Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Evidence Synthesis

ProfCert (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact Us

There is unprecedented production of new knowledge in the Health Sciences. This large quantity of new research requires a rigorous, objective, and transparent process to inform decision-making. Evidence synthesis methods provide a framework to estimate the strength, limitations, effectiveness, and efficiency of new discoveries. They can support decision-makers and members of the public to make informed decisions. The Professional Certificate in Evidence Synthesis will teach students to appraise published evidence synthesis studies critically and will provide tools for them to independently conduct systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis.

The program offers a series of modules developed for new or experienced learners in evidence synthesis, evidence-based practice and advanced systematic reviews including the development and implementation of clinical guidelines. The certificate is aimed at professionals working in industries where evidence synthesis is frequently needed to inform decision-making. Examples of these industries include pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations (CROs), governments, healthcare settings, International Organizations, NGOs, and medical device companies. The flexible online learning modules align with the fourth objective of the Higher Education Authority – to enhance equality of opportunity to the diversity of abilities, learning modes, and lifestyles in modern Irish society. You can complete the certificate in one year or up to three years.

About This Course

On completion of the Professional Certificate in Evidence Synthesis, students will be able to:

Acquire knowledge and understanding of:

  • Evidence based practice
  • Strengths and limitations of evidence synthesis methods to inform decision-making
  • Uses of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
  • Current methodologies for developing patient-centered clinical guidelines.

Apply knowledge and understanding in:

  • Critically appraising new medical literature
  • The evidence synthesis methods for healthcare decision-making
  • The identification of uncertainties emerging from the scientific evidence
  • Conducting new evidence synthesis projects

Make judgements for:

  • The strengths and limitations of the scientific evidence
  • The correct methodological approach to summarize the existing scientific evidence
  • The objective interpretation of the available scientific evidence
  • The translation of the scientific evidence into implementation

In addition, students will be able to acquire the following skills:

Communications and working skills

  • To communicate with clarity and accuracy the strengths and limitations of the scientific evidence
  • To acquire the skills to publish an evidence synthesis-based research project

Learning skills

  • To develop motivational and time-management skills to enable effective self-directed learning
  • To challenge the status quo of current evidence synthesis techniques
  • To carry out independent evidence synthesis research projects
  • To develop and enhance interpersonal skills and group communication through peer interaction 

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHPS40980 Introduction to Knowledge Synthesis, Systematic Reviews & Meta-analysis Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHPS40990 Systematic Reviews, Meta-analysis and Clinical Guidelines Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)5CR:
In addition to core modules, based on professional background and/or career plans, students can choose ONE of the following optional modules.
PHPS41150 Introduction to Biostatistics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)5CR:
In addition to core modules, based on professional background and/or career plans, students can choose ONE of the following optional modules.
PHTY41200 Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)5CR:
In addition to core modules, based on professional background and/or career plans, students can choose ONE of the following optional modules.
PHPS40970 Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)5CR:
In addition to core modules, based on professional background and/or career plans, students can choose ONE of the following optional modules.
PHPS41160 Patient-Centred Outcomes Spring  5

ProfCert Evidence Synthesis (X973) Part Time
EU/NONEU    fee per year - € 2010

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website

Applicants should hold:
 A second-class honours degree at a 2.2 level or higher in any professional field including any health science discipline, social sciences, computer sciences, communication, and education.
Or, in exceptional circumstances:
 In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential or professional learning and can present to the course director a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes), this may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
In addition, all applicants must have evidence of competence in written and spoken English (IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, with no element below 6.0).

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


The Professional Certificate in Evidence Synthesis is aimed at professionals working in industries in which evidence synthesis to inform decision-making is frequently needed. Examples of these industries include pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations (CROs), governments, healthcare settings, International Organizations, NGOs, and medical device companies. 


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Evidence Synthesis:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X973
Evidence Synthesis
Professional Certificate
Part-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page