Course Features

  • Equips participants with the knowledge, skills and competencies to allow them to complete programmes of clinical investigation and translational research. 
  • Develops core research competencies and clinical and translational research principles. 
  • Instructs students in the principles and practice of clinical trials, the development of novel technologies, and critical appraisal skills. 
  • Students are taught and assessed on the UCD campus and in our Clinical Research Centres, ensuring students have the opportunity to develop practical, employment relevant skills. 
  • Includes input from industry partners and opportunities for industry interaction. Here you will gain an understanding of clinical research in companies from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical research industry. 
  • Positions graduates to progress with a research career 
  • Based at the UCD Clinical Research Centre

Course Overview

The MSc in Clinical and Translational Research aims to train the next generation of investigators who will lead cutting edge clinical research into the future. We value high quality clinical research as the means to ensure novel interventions are developed to improve patients’ lives. We deliver our programmes in an active Clinical Research Centre, thereby ensuring students are taught by and gain experience alongside expert staff and internationally renowned investigators. A comprehensive programme of hands on practical experience is a core element of the course, complementing classroom based learning. Student assessment is focused on evaluating practical as well as theoretical skills and knowledge. This unique learning environment exposes students to high quality clinical research.

The majority of teaching will take place on the UCD campus, some teaching will take place at the UCD Clinical Research Centre, Ireland’s leading centre for patient focused clinical and translational research, situated at St Vincent’s and Mater Misericordiae University Hospitals. You will undertake modules that will give you important skills in research, which you can use to develop your own research activities.


To complete the UCD MSc in Clinical & Translational Research you will:

  • Earn 90 ECTS credits 
  • Successfully pass all assessments and examinations 
  • Complete a research project and thesis

You will complete modules in:

  • Laboratory Medicine 
  • Clinical Trials 
  • Clinical & Translational Research 
  • Data Management & Biostatistics 
  • Clinical Protocol development 
  • Clinical Trial Management

Throughout the programme you will gain significant practical experience and real world understanding of clinical research in action. This includes:

  • You will develop a clinical trial protocol and gain experience in critically appraising clinical research. 
  • You will build a database for a clinical trial 
  • You will be trained in data analysis using SPSS 
  • You will complete an internship at the UCD Clinical Research Centre 
  • You will complete sample processing and analysis laboratory practicals
  • Applicants must possess a Level 8 degree or equivalent in any relevant 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
  • Click here and follow the steps outlined.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the course page and click the (yellow) APPLY button.
  • Follow the on screen instructions.
  • You will be directed to a login page.
  • If you have never applied to study at UCD before, click on Create Account and follow the instructions shown to you on the screen and by email. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email from UCD IT Services with your login credentials. To continue with your application, you should click on the ‘Continue’ hyperlink embedded in the email. Once you have logged into your account, you will see the application form for the programme you had selected.
  • Please complete all the ‘Required Application Tasks’ to submit your application.
  • To help you complete your application, we have created a comprehensive video guide about how to fill out the application. 

Further information for international applicants is available here 

For more information on course fees please visit the Fees & Grants Office website

For further course information:

Academic Programme Director Programme Administrator

Dr Deborah Wallace

Lecturer/Assistant Professor
UCD School of Medicine

Email: crc@ucd.ie

Ms Denise Gosling

Administration Officer
UCD School of Medicine
UCD Catherine McAuley Education & Research Centre
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Nelson Street, Dublin 7

Email: crc@ucd.ie

 

Key Information:

  • Major Code X427
  • Duration 24 Months
  • Schedule Part-Time
  • Next Intake September Annually

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