Evidence Synthesis

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 

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: 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.