The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) is celebrating the success of its MSc in clinical research as the first intake of students graduate the course
The MSc in clinical research was introduced in collaboration with Cranfield University in Bedfordshire in 2005 to fill a gap for teaching clinical research professionals and to formally acknowledge clinical research skills and expertise.
It includes ten taught modules followed by a research project which is undertaken in a student's workplace.
This month saw the first set of students graduate and among them was Bridget Juniper, an employee well-being specialist, who gained the overall highest mark.
She commented: "I very much enjoyed the course and its wide coverage of subjects, ranging from the commercial aspects, right through to in-depth examinations of all phases of drug development.
"Having worked in the city of London for 18 years, I was new to the clinical research industry and the MSc course gave me a solid foundation for my new career.
"A variety of external lecturers, combined with a number of field trips built on our theoretical knowledge, and gave us an understanding of the real-life practicalities in the sector".
The course is run on a part-time basis over two or three years and combines academic learning with commercial research.
It is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the field of clinical research.
By not focusing specifically on any one therapeutic area or discipline, it seeks to educate students in all aspects of clinical research through modules focusing on topics relevant to commercial and non-commercial clinical research in a broader sense.
The ICR is not only spearheading the management of the MSc in clinical research but its own introduction to clinical research course has also been integrated into the MSc.
"We are working closely with Cranfield to gain University accreditation for the Introduction to Clinical Research course so it can not only be run at our headquarters but also at Cranfield University each year," explained ICR chair, Susan Ollier.
"The ICR works to promote knowledge and understanding and develop clinical research professionals throughout their careers.
"This course is a prime example of helping to further the careers of our members and the wider clinical research community."
