COURSE CURRICULUM

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year and may be subject to change. Students enrolled in the MSc in Clinical Research at the University of Galway must complete 90 ECTS credits in Year 1 by undertaking all required modules and selecting appropriate optional modules to achieve the total credit requirement. A module is an examinable unit of study involving lectures, tutorials, and assessments, while optional modules allow students to tailor their learning to specific professional or research interests. The academic year is divided into two semesters.In Semester 1, students complete four required modules: Introduction to the Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research (10 credits), which examines governance, compliance, and research integrity; Introduction to Biostatistics I (10 credits), providing foundational statistical skills; Fundamentals of Health Research & Evaluation Methods (10 credits), focusing on study design and critical appraisal; and the Thesis (30 credits), an independent research project conducted under academic supervision. Optional Semester 1 modules include Economic Evaluation in Health Care; Harnessing the Basic Biology of Cancer for Development of Novel Therapeutics; and Clinical Research Site Level Activities (each 10 credits).In Semester 2, students choose from a range of 10-credit optional modules, including Health Systems & Policy Analysis; Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; Systematic Review Methods; Clinical Research Administration; Biobanking for Clinical Research; and Observational Studies & Biostatistics.This structured yet flexible curriculum ensures graduates gain robust methodological expertise, regulatory awareness, and applied research competence to lead and contribute effectively to high-quality clinical research.