Course Summary
The MSc in Clinical Research is designed to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the clinical research field.
This program serves as a pathway for transforming medical discoveries into clinical applications, fostering efficiency and innovation.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Students must have completed one of the following:
1. An undergraduate degree in medicine.
2. Another healthcare-related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours
3. A biomedical science-related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours
• Applicants from non-healthcare related degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours). Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
• All applicants whose first?language?is not?English, or who have not been educated through the medium of?English?language?during their two most recent years of study, must meet the University of Galway's English Language Requirements. For details on accepted qualifications, please refer to the
• The University no longer accept Duolingo for entry. However, if your level is below IELTS 6.5, you could do a pre-sessional course aimed at preparing you for progression to this course.
• Applicants who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the program.
• The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail, with significant weight placed on: A) The applicant’s personal statement describing their motivation for applying to this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc. B) The applicant’s previous academic performance. C) The applicant’s referee’s comments.
• This programme is eligible under the?Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP,??Ireland's official register of approved educational programs that can accept international students requiring study visas, ensuring programs meet quality standards for immigration purposes.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme.
Application Details
Closing Date: No set closing date.
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date: September 2025
Fees
Fees: EU
€9,890 p.a. full-time; €5355 p.a. part-time (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€9,750 p.a. full-time; €5,250 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€19,000 p.a. (€19,140 including levy) 2024/25
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Graduates of the MSc in Clinical Research are well-prepared to advance into impactful roles as principal investigators (PIs) or essential team members in the planning, management, and oversight of clinical research projects. These roles are highly sought after in diverse sectors, including academia, pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations (CROs), hospitals, government agencies, and independent funding bodies.
Further career pathways include opportunities in teaching, consultancy, and advisory positions, reflecting the program’s emphasis on producing versatile professionals ready to shape the future of clinical research.