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Graduate Certificate In Clinical Research - Part Time

GradCert (NFQ Level 9)

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

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If you are interested in being part of teams that focus on innovative patient focused research, this programme is for you. This programme is designed for recent science graduates, who wish to gain a competitive employment advantage in order to pursue a career in bio/ pharmaceutical research, biotechnology or within the medical device sector.

» Designed for science graduates seeking employment in the fast growing clinical research industry

» Equips graduates with recognised competitive advantage

» Based at the UCD campus and UCD’s Clinical Research Centres

About This Course

On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research students will be able to

  • Understand the key activities to be undertaken to ensure successful clinical trial initiation and management
  • Comprehend clinical trial regulations and appreciate the importance, practical use and evolution of these regulations.
  • Participate in programmes of clinical research that comply with the highest national and international legal, regulatory and scientific standards
  • Be familiar with the documents required to be compiled for an ethics & regulatory clinical trial application & appreciate the important of quality system and SOPS
  • Appraise, evaluate and enhance clinical research protocols, ensuring the highest quality research outputs
  • Possess excellent communication and presentation skills, appropriate to the multidisciplinary clinical research environment
  • Collaborate with patients, academic partners and industry to complete clinical research programmes
  • Commit to continuous lifelong learning and further diffusion of their clinical research expertise

Upon completion of this course you will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in clinical research. Recent graduates have found employment in the Pharmaceutical, Clinical Research and academic sectors.

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
 MDCS41640 Clinical Trials Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDCS41950 Biostatistics and Data Managem Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDCS41940 Clinical Trial Management Autumn and Spring (separate)  10

“An excellent course that gives you a wide range of practical experience across key areas in clinical trials. You will also learn about the most up to date clinical research in Irish hospitals, directly from expert doctors in the field. I would highly recommend this course.” Student Feedback

Graduate Certificate In Clinical Research - Part Time (X982) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4550
nonEU    fee per year - € 5360

***Fees are subject to change

  • Applicants must possess a level 8 degree or equivalent in any Science, Health Science, or a related discipline 
  • Applicants will be assessed for entry to the programme based on undergraduate performance and final degree award
  • Subject to a large volume applicants meeting the essential and preferred criteria, random selection may apply
  • Applicants may be asked to participate in an Interview
  • Subject to availability, consideration will be given to graduates of non- science degrees who have subsequent postgraduate experience
  • As the clinical research industry is global demonstrated proficiency in another language may be considered positively
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Certificate In Clinical Research - Part Time:

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X982
Graduate Certificate In Clinical Research - Part Time
Graduate Certificate

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
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