Clinical Research (MSc, full-time and part-time)

Course Overview

Taking the strengths from our previous ICT Skills Springboard+ conversion programme, the Higher Diploma in Software Design and Development , the School of Computer Science in University of Galway has developed a brand new replacement programme, the L9 Postgraduate Diploma in Cloud Computing and Software Development. This new programme has been carefully designed in conjunction with our 12 industry partners and in consultation with regional skills fora. The programme a fully online part-time course, designed to meet the challenges of reskilling and upskilling students in a modern economy where many applicants are working full-time and require flexible delivery options.

It is designed in tandem with industry to meet the growing skills shortage for software developers with a knowledge of Cloud infrastructures. It is a conversion course which means that it is open to applicants from non-computing backgrounds. They facilitate individuals wishing to change career, reskill or potentially upskill to improve their employment prospects. The minimum requirement is that students have a L8 undergraduate degree, L7 entrants can also apply but will need to demonstrate at least two years industry experience within the computing sector to be considered. In addition, both courses offer an 8 month internship in industry in semester two of year two, which effectively means that participants will be working full-time in industry after 18 months. The courses are fully online and part-time, meaning that applicants can maintain their existing full-time or part-time employment whilst taking the course. Student fees for the course are 90% funded by the Higher Education Authority meaning that successful applicants will only have to cover 10% of the fee which amounts to €772 in total.

This sector is experiencing rapid expansion at the moment, and there is a growing skills shortage for ICT graduate roles that these students are ideally suited to fill. The highly intensive programme is designed for those with little or no knowledge of software development, but we are particularly keen to receive applications from those who have had some exposure to coding and feel that this is something they potentially have a flare for. People with technical or strong numerical backgrounds often perform best in these types of programmes and we strongly encourage applicants who have strong logical reasoning or maths skills. This could be a strong maths result from their leaving cert or from certain modules in their undergraduate degree. This isnt essential, but often indicates a strong problem solving and logical skillset.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Outline

Course Description

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cloud Computing and Software Development provides the skills required in the digital age and has been designed to meet the challenges of reskilling and upskilling in a modern economy. Industry demand for graduates with cloud computing and software development skills is at an all-time high.  This course provides flexible delivery options to meet this need. It has been designed in consultation with start-up enterprises, SMEs and large multinationals to give you the expertise and knowledge required to progress your career. 

Course Content

This is a two-year part-time Springboard+ online programme with awards of 60 ECTS in total.

This course provides:

• A solid foundation in key computing knowledge, including extensive experience with programming languages such as, Java, Java Enterprise, JavaScript (NodeJS) all at the level expected by industry.
• A specialisation in cloud computing, enabling you to build critical knowledge of cloud application development, as well as cloud infrastructures and platforms such as Googles Firebase and Amazon Web Service.
• A structure for industry collaboration, which allows industry to influence the development and training of participants, through an upgraded 8-month internship programme.

Year 1:

Semester 1: 15 ECTS

• Cloud Web Application Development
• Algorithms and Data Structures 
• OO Programming 1 

Semester 2: 15 ECTS

• Enterprise Java Programming 
• Fundamentals of Cloud Computing 

Year 2:

Semester 3: 15 ECTS

• Cloud DevOps
• Database Systems 
• Architecture, Operating Systems & Networks

Semester 4: 15 ECTS

• Internship or group project: A large 8 month internship will be provided for those interested in gaining valuable work experience. Those who opt not to do the work placement can instead partake in a capstone group project supervised by an academic and potentially with an industry specified project.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

Find out More

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Course Overview

The objective of this Master of Science course is to provide training for the next generation of healthcare workers in the clinical research arena. The course aims to provide a platform for achieving greater efficiencies in applying medical discoveries to clinical practice. It is aimed at qualified individuals who wish to become independent clinical investigators or those who wish to seek employment in leadership positions in clinical research teams.

The MSc (Clinical Research) is intended to be a part-time two-year programme of academic study in Clinical Research Methodology. Year 1 will be spent at University of Galway and Year 2 is completed by a combination of distance learning, and on-site modules delivered by University of Galway. A full-time one-year option is available to students who wish to complete the MSc in a full-time capacity.

Special features
Course contributors include senior academics and medical professionals from University of Galway, and Saolta University Health Care Group who are actively engaged in clinical research. This programme is closely linked with the HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway.

Course webinar recording
Watch recording from Virtual Postgraduate Open Day, November 2020, here.

HRB fellowship: call for HRB-CRFG Fellowship Applications
Please click here for information document. Then please click here to download the form referenced in the information document.

Eligibility criteria

• Offered and accepted a full-time position on the MSc in Clinical Research programme.
• Be available to commit to working 20 hours per week at the HRB-CRFG.

Allied University of Galway courses

• Interested in applying stem cells, gene therapy and tissue engineering to develop new therapies? Click here to find out more.
• Cellular manufacturing and therapy and the production of advanced medicinal products is quickly evolving as the future of medicine.To learn more about bioprocessing, click here.
• Microscopy and imaging of cells and tissue samples is a highly desirable skill for academia and industry alike. Click here to learn more.

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Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Outline

Full-time MSc (Clinical Research)

Full-time or part-time course consisting of 90 ECTS.

Compulsory Modules (Core):

Semester 1

MD510 Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods; 10ECTS

MD511 Introduction to Biostatistics I; 10ECTS

MD1602 Introduction to the Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research; 10ECTS

Additional Modules (Optional):

Semester 1 and 2

MD513 Introduction to Biostatistics II; 10ECTS

MD514 Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; 10ECTS

MD515 Systematic Review Methods; 10ECTS

MD1541 Harnessing the Basic Biology of Cancer for Development of Novel Therapeutics; 10 ECTS

MD1603 Clinical Research Site Level Activities; 10 ECTS

MD517 Clinical Research Administration; 10ECTS

EC584 Health Systems and Policy Analysis; 10ECTS

EC572 Health Technology Assessment; 10ECTS

MD518 Observational and Analytical Research Methods; 10ECTS

MD1600 Bio-Ethics; 10ECTS

MD1601 Biobank—Advanced Clinical Application and Clinical Testing; 10ECTS

MD1528 First in Human, Early Phase Clinical Trials; 10ECTS

PLUS

MD520 Thesis (30 ECTS), completed over the one-year period. Thesis defence will be completed at University of Galway.

Part-time MSc (Clinical Research) 

Students are required to complete three compulsory modules at University of Galway in year 1 of the Masters. A further 3* or 5** modules are selected from additional courses available at University of Galway.

Semester 1

MD510 Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods; 10ECTS

MD511 Introduction to Biostatistics I; 10ECTS

MD1602 Introduction to the Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research; 10ECTS 

Additional Modules (Optional):

Semester 1 and 2

MD513 Introduction to Biostatistics II; 10ECTS

MD514 Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials; 10ECTS

MD515 Systematic Review Methods; 10ECTS

MD1541 Harnessing the Basic Biology of Cancer for Development of Novel Therapeutics; 10 ECTS

MD1603 Clinical Research Site Level Activities; 10 ECTS

MD517 Clinical Research Administration; 10ECTS

EC584 Health Systems and Policy Analysis; 10ECTS

EC572 Health Technology Assessment; 10ECTS

MD518 Observational and Analytical Research Methods; 10ECTS

MD1600 Bio-Ethics; 10ECTS

MD1601 Biobank—Advanced Clinical Application and Clinical Testing; 10ECTS

MD1528 First in Human, Early Phase Clinical Trials; 10ECTS 

PLUS

*Thesis (30 ECTS), completed over the 2-year period. Thesis defence will be completed at University of Galway

OR

** MD519 Independent Study Module (10 ECTS), completed and assessed by University of Galway.

Module details for full-time course 
Module details for part-time course

Curriculum Information

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

Find out More

Postgraduate Applications

For most postgraduate courses (other than the Postgraduate Masters in Education), click here to make your application. Any courses not listed here have an alternate application instructions on their course page.

PME/MGO (Postgraduate Masters in Education)

Postgraduate Masters in Education applicants (PME/MGO) should apply through PAC.


How Do I Apply?

You can apply online for most postgraduate courses here. 

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary for each programme. Check individual programme webpages for specific requirements.

Application Instructions

You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.

Folllow the application tips for how to apply advice.

Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Application Fee

The cost of applying is €35 and is a non-refundable application fee.

How Do I Submit My Supporting Documentation?

You must upload to your application electronically. You will be given instructions on this aspect once you submit your application.

You can see online in advance what supporting documents you're likely to be asked for. 

Instructions for Research Applications

Finding a Research Supervisor

Before making an online application, we advise that you first consult with potential academic supervisors at University of Galway. You must contact the research institute or centre that you're interested in studying at or working for. They will let you know who the available supervisors are, what their research interests are, and anything else you need to know. Our online portal 1 should also be of use.

The following links will direct you to the research areas within the university:

• Colleges & Schools
• Research Institutes, Centres, and Units

Timetable

Assessment Dates for Applications

Each postgraduate taught programme has an initial date indicating when applications should be submitted. For details on these dates, please check here.

Unsuccessful Applications

If your application has been unsuccessful, you can find out why by contacting the relevant Programme Director or College Office directly for more information.