Course Summary
The objective of this Master of Science course is to provide training for the next generation of healthcare workers in the clinical research arena. The course aims to provide a platform for achieving greater efficiencies in applying medical discoveries to clinical practice. It is aimed at qualified individuals who wish to become independent clinical investigators or those who wish to seek employment in leadership positions in clinical research teams.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
An undergraduate degree in medicine
Other healthcare related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1*.
Biomedical science-related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1*.
Applicants from non-healthcare related degrees will be considered (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1*) on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators.
Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.
For applicants where English is a second language, we will adhere to University of Galway guidelines of requiring IELTS scores of 6.5, TOEFL scores of 88 and/or Pearson PTE scores of 61 with no less than 5.5 in any component. Duolingo test score requirement: 110 overall, no less than 110 in any one component and valid for 2 years.
Those who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the programme. The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail.
Significant weight will be placed on:
A) the applicant’s essay describing their motivation for applying for this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc,
B) the applicant’s referee’s comments, and
C) the applicant’s previous academic performance.
*Or equivalent international qualification
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.
Application Details
CLOSING DATE: 26 May 2023. Offers will be made on a continuous basis up until that date.
Next start date September 2024
Fees
€9,890 p.a. full-time; €5355 p.a. part-time (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€9,750 p.a. full-time; €5,250 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€19,000 p.a. (€19,140 including levy) 2024/25
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Clinical Research graduates are expected to progress to become principal investigators or key team members involved in the conduct, management and monitoring of clinical research. Such roles have become a prominent source of jobs in a variety of settings, including universities and colleges, the pharmaceutical industry, non-academic clinical research organisations, hospitals, independent funding agencies and government agencies. Additional opportunities include employment in teaching and consultation settings.