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.

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.

InterCity Place InterCity Place
 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.

Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC) 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.

Become a healthcare professional of the future Become a healthcare professional of the future
 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 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.

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 2022-23 2023-24
Home £9,100 £9,900
International £15,700 £17,500
Part time (Home) £1,000 per 20 credit module £1,100 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.

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.
<p>Dr Aban Gautam</p>
<p>Sasha Johnston</p>

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.

People

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

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.


<p>Contact the Graduation Team</p>

Alumnus loyalty reward for postgraduate study

Automatically awarded – no need to apply
The University applies a discretionary alumnus reward where alumni meet certain criteria on particular postgraduate taught courses.
  • A 20% discount on home tuition fees (10% for MSc Research Methods in Psychology, MSc/PgCert/PgDip Clinical Psychology, MSc/PgDip Psychology and MSc Occupational Therapy Pre-Registration, MSc Physiotherapy Pre-Registration).
  • Or a £2,000 discount on international tuition fees.
If you have previously studied at the University of Plymouth or at one of our partner colleges, you may be entitled to our Alumnus discount to help towards the tuition fees of your Postgraduate Taught course. For further details, programme exclusions and contact information, please see our fees policy.

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.
<p>MClinRes Clinical Research hero image</p>

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.

Find out how we can help you reach your potential.
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