Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
PGDip Leading Clinical Research Delivery (P/T 2 year)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | PGDip Leading Clinical Research Delivery (P/T 2 year) | Programme code | PDP2EMSEMS13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2023/4 | |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) Other |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The NHS needs to accelerate its development and retention of a broad range of clinician researchers, who will have responsibility for leading and / or contributing to research locally within their clinical setting. The need is most urgent where the disease burden is the greatest. As an experienced clinician or practitioner, you may want to be involved in research but feel you have a research skills gap or are disconnected from a research community. You might not have had the opportunity to follow an academic training pathway. This programme will provide you with the necessary networks, skills and confidence to contribute to, support and take steps towards developing a leadership role in clinical research, providing an alternative route into clinical research for those who might otherwise remain excluded.
The University of Exeter’s Master of Science in Leading Clinical Research Delivery has been developed in line with the new NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework, which has been developed jointly by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC). On successful completion you will attain a Master of Science qualification that has prepared you to contribute to networked clinical research in everyday clinical settings, with the potential to develop further as a leader in this field.
This practical-based programme features fully online, remotely delivered, synchronous and facilitated learning. You will also complete asynchronous learning activities with both peer and tutor interaction and independent learning. It will focus on the practical elements of clinical research, for you as an experienced clinician and practitioner in an everyday setting, who might be new to research. You will develop a thorough appreciation of the theoretical foundation underpinning research design and sound understanding of how this can be applied practically within your healthcare setting. This will be achieved through online learning, alongside real-life cooperative work within a team to deliver quality healthcare research. You will explore topics such as research leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion, the importance of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) as well as planning and piloting to ensure study feasibility and optimal delivery. You will also consider the practicalities of doing clinical research and ways to improve participant recruitment and retention, before putting theory into practice by becoming directly involved with a clinical research project.
Specialisms:
Depending on the specific modules taken, you may receive one of the following named awards:
- MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery (Leadership)
- MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery (Research Methodology)
- MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery (Genomic Medicine)
- MSc Leading Clinical Research Delivery (Public Health)
These specialisms are only available at Master’s level, and not at PGDip or PGCert. Please see the programme Modules section for further information.
Your eligibility for the particular award will be confirmed by the final Assessment Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC) on the basis of the modules that have been completed. In order to graduate with a particular named specialism award in parentheses, you will need to select the appropriate specified option modules and notify the programme support team accordingly. Otherwise, the award name will be Master of Leading Clinical Research Delivery.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The Master’s in Leading Clinical Research Delivery will provide you with practical experience in the supportive context of a clinical research network whilst you work on an existing clinical research study. To achieve this, the programme aims to help you:
- 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.
- Develop a critical and reflexive understanding of the importance and impact of research questions, and the implications of contrasting approaches to clinical research.
- Develop an understanding of and commitment to a culture of continuous improvement; informing both the research undertaken and the way it is managed.
- Provide you with structured, practical experience and mentoring to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to perform the duties of a Co-Investigator, Sub-Investigator or Principal Investigator; or Senior Research Delivery Manager (e.g Research Governance Manager or CRF Manager) at a health research site.
- Provide flexible access to high quality interactive online learning to develop your knowledge and insight in respect of the approaches to, and delivery of, clinical research. The online learning will emphasise key knowledge, skills and behaviours which help you demonstrate capability as a clinician researcher when delivering aspects of networked research within your scope of practice.
All learning will be supported by online resources and moderated activities on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). Experienced academics and guest lecturers with appropriate clinical research experience and expertise will represent an appropriately diverse range of research backgrounds. The programme aims to provide a strong academic underpinning to practical clinical research delivery and to encourage you to explore opportunities to expand your scope of practice as your skills develop and in response to the needs of your clinical research network.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
This is a standard entry programme.
Our PGT programmes are designed as standalone courses, but the University also aims to provide flexibility where possible.
The Postgraduate Master’s in Leading Clinical Research Delivery is designed as a two- or three-year, part-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). It is not offered as a full time study option
We recognise that you may sometimes wish to take a module from elsewhere in the College, or the wider University, to fit in with your specific research or professional interests. A taught Master’s degree is made up of 180 credits, usually 120 credits of taught modules and 60 credits of dissertation. Normally at least 90 credits of taught modules (but an absolute minimum of 60 credits), plus the dissertation, will need be taken from within the named award in order to graduate with that award. That means that 30 credits could be made up from one or more appropriate modules from another Masters level programme(s) in place of your scheduled ones, depending on the module prerequisites, the contact days of the modules, and your funding source. There may be an additional fee associated with certain postgraduate modules. It is also important to note that the timing of your new module’s contact days and assessments might conflict with your existing programme of studies. If after considering these factors you would like to explore this option further, please discuss this with the MSc’s Programme Director. The CMH PGT Support team can then advise about the application process, which would then go for approval from the Programme Director of your current programme and the Module Lead and Programme Director of the programme(s) in which your new module(s) sits.
Programmes are divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
Interim Awards
Interim awards associated with this programme are:
- The one-year part time Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Leading Clinical Research Delivery, comprising 60 credits – please see the separate specification for this programme.
- The two-year part time Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Leading Clinical Research Delivery, comprising 120 credits.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
PGDip Leading Clinical Research Delivery: 75 compulsory credits; 45 Optional credits
Overview:
- PGDip students study over two years, completing the three compulsory modules HPDM149Z, HPDM150Z and HPDM151Z plus one non-compulsory module in Year 1; and compulsory 30-credit module HPDM158Z plus two non-compulsory 15-credit modules from the selection below in Year 2.
- 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 (click here) as part of their Induction.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM149Z | Integrity and Leadership in Research for Health and Healthcare | 15 | No |
| HPDM150Z | Doing Clinical Research | 15 | No |
| HPDM151Z | Research Practice Experience | 15 | Yes |
| HPDM158Z | Advanced Research Practice Experience | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Specialisms are not available at PGDip level, but if you are planning to progress to the MSc you should bear this in mind when selecting your optional modules. Please refer to the Specialism information for the MSc LCRD below for details on specialisms.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM121Z | Epidemiology | 15 | No |
| HPDM136Z | Evidence to Decision: Health Technology Assessment, Health Policy and Resource Allocation | 15 | No |
| HPDM127Z | Principles of Primary Care | 15 | No |
| HPDM054Z | Statistics as Applied To Health | 15 | No |
| HPDM056Z | Clinical Trials | 15 | No |
| HPDM154Z | Future Health: Beyond Data | 15 | No |
| HPDM155Z | Future Health: Reimagining Systems | 15 | No |
| HPDM082A | Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics | 15 | No |
| HPDM044Z | Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics ONLINE | 15 | No |
| HPDM037Z | Genomics of Common and Rare Disorders | 15 | No |
| HPDM036Z | Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine ONLINE | 15 | No |
| HPDM118Z | Structuring and Solving Public Health Problems | 15 | No |
| HPDM124Z | Health Protection | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of NHS infrastructures as they relate to clinical research delivery and be able to relate them to your own practice and / or areas of interest. | All teaching will be online, delivered remotely. The programme features a range of learning methods to facilitate your learning and develop understanding. These include online workshops and tutorials; forums for student discussion and learning development, online learning modules through the NIHR and ELE based activities. Independent study also forms a large part of the teaching and learning experience. | The ILOs are assessed in a number of ways to offer multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning. These include – either individually, or in combination:
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Evidence a comprehensive understanding of the local policies and operating procedures relating to clinical research delivery including resource management in your specific area of research. | All teaching will be online, delivered remotely and development of learning and understanding of all ILOs are achieved through engagement in a range of learning activities including student-led guided reading and completion of online learning packages, exploration of case studies, online discussions – both in-person (electronically) and via online forum, online learning communities and interaction with the research supervisor and team. | The ILOs are assessed in a number of ways to offer multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning. These include – either individually, or in combination:
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. Demonstrate critical and reflexive practice with respect to self and research protocols in terms of translation into clinical research delivery. | All teaching will be online and delivered remotely. You will engage in numerous learning activities including face-to-face, online study days facilitated by clinical research delivery practitioners when possible and exploration of case studies. You will also be expected to participate in discussions with your online learning community. Independent study and clinical research delivery practice will also play a major role in your learning, with the final independent research project and report providing an opportunity to put much of your prior learning on the course into action. | The ILOs are assessed in a number of ways to offer multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning. These include – either individually, or in combination:
|
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Your Academic Personal Tutor will have oversight of your overall progress. They provide guidance on developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability. They can also signpost you to other expert support if you have specific needs or concerns. You and your tutor will talk at key points in your study, and meetings will be scheduled for this. You may also have group tutorials. You can talk to your tutor if you are worried about an assessment deadline, are having problems with attendance, or have personal matters you think are affecting your studies. Your tutor will either be able to help you themselves or will signpost you in the direction of the most appropriate person for the situation.
Learning Resources
- The University Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
- Exeter’s Electronic Learning Environment (ELE) will host all your course content.
- The Master's level learning induction course (click here) is designed to prepare you for postgraduate study and covers some essential information (e.g. plagiarism, using ELE, library resources) as well as some topics that will help you to learn effectively and achieve better results in your course (e.g. note-taking, writing, and learning from feedback).
IT Services
- Open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses.
- The HLS PGT FAQs page (click here) contains answers to lots of frequently asked questions, including about IT support. The Digital Hub (click here) provides a range of video tutorials and guides on using digital tools, as well as group and one-to-one tutorials. Exeter students can also receive help 24 hours a day on their assignments via Studiosity (click here), where you can “connect live” with a subject specialist, or request “writing feedback” on drafts of your assignments.
Other Resources to Support You
- University Wellbeing Service (click here) - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support, including accessibility support.
- Study Skills Service (click here) - can provide one-to-one guidance and information on all aspects of academic study and skills.
- Family Centre (Streatham campus) provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff.
- Student Support Centre (click here) (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
- Students’ Guild (click here) is the students' union of the University of Exeter.
- Student complaints procedure (click here)
- Chaplaincy (click here) supports and encourages all students.
- The International Student Support Office (click here) supports non-UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.
- INTO University of Exeter (click here) partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
- Student Health Centre (click here)
- Employability and Graduate Development (click here) Staff provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
PGDip Leading Clinical Research Delivery (P/T 2 year)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 10/10/2022 |
Date of last revision | 13/10/2023 |
|---|
