Study clinical research abroad

Clinical research is a vitally important part of developing new drugs and medical treatments. It is the process by which these new therapies are tested to ensure they are safe and work as they should.

As a clinical research student, you’ll develop the skills required to design and lead high-quality clinical research and support healthcare research innovation. You’ll also learn how to conduct critical analysis of evidence, and to carry out in-depth qualitative and quantitative research.

Effective and collaborative clinical research has never been more important. As an international student, you’ll get to see how clinical research is approached in a new country, and gain access to the best facilities and teaching. Not only this, but you’ll also be embarking on an exciting new adventure, experiencing a different culture, and making lifelong connections.

Clinical research is most widely offered as a master's program, however it is possible to study it as a bachelor’s program in the USA. Here you’ll study for four years, and have the opportunity to take a range of ‘minor’ subjects in your first two years. In the final half of your program you’ll focus on clinical research modules.

You can study a master’s in clinical research if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Most postgraduate programs last between one and two years, and are offered at a range of qualifications including MSc, PgDip (Postgraduate Diploma), PgCert (Postgraduate Certificate), and MClinRes (Master of Clinical Research).

PgDip and PgCert qualifications are shorter than a master’s qualification, and in the UK can be completed in a year. MClinRes tend to be purely research based programs, whereas most MSc degrees will include taught modules.

When studying a clinical research program, you can expect to take part in some lectures, seminars, and tutorials. A lot of your time will be used conducting your own research and working on a dissertation.

The modules and subject areas you’ll study will differ depending on where you choose to study, however some of the most common include:

• Introduction to research methods
• Foundations in clinical research
• Health economics
• Statistical methods in health research
• Implementation and improvement science
• Data analysis
• Research project

As a clinical research graduate, your skills will be in high demand in a range of healthcare roles. Some of the career paths you could consider include:

• Clinical researcher
• Biostatistician
• Clinical research scientist
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical research coordinator
• Clinical trial manager

If you don’t know which role is right for you, you can speak to your university’s career services. They can help you find work after graduation or advice which modules best match your aspirations.