Why study MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery (Online) at Exeter?
The MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery at Exeter is one of only three NIHR funded, fully online MSc programmes, developed in line with the NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership (formerly known as Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework). It supports practising clinical professionals aspiring to work in the clinical research delivery workforce.
Examine the infrastructures and policies shaping clinical research, learn how to engage with patients, plan projects, manage budgets and gain practical experience by supporting current clinical research projects.
Benefit from flexible access to high-quality interactive online learning modules tailored to meet the challenges and opportunities for clinical research in the 21st Century NHS, whilst supporting the Government’s plan to create a world-leading UK clinical research environment. The report Saving and Improving Lives: The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery provides further detail of the ambitious vision for the future of clinical research delivery.
Provides a number of opportunities to apply for fully funded places for eligible applicants, in some cases with additional funding for back-fill of role or study-time to facilitate study (see funding section below).
Read our FAQs to learn more about what's involved on a Master's Leading Clinical Research Delivery course.
Developed in line with the NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership (formerly known as Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework) to support practising healthcare professionals aspiring to work in clinical research delivery.
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent Clinical Medicine research
Based on 4* + 3* research in REF 2021
Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Submitted to UoA2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. REF 2021
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
As announced on the NIHR website on 21 October 2022, the MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery is an extension of the PGCert Leading Clinical Research Delivery. The MSc and PGCert are partially funded by the NIHR and have been developed in line with the NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership (formerly known as Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework) to support practising healthcare professionals aspiring to work in clinical research delivery.
"I specifically chose Exeter because the course is built for people already in the trenches of research delivery who want to step up into leadership. I was looking for something that would help me look past the day-to-day operational side and really get to grips with study design, governance, and the wider system. Plus, being able to study online while working full-time was a huge selling point."
"What I’ve loved most is how relevant the coursework is. Instead of just learning dry concepts, I’ve been able to apply them directly to my real-world projects...I got involved in feasibility assessments, research costing, and strategic planning—things that happen long before a study actually reaches the delivery phase. It’s also let me make a tangible impact at work. During my studies, I helped develop systems to track GP practice engagement to improve primary care research delivery. Linking my academic work to actual service improvement has easily been one of the most rewarding parts of the programme.
Actually, one of the biggest surprises was how connected I felt to everyone. Even though it’s a remote course, the tutorials and group chats helped me build real relationships with research professionals all over the UK. Hearing their different perspectives was a massive bonus.
As I head into my final year, I can already see a huge shift in my career. I’m much more confident jumping into high-level discussions about governance or research strategy. I'm no longer just thinking about delivering research; I'm thinking about how it’s designed and managed from the ground up."
Normally a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Relevant clinical or professional experience (more than two years post-qualification) may be taken into consideration as evidence of equivalency.
Applicants will be experienced healthcare professionals from any registered healthcare discipline, such as medicine, nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions (including pharmacists and healthcare scientists), or those who have worked in a relevant role for at least two years (e.g. clinical trials manager, clinical research practitioners, university postdoctoral researcher).
The target audience for this programme are clinical researchers based in NHS / public funded healthcare settings in England. We also welcome applicants from academia, social care, the devolved UK nations and countries outside the UK for whom the content is relevant.
Students who have successfully completed the PGCert will be eligible to join the PGDip / MSc programme with their prior learning recognised.
You will also need to download and complete the Employer Support Confirmation template, which can be accessed here: Employer Support Confirmation Form
Once completed, please complete your application to study with us and upload both the signed Employer Support Confirmation form and a PDF copy of your Expression of Interest Form in the References section of the University Admissions Portal.
We encourage applicants to make use of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), sometimes also referred to as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where appropriate, so that relevant prior study or professional experience can be considered.
If this is the suitable route for you, please indicate this on your Expression of Interest form and ensure you select the correct course option (as outlined on the form).
Please contact us at the point of application so we can advise on the evidence required and confirm whether your learning can be recognised through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) (for relevant Level 7 study completed elsewhere) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) (for relevant professional experience).
You will need to complete the APCL/APEL process alongside your application, and we recommend reading the relevant guidance before applying so you know what evidence to prepare.
The course attracts bursary funding for eligible students from a number of sources. Information about bursaries can be found in the Funding and scholarships section below.
Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex, with clinical work and clinical research requiring unprecedented levels of cooperation between diverse providers and multiple sectors. We will provide you with a strong theoretical foundation covering topics such as research leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as planning and piloting to ensure study feasibility and optimal delivery. Alongside this, you will consider the practicalities of doing clinical research and ways to improve participant recruitment. Our Research Practice Experience modules enables you to put theory into practice by being directly involved with a clinical research project.
This programme has been developed in line with the NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership (formerly known as Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework) to support practising healthcare professionals aspiring to work in clinical research delivery. Through the programme, you will continue developing your patient-centred approach to research delivery and understanding of measures of health outcomes. With a strong emphasis on using reflective practice to apply and transfer learning from the course, you will develop yourself as an adaptable, reflexive practitioner ready to lead clinical research delivery.
Specialisms
Students following the MSc will be able to specialise in one of four areas:
leadership,
research methodology,
genomic medicine
or public health,
by taking relevant 15-credit modules and choosing a related dissertation topic.
Specialism routes require completion of at least two related optional modules. Optional modules run subject to demand and staffing. We publish the available optional modules for each cohort in advance of module selection.
Please note: This timetable is draft and subject to change.
Modules
The programme is divided into study units or modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. Each 15-credit module in the MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery therefore requires 150 hours (around 12 hours of study per week, across a term). The 60-credit Master’s project is a full-year project that should take around 600 hours to complete. Most of your study will be asynchronous, allowing you to work through the online material at a time convenient for you. Modules will also include some scheduled interactive online contact sessions, where you will meet with your tutor and peers via Teams or Zoom (dates will be provided in advance to aid your planning).
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Year 1
45 credits of compulsory modules, up to 45 credits of optional modules (subject to selecting 180 credits overall for the programme).
Pathway information:
By selecting modules from a specific pathway as shown below, you can opt to follow a particular area of pathway aligned to the themes outlined in the Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery report. If a pathway is selected, this can be included (in parentheses) after the award name.
To qualify for a particular pathway you must select two modules from the pathway modules as detailed in the module groups. Your Master’s level project should also be on a theme consistent with the pathway you have chosen. This will be determined through discussion with your various tutors and supervisors before you start the project.
Pathway A - Leadership
Pathway B - Research Methodology
Pathway C - Genomic Medicine
Pathway D - Public Health
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Integrity and Leadership in Research for Health and Healthcare
15
Doing Clinical Research
15
Research Practice Experience
15
HPDM149Z: Integrity and Leadership in Research for Health and Healthcare
This is a fully online module.
During this module, you will draw from your own experience / research context, to develop a critical and reflexive understanding of key topics related to undertaking clinical research in a structured approach, with the highest regard for participants’ rights and data integrity.
You will critically explore the fundamental principles of the conduct and governance of research to gain a better understanding of planning, patient recruitment, piloting, and feasibility assessment alongside advanced communication skills. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to identify the skills and knowledge that are necessary to be an inclusive research leader.
During this module you will discover how strong communication with participants ensures good understanding, consent and confidence and how this contributes to study feasibility in your healthcare setting. This module builds on the other core modules in the Leading Clinical Research Delivery programme. You will consider the practicalities of doing clinical research, through scoping current evidence, maximising the potential of routinely collected data and project planning. Through facilitated group discussions and using case studies, you will explore different types of research studies and their potential challenges, such as how to improve participant recruitment and retention and implement continuous improvement strategies.
The aims of this module are to enable you to understand the importance of:
How well written research questions ensure clinical research is appropriately directed
How you as a researcher can engender a culture of continuous improvement in research development and management.
You will be encouraged to develop your understanding of different approaches to clinical research, developing your critical and reflexive reasoning to compare and contrast the adoption of a specific methodology, taking into consideration the need for a culture of continuous improvement to inform research and shape the way it is managed.
During this module you will draw upon the theoretical learning from modules 1 and 2 through engaging in an active clinical research project. Paired with an experienced clinical research supervisor, you will shadow to develop expertise, before taking on specific delegated tasks as part of the project team. You will meet regularly with your supervisor to determine your ongoing learning, plan the tasks needed to demonstrate your capabilities and prepare to take on increasing responsibilities. As you progress, you will reflect on your learning both in discussion with your supervisor and through written reflection, which you will apply in practice.
This module aims to develop your capability and confidence as an experienced clinician, with the ultimate aim of supporting you to discharge the duties of a co- or sub-investigator in a clinical research study. Your duties will be protocol specific and contextual to the clinical research in your health / care setting. It is not anticipated that you will have necessarily had experience of all these duties by the end of the RPE module, but it is expected that you will have developed capability towards meeting the module outcomes. It is anticipated that you will spend time working in a clinical research environment developing your leadership skills alongside formal module learning to underpin and support clinical leadership practice.
Omics Techniques and Their Application to Genomic Medicine ONLINE
15
Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases
15
Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics ONLINE
15
Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics
15
HPDM154Z: Future Health: Beyond Data
With a focus on outcomes-based healthcare, public health and prevention of disease, in this module you will go beyond data analytics and artificial intelligence to look at societies' expectations and the way systems will adapt and evolve.
You will explore the application of artificial intelligence, and the scope of data analytics to transform the quality and value of healthcare 'from bedside to board'. You will explore new paradigms, such as how patient-centred care has been redefined by technically empowered patients shaping their care: 'the patient will see you now'. You will consider the changing role and educational needs of the human professional, exploring where humans add value in future health systems and where smart devices know patients better than their carers through monitoring health metrics.
This module will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to innovate, lead, and deliver digitally-integrated health and social care that meets the needs of individual patients and broader society. You will critically appraise the purpose and uses of data collection and analysis, including machine learning and predictive data to inform clinical decision-making.
With a focus on outcomes-based health and social care, public health and prevention of disease, this module will explore the possibilities and effects that different systems might have on the delivery of care in the future at regional, national and international levels. It will focus on the drivers to transform existing linear structures into complex systems and emerging models of delivery, such as consumer-led health care. It will explore the complexity of healthcare systems and how they can be harnessed to bring about sustainable, equitable improvements in care and public health across the world.
In this module you will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to lead, manage and deliver affordable, sustainable and equitable health and social care services in a world transformed by emerging digital capabilities and partnerships between sectors. You will synthesise the perspectives of health and social care providers, industry partners, other sectors, patients and academia to seek out holistic approaches to local, national and global health challenges.
From health education to policy as a health intervention, our understanding of the tools available to us to improve health behaviour continues to grow. This module will introduce you to the principles and tools to effect behaviour change by framing the sessions around social ecological models. We will introduce a range of behaviour change theories and strategies and highlight the importance of personal agency and the fair access to resources and opportunities in ensuring health equity. We will also cover theories on human decision making and how we can harness these processes to promote population health using 'nudges' and large-scale policy initiatives. By the close of the module, you should expect to understand how health and behaviour evolve in complex systems and consider the likely course of interventions that seek to improve health. You should expect to be assessed using authentic methods for scientific communication, in which you will consider a specific behaviour change approach to address a public health problem.
Lectures are delivered face to face and optional seminars are delivered online. Learning will also be consolidated by self-directed learning resources and ELE activities.
You will understand key theories and applications of behaviour change.
You will understand how individual, group, community and organisational behaviour change interventions are developed and applied.
The continuous growth in the use of genomic technologies alongside other emerging healthcare innovations has led to many health advancements, but also has cost implications. Using established health economic methods, especially economic evaluation, it is possible to predict the costs of new treatments and the potential benefits to patients, the NHS and the wider economy in the context of the available resources for healthcare.
This module explores the potential impact of genomic medicine and other healthcare technologies on the healthcare system, its patients and their families. The health economic approach of economic evaluation methods will be used to demonstrate to you the potential costs and benefits of new clinical and technological approaches.
This module provides an introduction to statistical concepts and methods relevant to health research. You will develop your understanding of these concepts/methods enabling you to interpret the statistical aspects of research studies and published papers.
You will learn to recognise the most commonly encountered types of data in health research and learn which statistical methods are appropriate to summarise such data and make statistical inferences. You will be able to interpret the findings of published research and critically appraise the choice of statistical methods in those papers. You will understand the concepts relevant to the pooling of study findings across research papers and understand the factors that need to be taken into consideration when calculating the number of participants required in a research study.
This module will focus on clinical trials in an applied health research setting, with a focus on current trends in clinical trial design. You will learn how to evaluate health care technologies, including complex interventions, using a range of observational and experimental trial methods, from standard randomised clinical trials to pilot/feasibility studies, cluster trials, stepped wedge, observational and non-randomised designs. On top of covering different trial designs, through structured practical sessions, you will learn how to navigate the intricate connections between research ethics, sponsor and governance; to design a case report form; to plan and achieve successful recruitment; to implement good project management skills. You will develop competencies in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of interventional and observational study designs. You will critically use different research reporting standards to plan and disseminate the findings of clinical trials that involve patients or community-based participants. At the end of the course, you will have a grasp of key methods that underpin a robust, ethical and well managed clinical trial in either the health service or commercial sector.
HPDM036Z: Omics Techniques and Their Application to Genomic Medicine ONLINE
This module explores state-of-the-art genomic technologies used for DNA sequencing, including targeted approaches, whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing, together with RNA sequencing and other technologies used to investigate genomic variation in clinical settings. You will gain an understanding of the principles and applications of these highly parallel sequencing technologies and array-based methodologies used in genomic medicine. The module introduces key bioinformatics approaches for the analysis and interpretation of genomic data. Together with the Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics module, this module provides a foundation for the subsequent Bioinformatics, Interpretation, Statistics and Data Quality Assurance module. In addition, the module introduces the application of RNA sequencing and other molecular approaches to estimate gene and protein expression, including the study of mRNA, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. The module also provides a comprehensive introduction to epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics, highlighting their roles in the functional interpretation of genomic data and the discovery of disease biomarkers. Applications of omics approaches in areas such as cancer genomics and infectious disease research will be explored to illustrate how integrated genomic data can inform disease mechanisms, diagnostics and personalised medicine.
HPDM037Z: Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases
In this module you will explore the genetic basis of common and rare inherited disorders. The principles and practice of medical genetics and genomics, and the management and treatment of patients and their families will be discussed. Utilizing exemplars, the module demonstrates the clinical utility of genomic data in healthcare settings. You will learn about contemporary approaches used to identify genetic causes of disease, with a focus on rare inherited diseases.
The module will also address the integration of genomic data into clinical pathways, emphasizing the impact of advances in genomic technologies on patient care. The role of genomics in care pathways will be explored from both patient and family perspectives, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of genomic data. Additionally, you will learn to identify patients with unmet diagnostic needs who may benefit from exome or genome sequencing and will be introduced to the complexities of interpreting genomic data in clinical contexts. The module will also cover key initiatives such as the development of genomic medicine services, and the infrastructure supporting incorporation of genomic testing into the NHS.
HPDM044Z: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics ONLINE
The module will provide you with a framework for ethical understanding of medical genomics. An 'ethics in practice' approach will be taken. You will be provided with a platform of ethical understanding from which to consider issues of confidentiality, autonomy, disclosure, informed consent and justice. You will consider the impact of genomic technologies on individuals, families, and demographic groupings. The social implications of genetic testing and screening will be considered, especially in the context of reproductive technologies. Finally you will be provided with a legal framework for the use of genetic data for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Many genomic tests have wider implications for the patient and their family, particularly where these may have a predictive aspect, provide incidental information, and/or have potential for being misleading or increase uncertainty. You will explore the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) involved in genomic testing and in specific integrated pathways.
HPDM082AZ: Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics
This module will start with by covering the fundamentals of nucleic acid structure and function, including changes during the cell cycle. Following this, you will learn the fundamentals of gene expression and its relationship to the architecture of genes and the genome. Next, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of genomic variation, including the various ways it can be classified and its frequency. Lastly, you will apply what you have learnt to interpret genotype and/or phenotype information for the prediction of disease risk, presentation and/or mechanisms.
This module aims to give you a fundamental understanding of DNA structure, function, and variation and recognise its importance to human health and disease. It will prepare you for further modules in genomic medicine that enable a deeper exploration of how genomic information can be used to improve healthcare, medicine, and our biological understanding of human diseases.
90 credits of compulsory modules, up to 45 credits of optional modules (subject to selecting 180 credits overall for the programme).
Pathway information:
By selecting modules from a specific pathway as shown below, you can opt to follow a particular area of pathway aligned to the themes outlined in the Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery report. If a pathway is selected, this can be included (in parentheses) after the award name.
To qualify for a particular pathway you must select two modules from the pathway modules as detailed in the module groups. Your Master’s level project should also be on a theme consistent with the pathway you have chosen. This will be determined through discussion with your various tutors and supervisors before you start the project.
Pathway A - Leadership
Pathway B - Research Methodology
Pathway C - Genomic Medicine
Pathway D - Public Health
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Independent Research
60
Advanced Research Practice Experience
30
HPDM148Z: Independent Research
This dissertation module is the piece of independent research associated with the Masters in Leading Clinical Research Delivery. It is co-delivered with HPDM148. It is designed to enable you to produce a project report under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation, synthesis and dissemination skills.
The aim of the independent research module is to enable you to demonstrate your ability to design, conduct, evaluate and write up a project on a topic that is of relevance to the title and aim of your award and in doing so, to demonstrate self-direction, originality and an ability to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of project skills at an advanced professional level.
Supervisors will be drawn from academic staff and external co-supervisors (where appropriate) depending on your research interest.
You can undertake primary or secondary research, which can involve quantitative and/or qualitative data. Common research designs include formalised literature reviews (e.g., scoping or systematic reviews), cross-sectional surveys, and qualitative interviews. You will be guided to select appropriate topics given time and resource constraints, and the need to ensure studies have all necessary approvals (e.g., research ethics).
This is a practice-based module, supported by online learning content to allow you to study remotely, whilst engaging in practical experience in your own clinical setting. You will actively participate in clinical research projects to broaden your experience and develop your capability to act-up in leadership roles. Alongside the practical learning, you will also engage in remote digital immersive study, flexible blended learning experiences and communities of learning / learning practice with students on the course and colleagues in research delivery leadership roles in your own clinical setting. Through this you will continue developing your patient-centred approach to research delivery and understanding of measures of health outcomes.
Module Research Practice Experience HPDM151Z is a pre-requisite for this module, or an equivalent module as determined by APCL / APEL.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
45 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules.
In addition to the credit-bearing modules of this programme, all students on Postgraduate Taught Programmes must complete the 0-credit Master’s Level Learning module as part of your Induction.
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Integrity and Leadership in Research for Health and Healthcare
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students following the MSc will be able to specialise in one of four areas listed below, by selecting relevant 15-credit optional modules and choosing a related dissertation topic. The four specialisms are aligned to our postgraduate and research strengths at Exeter and exemplify the themes outlined in the Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery report.
Leadership: (specialism requires completion of both Leadership optional modules)
Research Methodology: (specialism requires completion of both Research Methodology optional modules)
Genomic Medicine: (options selected from 4 genomic medicine modules)
Public Health: (options selected from 4 public health modules)
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
MSc: £6,100pa part-time 2 years, £4,100pa part-time 3 years PGDip: £4,100pa part-time 2 years PGCert: £4,100 Standalone module fees: UK: £1,200 per 15-credit module
International fees per year:
MSc: £14,450pa part-time 2 years, £9,650 pa part-time 3 years PGDip: £9,650pa part-time 2 years PGCert: £9,650 Standalone module fees: International: £2,650 per 15-credit module
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
The Masters in Leading Clinical Research Delivery (LCRD) programme attracts bursary funding for eligible applicants from a number of sources. Each bursary has its own eligibility criteria and application process. You must apply separately for a place on the relevant LCRD course and for any bursary funding. We recommend submitting your University application as soon as possible: select Apply Online at the top right of this page to start your application. Please ensure you select the appropriate programme route for the funding stream you are applying for. In some cases, it may be possible to apply for more than one type of bursary at the same time.
Information on bursary funding for the next academic year and how to apply will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership bursaries (formerly known as Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework (CRCF))
NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership (MRDL) bursaries are available for eligible applicants to study a PGCert, PGDip or MSc in LCRD. Applications are open until 01 July 2026 for September 2026 entry. For the latest eligibility information and to apply, please visit the NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership website.
To apply for an MRDL bursary, you must first submit an application for your chosen LCRD course: MSc, PGDip or PGCert. Please select Apply Online at the top right of this page to start your University application. You will need your University course application ID number for your MRDL bursary application.
You do not need to have received a University offer before submitting your MRDL bursary application. However, to accept an MRDL bursary, you must hold an offer of a place on an LCRD course.
Interested in bursary-supported study on Exeter’s MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery?
For current information about MRDL bursaries, eligibility, course options, recognition of prior learning and how to apply, please visit the NIHR Masters for Research Delivery Leadership website. Applicants are also welcome to contact the programme team if they have questions about choosing the appropriate LCRD route before submitting their University application.
Fully funded INSIGHT studentships for early career HCPs
Take the next step in your academic and professional journey with our fully funded NIHR INSIGHT South West Peninsula 2-Year Master's studentships in Health and Social Care Research! These studentships offer financial support and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that shapes the future of health and social care.
We are delighted to offer funded places for NIHR South West Peninsula research 2-year Masters studentships starting in September 2026.
Studentships will cover full fees and a stipend to study a Master’s qualification via the part-time 2-year route (for LCRD applicants) for registered healthcare, social work and public health professionals. This initiative aims to attract those eligible at the earliest stages of their careers in research.
For details and to apply for the next round of studentships starting in September 2026, please go to the application form.
Please apply for your place on the 2-Year MSc LCRD if you are applying for funding via the INSIGHT programme.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
UK students studying one or two year variants of this programme may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan. More information can be found on the government website.
Our online programme has been designed with flexibility in mind enabling you to enhance your knowledge and skills around your current schedule. The programme will include a combination of evidence-based educational formats, including workplace-based learning. You will have access to high quality interactive online learning to develop knowledge and insight in respect of the approaches to, and delivery of, clinical research. You will develop key knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable you to demonstrate capability as a clinician researcher when delivering aspects of networked research within your own practice.
During the Research Practice Experience (RPE) and Advanced RPE (ARPE) modules, you will develop practical experience in the supportive context of a clinical research network while working on existing research studies.
You will participate in activities such as scoping current evidence and maximising the potential of routinely collected data, to tasks such as project planning and budget management. Through facilitated group discussions and the use of case studies, you will explore different types of research studies and explore the potential challenges such as how to improve participant recruitment and how to problem solve whilst doing clinical research.
In addition to core modules you will also choose an optional module which will enable you to excel in an area of importance to research delivery in the NHS, such as epidemiology, clinical trials, research methods, genomics or public health related modules.
Dr Kinan Mokbel
Programme Director
Amanda Wallace
Deputy Programme Lead
Jo Studham
Lecturer
Debra Williams
Lecturer Leading Clinical Research Delivery
Shelley Rhodes
Lecturer
Dr Kinan Mokbel
Programme Director
Kinan Mokbel is a Senior Academic Lecturer at the University of Exeter and an Honorary Professor at Brunel University London, as well as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the London Breast Institute at The Princess Grace Hospital in London.
Kinan teaches across Clinical Pharmacy, Advanced Clinical Practice and Pharmacology and Clinical Research, drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a pharmacist in clinical practice and research delivery. At Exeter, he also leads the Pharmacology Strand for the MSci Nursing programme and is Module Lead for core modules within the MSc Clinical Pharmacy and MSc Advanced Clinical Practice.
His clinical research portfolio includes the ERASE-LC study, the NIHR-funded SPOCC project on cancer diagnosis and comorbidities, and the LOCOMUS study investigating musculoskeletal and vascular effects of long COVID, along with additional research collaborations at Cardiff University and the London Breast Institute at The Princess Grace Hospital in London.
His clinical research interests include genomic medicine, pharmacogenomics, personalised oncology, medicines safety in general practice and the cultural factors that shape health behaviours.
Dr Amanda Wallace is a Senior Lecturer and has extensive experience in clinical research. As a prior NIHR Research for Patient Benefit grant holder, she is passionate about using her experience to support the clinical research leaders of the future. She has experience of post-graduate teaching in research methods and advanced physiotherapy practice; and has supervised and mentored masters and doctoral students.
Amanda maintains a keen interest in rehabilitation and improving patient outcomes through research informed practice. She is the module lead for Advanced Research Practice Experience on the PGDip/MSc pathway.
Jo Studham
Lecturer
Jo Studham has worked in clinical research for over 30 years. She previously worked as NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility (CRF) Manager. She was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the CRF and its multi-disciplinary team. She has worked in all areas of Clinical Research delivery from proof of concept through to post marketing surveillance, from cradle to grave, and been a member of several Ethics Committees. Jo trained as a registered nurse as well as completing a degree in Anthropology and Geography and a MSc in Health Promotion. This is her first role as a Lecturer and she is very excited about the new challenge.
Debra Williams
Lecturer Leading Clinical Research Delivery
Debra Williams is a Registered Dietitian and Lecturer within the Department of Health and Care Professions. She has over twenty-five years of work experience in the medical arena covering dietetics, academia, and clinical research. In addition to this she has considerable experience as a Clinical Research Associate in the pharma industry.
Debra has relevant experience of both undergraduate and post graduate teaching and currently mentors’ degree apprentices on the Advanced Clinical Practice MSc programme at Exeter. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (now Advance HE).
Whilst doing her MSc in Advanced Professional Practice her research dissertation project explored the ‘Views of UK-based dietitians around working in primary care and their perceived training needs: a cross-sectional online survey’. Debra has a keen interest in diet and nutrition related research and is module lead for Doing Clinical Research on the MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery (Online) programme.
Shelley Rhodes is a Lecturer in Clinical Trials Methodology on several modules and leads the postgraduate Clinical Trials Module - HPDM056Z.
Shelley has 10 years' experience as Exeter Clinical Trials Unit Senior Trial Manager, during which time she was involved in all aspects of running clinical trials, including trial design, regulatory submission, safety reporting, co-ordination and management, patient recruitment and consent, financial control, analysis and production of clinical reports.
Shelley was also responsible for trial costing, supervision and training of staff, and maintaining records in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), University and NHS Trust governance and all other applicable regulatory requirements (HRA, MHRA).
Shelley's research interests include the following trial types: surgical, medical device (including digital tools), complex interventions (specifically mental health and rehabilitation) and clinical trials research methodology.
As part of the UK Trial Managers Network, Shelley has worked to support Trial Managers nationally for over 20 years, and on the editorial board of UKTMN members that produced the 2023/ 7th edition of The Guide to Efficient Trial Management, UK Trial Managers' Network.
Careers
The NHS needs to develop and retain a broad range of clinician researchers, individuals with responsibility for leading or contributing to research locally within their clinical setting, to lead and support high quality clinical research in areas where there is the greatest disease burden. The Leading Clinical Research Delivery programmes provide an alternative route into clinical research for experienced clinicians who are new to clinical research.
The programme will provide the necessary networks, skills and confidence needed for clinicians to lead and support clinical research.
Careers support
All University of Exeter students have access to Career Zone, which gives access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.
The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.
Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.
Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.
