Director should meet with students to discuss research interests and provide further information.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject including medicine, nursing, psychology, biological sciences or related subjects. Applicants with relevant professional experience and without a first degree should contact the Course Director.
We may also consider non-standard applicants. Please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
core modules accordion
The module will engage students with the research process from initial idea to communicating results. Students will develop a systematic understanding of research management applicable to their organisational context and clinical practice. Students will cover an overview of topics including selecting a research question, considering a method, the practicalities of research (ethics, governance, funding, project management, data management), data collection and analysis, and reporting and presenting research.
This module will introduce a range of quantitative and qualitative research designs, providing an introduction to the underlying theory and some practical experience of using data collection and analysis methods in practice. Students will cover topics including the concept and definitions of research quality, including their applicability to different methodological approaches and evidence-based practice, and quantitative and qualitative study designs, methods, methodologies and analytical methods.
The module will develop the student's understanding and knowledge of the research cycle in an applied context. By completing a formal report of research undertaken relevant to the student's own professional practice (15,000 words), the dissertation offers students the opportunity to apply research skills, developed on the previous modules, in a work-based research project framework.
The module will introduce students to the complex relationship between research evidence, health policy and practice. It will enable them to use tools to critically appraise research literature, and to communicate with different groups of stakeholders to outline research priorities and findings. Students will become familiar with topics including evidence synthesis/systematic review, critical appraisal, relating research interests and key research priorities, communicating research, translating evidence into policy and practice and Public and Patient Involvement.
Fees and funding
The Clinical Research programme is designed for professionals working in healthcare settings who are interested in building a research career. The programme offers a flexible pathway through study, with a tiered exit structure allowing students to exit with a PG Certificate, PG Diploma, or MSc over three years. The MSc can also be studied full time over one year, or part time over two years.
The full MSc Clinical Research programme (180 credits) is £13,600 for home students and £29,150 for international students.
Home students can also choose from two study programme pathways:
• Part time/ 24 month route: (90 credits per year for two years; £6,800 per annum at 2024/25 prices).
• Part time tiered exit/36 month route: (60 credits per year for three years; £4,530 per annum at 2024/25 prices).
For most home students, it is likely they would complete the Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) in their first year, progressing on to the Postgraduate Diploma (a further 60 credits) in their second year, and the Master's (60 credit Dissertation) in their third year.
Additional fees and funding information accordion
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Medicine
- Anaesthesia and Peri-Operative Sciences PgDip
- Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
- Clinical Research PgCert
- Clinical Research PgDip
- Health Data Science MSc
- Health Data Science PhD
- Medical Education PgCert
- Medical Ethics and Law PhD
- Medical Sciences MSc by Research
- Medicine PhD
- Medicine M.D.
- Social and Behavioural Sciences in Medicine PhD
- Sports and Exercise Sciences PhD
- Statistics and Epidemiology PhD
Who should apply?
The Clinical Research programme is designed for professionals working in healthcare settings who are interested in building a research career.
The programme offers a flexible pathway through study, with a tiered exit structure allowing students to exit with a PG Certificate, PG Diploma, or MSc over three years.
The MSc can also be studied full time over one year, or part time over two years.
Lancaster Medical School
Lancaster Medical School is an emerging school offering high quality teaching, research and expertise addressing fundamental issues in health and medicine. We aim to contribute to continuing professional development of doctors and allied professionals across the health sector.
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Research in the Faculty
Interests include epidemiology, medical education, social science and biomedical science subjects applied to medicine.
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CHICAS
The Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics.
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Social and ethical aspects of health and medicine
Exploring the social and ethical aspects of health and medicine, and informing policy and practice.
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Athena Swan: gender equality at Lancaster
We hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to advancing the careers of women in higher education and research.
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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