This one-off module is open to all specialties and is part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research Education and Leadership (offered as the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Leadership Education and Research from 2027-28). It’s designed for Specialty Registrars or equivalent, GPs, dentists and newly appointed consultants.
The course is designed to be flexible and accessible to working healthcare professionals contributing towards research and continuous personal and professional development (CPPD). To see what other CPPD modules we’re running in 2026-27, and for more information, visit Cambridge Clinical Medicine Programme: modular study.
Course Dates
Course details
Academic team
Course information
Our clinical medicine modules run over 4 or 5 days of either in-person teaching or a combination of in-person and online sessions.
This module is taught at FHEQ Level 7 and is for CPPD only. Students attend the Research module teaching sessions of the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research Education and Leadership, but do not complete the assignment and there is no credit awarded. A certificate of attendance is given at the end of the course.
Aims
- To allow students to participate effectively in clinical research and to provide students with a framework to develop research ideas into publishable studies.
- Provide students with the knowledge to understand the importance of research activity in the future of clinical care within healthcare systems and tertiary health care institutions.
- To provide students with insight into study design, funding and management, and understanding of the regulatory environment in which research is conducted.
- Contribute to continuing professional development of healthcare professionals by providing knowledge of research and academic career pathways.
Themes
- Theme 1: Understanding the role of research in clinical practice and the role of clinicians in conducting research, and the elements of good clinical practice.
- Theme 2: Effective review of the literature.
- Theme 3: Understanding research methodologies.
- Theme 4: The clinical study design process and ethical approval.
- Theme 5: Publication and dissemination.
- Theme 6: Funding applications and grant writing skills.
- Theme 7: Statistics, data analysis and data presentation.
- Theme 8: Critically appraising the literature.
- Theme 9: Research career pathways within large organisations, the NHS, and learning from other industries.
Teaching dates
- Monday 18 to Thursday 21 January 2027: in person
- Thursday 25 February 2027: online
We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. Applications are invited from Speciality Registrars or equivalent, GPs, dentists and newly appointed consultants.
We especially encourage applications from eligible employees from Cambridge Universities Health Partners (CUHP) partner organisations such as, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUHFT), Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT).
As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.
Academic experience
There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course. Given the postgraduate level of the course and subject matter, we recommend that applicants hold a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.
Teaching in English
To get the most from this course, you’ll need to be confident in understanding and communicating in English at postgraduate level. While we do not require proof, if English is not your first language, we recommend a near-native level of fluency. For more information, see Postgraduate and Master's admissions for the tests and scores we require for our award-bearing postgraduate courses.
Visa information
We welcome applications from international students. If you’re coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.
It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions that may limit the number of modules you can take in one year. To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.
Fees
The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.
To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the University’s fee status page.
See how to pay for more information on paying for your course. for more information on paying for your course.
You’ll need to cover any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the teaching sessions held in Cambridge.
Funding
We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries.
Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application.
The application deadline is 11 December 2026.
How to apply and what you'll need
Click ‘Apply now’ and follow the instructions on our PACE student portal. There, you can:
- create, save, and submit your application
- upload your supporting documents
- track your application
Supporting documents
When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide supporting information.
CV
Upload an up-to-date resume.
Personal statement
Submit a brief summary of 200-250 words outlining how the module will benefit and enhance your clinical role.
We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.
