School of Health Professions

MClinRes Clinical Research

Do you want to lead, direct or manage clinical research? Interprofessional teams of clinical researchers are needed in order to bridge a transitional gap between scientific innovation and healthcare, and to optimise patient care and ensure efficiency of costs for healthcare providers. This programme provides in-depth training in qualitative and quantitative research methods and equips you with the skills to direct, develop, manage and deliver research in any clinical setting.

International application deadline

This programme is now closed to international applicants for the 2023/24 academic year. 

Your career as a healthcare professional starts here

The first-class new home for our healthcare teaching and research providing students with skills to meet the needs of 21st century careers.

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 A unique new learning space where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the largest breadth of health disciplines in the South-West learn together under one roof, with expert practitioners.

Medical students using the Anatomage table clinical Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC)
 Experience an interprofessional learning environment across our health programmes that will prepare you for life as a healthcare professional.

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 Collaboration across the schools helps students to learn with, from and about each other, gaining the real-world experience employers seek.

Key features
  • Aligned with key Health Education England (HEE) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) objectives: to develop clinical academics skilled in evidence-based practice with the capacity to research. 
  • Programme delivery via flexible and blended learning – experience an inclusive curriculum designed specifically for health professionals, continually developed in line with student feedback. This currently features 2–3-day face-to-face study blocks and supported distance learning. 
  • Study full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years.
  • Receive mentorship and supervision from experienced clinical academic researchers. A research mentorship 'mini-module' is available.
  • Develop a critical understanding of research.
  • Learn advanced qualitative methods and analysis using a variety of approaches. 
  • Incorporates quantitative study designs such as RCTs and observational studies. 
  • Join the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research to further engage with contemporary clinical research during and beyond your studies.
  • Progress your career and become a leader in clinical research with a programme that provides both theoretical and first-hand practical experience of the whole research process from developing a clinically relevant question through to implementing research in clinical practice.
  • Learn from experts from across the University of Plymouth, other higher education institutes, the Research Design Service, the National Institute for Health and Care Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) and the Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit.
  • From 2023, students in Plymouth can train and practice their professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place.
  • Study a contemporary MClinRes founded on ongoing consultation with patient and public support groups, NHS staff, managers and commissioners and international partners.
  • Receive support with onward funding applications to further your integrated clinical research career. Opt for the research management and mentorship module to gain protected time and support with academic writing to publish your research, develop your profile and compose onward funding applications.
  • Choose from three award pathways – PgCert, PgDip or MClinRes.
Please note that when you enrol on this programme, you always enrol to study the master's degree but we offer three exit awards: PgCert, PgDip and MClinRes.

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • This programme originated as a result of close collaboration with the NIHR, HEE and the student voice. The programme offers either full-time or flexible part-time pathways, designed to accommodate busy clinical caseloads/postgraduate occupations. The interprofessional programme is delivered via a structured pathway with core modules building on each other, providing skills in literature searching and implementing findings to the workplace; designing research protocols; understanding applied qualitative and quantitative methods; and undertaking a clinically relevant research project. 
    The full programme involves four 20-credit modules and an 80-credit dissertation module as core elements, plus an additional optional 20-credit module. 
    Step-off points with accreditation (PgCert and PgDip) are available if you wish to study the MClinRes in part. This may be appropriate for those undertaking an intercalation year or a larger personal award, such as an NIHR/HEE clinical academic fellowship. If you are interested in applying for an NIHR fellowship or any other personal award involving the MClinRes as a training element, contact the Programme Leader via mclinres@plymouth.ac.uk

    Core modules

    • Applying Evidence to Practice (ADV702)

      Focusing on the application of evidence based practice (EBP) to professional practice; you’ll learn how to use research to guide best practice. You will also identify a question relevant to your area of practice, review and critique the literature in this area, and plan and evaluate any necessary change to professional practice.

    • Project Design for Research (ADV715)

      You’ll explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project and by the end of the module you’ll formulate a research proposal. You’ll learn how to define and refine a research question, select and appraise methodology, address ethical considerations, and select and appraise data collection and analysis techniques.

    • Applied Qualitative Research Methods (MCR701)

      This module enables the student to acquire the knowledge and skills to design and conduct a qualitative research project. The students will have advanced understanding of different qualitative research methods, data collection strategies, qualitative data analysis approaches, writing skills in qualitative research proposals and final manuscripts.

    • Applied Quantitative Research Methods (MCR702)

      This module enables the student to acquire the knowledge and skills to design and conduct a quantitative research project. The students will have advanced understanding of different quantitative research methods, data collection strategies, statistical data analysis techniques, writing skills in quantitative research proposals and final manuscripts.

    • Research Dissertation (MCR703)

      Over the course of this module students will complete their dissertation as part of their MClinRes programme under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor.

    • Systematic Review (MCR706)

      This module focuses on the appraisal and synthesis of evidence from research literature and documentary sources. Participants gain hands-on experience using JBI software (SUMARI). You will learn more about the systematic review methodology, critically analyse research and text or opinion papers as part of the review process and use software to perform a meta-analysis and meta-synthesis of selected studies.

    Optional modules

    • Applying Evidence to Practice (ADV702Z)

      This module is aimed at the application of evidence based practice (EBP) to professional practice. The students will learn how to use research to guide best practice. They will identify a question relevant to their area of practice, review and critique the literature in the area, plan and evaluate any necessary change to professional practice.

    • Project Design for Research (ADV715Z)

      Students will explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project and by the end of the module will formulate a research proposal. The module will explore defining and refining a research question, selecting and appraising methodology, ethical considerations, selecting and appraising data collection and analysis techniques.

    • Applied Quantitative Research Methods (MCR702Z)

      This module enables the student to acquire the knowledge and skills to design and conduct a quantitative research project. The students will have advanced understanding of different quantitative research methods, data collection strategies, statistical data analysis techniques, writing skills in quantitative research proposals and final manuscripts.

    • Research Dissertation (MCR703Z)

      Over the course of this module students will complete their dissertation as part of their MClinRes programme under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor.

    • Clinical Management of Hypertonia (ADV778)

      This module provides an opportunity for learners to develop advanced skills and knowledge in the holistic assessment and management of hypertonia. It will be delivered as a blended learning module, bringing together face to face delivery with facilitated e-learning opportunities.

    • Occupation as the Focus of Contemporary Practice (ADV703)

      This module explores occupation in contemporary occupational therapy practice. This includes current and emerging theory and research on occupation, occupational performance and models of practice. The module develops students ability to reflect on, challenge and articulate application to practice.

    • Occupation as the Focus of Contemporary Practice (ADV703Z)

      This module explores occupation in contemporary occupational therapy practice. This includes current and emerging theory and research on occupation, occupational performance and models of practice. The module develops students ability to reflect on, challenge and articulate application to practice.

    • Injection Therapy for Health Professionals (Corticosteroid) (ADV709)

      Participants on this module must be registered with a suitable health professions council or Nursing and Midwifery council. A suitably qualified supervisor within practice should be identified prior to attendance on the module. Participants must demonstrate a suitable level of expertise prior to attendance on the module, this will usually be through interview.

    • Pathomechanics and Rehabilitation of Gait and Balance (ADV710)

      This module focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions of health professionals managing patients with gait and balance problems. Gait and balance are explored alongside theoretical and practical approaches to rehabilitation in a wide variety of conditions.

    • Supported Independent Study (ADV712)

      This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

    • Dietetic Management of Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMD) (ADV720)

      You will look at the biochemical, pathophysiological and genetic basis of IMD. You’ll critically appraise the complex dietary therapies needed to correct metabolic derangements to ensure long-term safety, optimal growth, neurodevelopment and psychosocial stability of infants, children, adolescents, and individuals approaching adulthood who are starting their own families.

    • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (ADV735)

      This module focuses on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. This module is based on best practice discussed within national and international policy and guidelines. It will explore in depth the impact of long term conditions on the individual, their family and carers.

    • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (ADV735Z)

      This module focuses on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. This module is based on best practice discussed within national and international policy and guidelines. It will explore in depth the impact of long term conditions on the individual, their family and carers.

    • Rehabilitation: Cognition, Perception and Behaviour (ADV739)

      This module will draw on the fields of neuropsychology, neuroscience and rehabilitation to explore cognitive and perceptual domains such as memory, executive function, attention and language. An inter-disciplinary team will highlight the functional and psychosocial impact of dysfunction to these domains and provide a critical review of current clinical interventions.

    • Nutrition and Dietetics in Infancy and Childhood (ADV741)

      This module promotes understanding of advice given to families, health professionals and policy groups on normal nutrition and feeding during infancy and childhood. It critiques evidence for health promotion strategies, initiated to enhance health outcomes and minimise disease risk.

    • Nutrition and Dietetics in Common Paediatric Disorders (ADV742)

      This module will critically examine the aetiology, nutritional and dietetic management of paediatric diabetes, cystic fibrosis, faltering growth, cancer, allergy and gastrointestinal problems. It explores their impact on feeding problems and the complexity of managing paediatric disorders to ensure normal growth and development.

    • Clinical Dietetics for Infants and Children (ADV743)

      This module explores the nutritional and dietetic interventions essential for normal growth and development in chronic and acute paediatric illness. Nutritional management of organ system diseases, epilepsy, neonatal surgery, burns and trauma will be considered. The use of all forms of nutrition support in disease management will be critically examined.

    • Neonatal Nutrition (ADV744)

      This module explores the nutritional and dietetic management of preterm and sick term infants in the neonatal period and beyond in order to optimise growth and development and minimise post-natal growth restriction. It includes the management of complex neonatal nutritional problems such as necrotising enterocolitis and practical issues such as breastfeeding and human milk banking.

    • Dietetic Practice: Supported Study (ADV749)

      This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

    • Occupational Therapy Practice: Supported Study (ADV750)

      This module is specifically designed to enable Occupational Therapists to develop their own occupational therapy professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

    • Physiotherapy Practice: Supported Study (ADV751)

      This module is specifically designed to enable Physiotherapists to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

    • Supporting the Needs of the Frail Older Person (ADV758)

      Students will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts that influence the management of frailty and complex care needs in the older person. They will develop advanced assessment, evaluation and management skills and apply these in a person centred framework to their practice, using evidence based theories around frailty, co-morbidity, polypharmacy and the ageing process.

    • Supporting the Needs of the Frail Older Person (ADV758Z)

      Students will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts that influence the management of frailty and complex care needs in the older person. They will develop advanced assessment, evaluation and management skills and apply these in a person centred framework to their practice, using evidence based theories around frailty, co-morbidity, polypharmacy and the ageing process.

    • International Perspectives and Practice Requirements for Health and Social Care Practitioners (ADV759)

      This module will enhance students knowledge of their profession within a global context. It will provide the opportunity for health and social care practitioners to explore current research and development related to a range of countries. This learning will be incorporated into a professional development plan towards considering career development within these contexts. ,

    • Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Conditions (ADV767)

      This module will enable qualified physiotherapists and other health care professionals with relevant musculoskeletal experience to extend their current practice within the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, by engendering a higher level of critical thinking and clinical reasoning within the context of evidence based practice.

    • Clinical Assessment and Management in Neurology (ADV768)

      The module will (a) highlight how understanding neuroanatomy/physiology can aid in the interpretation of the signs and symptoms of commonly encountered neurological conditions (b) facilitate the development of assessment and management skills.

    • Patient Management in Hazardous Environments (ADV769)

      This module enables Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) professionals to critically appraise and discuss the evidence base around the provision of patient management in various hazardous environments. It will incorporate critical analysis of diverse risk, mitigation strategies, team working with partner agencies and clinical judgements made within a hazardous, peripatetic environment.

    • Innovation in an Ever Changing Marketplace - Entrepreneurship for Health and Social Care Professionals (ADV770)

      This module will be delivered through a series of seminars, tutorials, webinars and e-learning students will explore the concepts of marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation relating to independent practice, social enterprise, charitable organisations and the NHS. Students will examine and gain an understanding of law and policy related to their field of interest.

    • Patient Management in Terrorist Incidents (ADV771)

      This module enables Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) professionals to critically appraise and discuss the evidence base around patient management during terrorist incidents. It incorporates critical analysis of risk identification and management, deployment considerations, dynamic problem solving and key skills required to work within a terrorist situation.

    • Patient Management for High Consequence Infectious Diseases (ADV772)

      This module enables Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) professionals to critically appraise and discuss the evidence base around the provision of patient management in High Consequence Infectious Diseases, incorporating critical analysis of risk identification and management, deployment considerations, problems and skills, required to work in a High Consequence Infectious Diseases situations.

    • The role of the First Contact Practitioner (FCP) within Primary Care (PC) (ADV773DL)

      This module is aimed at registered physiotherapists and other health care professionals currently working in or towards the role of First Contact Practitioner (FCP) within primary care. It will equip students to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, competencies and professional and leadership skills required for this role using critical thinking, complex clinical reasoning and critical reflection skills.

    • Clinical Leadership, Management and Advancing Practice (ADV779)

      This module will develop students' knowledge and skills in Advanced Clinical Practice, exploring theories of Clinical Leadership and Management. It will encourage students to critically assess their own clinical leadership and management needs, as well as those of their team, helping to build capacity and capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

    • Education in Clinical Practice (ADV780)

      This module will develop students' knowledge and skills as a clinical educator, exploring theories of teaching and learning, and the principles and practices of assessment, feedback and evaluation. It will encourage students to critically assess their own learning and development needs, as well as those of their team, helping to build capacity and capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

    • Advanced Clinical Practice in Primary Care (ADV781DL)

      This module will enable experienced practitioners to develop their clinical knowledge; undertaking structured history taking and physical examination to inform application of clinical reasoning within the context of primary care practice. It will incorporate critical analysis of clinical risk management, inter-professional collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and clinical judgements made within the diverse and dynamic clinical environment of general practice.

    • Enhanced Professional Reasoning (ADV782)

      This module will provide students with opportunities to consolidate and further develop their professional reasoning. A range of clinical and professional reasoning models will be critiqued. These models will be applied to scenarios from practice in order to provide a deeper level of interpretation.

    • Enhanced Professional Reasoning (ADV782DL)

      This module will provide students with opportunities to consolidate and further develop their professional reasoning. A range of clinical and professional reasoning models will be critiqued. These models will be applied to scenarios from practice in order to provide a deeper level of interpretation.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MClinRes Clinical Research programme specification 5540

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or a related academic degree at 2:2 or above, or European first cycle equivalent. Clinicians without a degree but with appropriate experience may be eligible to apply. You must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English in accordance with the University’s Admissions Code of Practice – IELTS requirement is 6.5 average with a minimum of 5.5 in each category. If you need to improve your English language to get onto a degree course at the University of Plymouth, you can book a pre-sessional academic English course. 
AP(E)L
Claims for credit for prior learning, whether certificated or experiential, are accepted and will be assessed following University regulations and faculty procedures.
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
This programme is equivalent to 90 ECTS credits (second cycle) with 30 ECTS credits at postgraduate certificate, 60 credits at postgraduate diploma and 90 credits at masters degree. Each 20 credit module has the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits and assumes a notional student effort of between 200-300 hours.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-24 2024-25
Home £9,900 £11,000
International £17,500 £19,000
Part time (Home) £1,100 per 20 credit module £1,220 per 20 credit module

Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per a number of credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding. 
Additional costs
Please be aware that there may be additional costs to undertaking your studies relating to printing of course materials, and requirement for an initial outlay for travel and accommodation in respect of practice placement. If you have any questions regarding these costs please contact pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk. 
International
If you are studying on a programme where placements are integral to your study there are costs associated with travel and accommodation. Please speak with the programme admissions tutor to find out more.
Applicants to this programme are eligible for a Student Loans Company Postgraduate Loan, if studying the full 180 credits (no Accreditation of Prior Learning is allowed) within the one year (full-time) or two year (part-time) study period. 

How to apply
Applying for this programme
Applications for the full-time programme need to be completed through the PG apply online form. You will also need to complete a Postgraduate Application Referee form. 
Applications for the part-time programme need to complete the application via the Postgraduate Application Form. You will also need to complete a Referee Form. 
These forms will need to be completed in full and returned to PDUAdmissions@plymouth.ac.uk. 
Any questions please contact:
Professional Development Unit
4th floor, Rolle Building
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth, PL4 8AA
What happens after I apply?
After your application is received, it will be processed and sent to the Programme Lead for a decision to be made on your suitability to study. You may be asked to provide additional information or to take part in an interview (for overseas students this may be by telephone or video conference). Once this decision has been made, you will be sent an email either confirming your place on the programme, or rejecting your application and giving the reasons for this decision (you may request further feedback in order to improve your chances of selection at a later date).
Please note that you will be enrolled on the full MSc programme. You may choose to exit with the qualification of PgCert upon completion of an appropriate 60 credits, or a PgDip upon completion of an appropriate 120 credits. More information is contained within the programme specification.
For applicants with disabilities
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by the University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services webpage.

What our students say...

  • @“The MClinRes programme has provided me with the skills and knowledge to develop my career as a clinical academic; and to learn from a diverse and exceptionally knowledgeable group of people from the clinical research community.” Tim Powell, graduate

MClinRes student Dr Aban Gautam

Dr Aban Gautam has been selected to receive the David Nott Foundation scholarship following his work to treat over 25,000 people cut off from healthcare after the April 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
Dr Gautam plans to use the scholarship and his postgraduate study to train colleagues in his home country and help even more people in remote areas.
Dr Aban Gautam

MClinRes student Sasha Johnston

Sasha is a paramedic with SWASFT and advocates for paramedic mental health after losing a colleague to suicide. She is currently exploring perceptions of mental health services for paramedic staff through her MClinRes.
She has presented at a summit supporting the mental health of paramedics and gained a place on the College of Paramedics mental health steering group.
Sasha Johnston

People

Find out more about

Did you know that you can undertake our MClinRes Clinical Research programme as a component of a personal award?

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is now taking applications for Pre-Doctoral Personal Awards. Applications for these awards can be made directly to the NIHR – the NIHR Trainee Co-ordinating Centre webpage gives further information about the scheme. If you wish to discuss an application to the scheme, and in particular supervision, for your pre-doctoral or doctoral award, please contact Dr Lisa Bunn.
If you wish to undertake some or all of our MClinRes Clinical Research programme as a component of a pre-doctoral award, please contact Dr Lisa Bunn (programme lead) for information about module options and costs.
Plymouth Business School graduates on Plymouth Hoe.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
  • £2,000 discount on tuition fees for international students 
 

Postgraduate Taught International Student Scholarship

A £2000 fee waiver will be awarded to international applicants who exceed the entry requirements for this programme.
You need to have a BSc (Hons) degree at 2:1 (or equivalent) and meet our English language requirements.
MClinRes Clinical Research hero image
Plymouth Hoe

English Language Centre

We offer a range of courses to help you develop your academic English language skills.
These include pre-sessional academic English courses for undergraduates, taught postgraduates and research students along with insessional language classes, tutorials and activities to support students who have English as a second language.