Help improve human health. Study Clinical Research and get the skills you need to carry out evidence-based research that will advance medical knowledge.
You’ll learn to use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and find out how to critically evaluate current literature. Gain knowledge in good study design and research practice, data analysis and research presentation. You'll find out how to carry out clinical trials and cover ethical and cultural issues in clinical research.
Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science Postgraduate Handbook.
Download the handbookToward the end of your studies you'll be guided to write a full research grant application that describes a proposed clinical research project. Past students' projects have included a trial of medical grade honey in childhood impetigo, an investigation of a new type of prosthetic hip, a trial of a new medication in Huntingdon's disease and research into the benefits of steroids in pneumonia treatment.
Taught by the School of Biological Sciences in partnership with Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand, the PGDipClinRes will give you the skills essential to conducting your own clinical research or to work for a research institution.
You’ll learn from highly regarded clinicians from Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand, the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), and Victoria University of Wellington. Some sessions are delivered by outside tutors from around New Zealand who have specific areas of expertise.
If you’re a medical trainee or graduate, a nurse or other health professional who wants to carry out clinical research—or if you just need to up-skill in research methods—then this qualification is well-suited to you. To enrol in the Diploma, you’ll need a relevant degree in health, medicine, neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science, or biostatistics with a B+ average in relevant subjects, or have extensive relevant experience in the field.
The PGDipClinRes has two pathways you can choose from, depending on your study goals. You can take a research pathway via the Research Preparation course (CLNR 580) or a professional pathway via the Internship course (CLNR 590).
If you plan to continue your studies to pursue the Master of Clinical Research, you should take the research pathway with CLNR 580.
The PGDipClinRes is mostly taught online and through teleconferencing, but includes a practical weekend seminar each semester that you need to attend in person. Teleconferencing forums are normally held on a weeknight.
The programme is best suited to part-time study over two years, and is equivalent to about 1,200 student work hours. You’ll complete six compulsory courses totalling 120 points and will be assessed through your presentations, essays and formal reports. There is no formal examination.
Because the PGDipClinRes is generally taught part time, it may not be suitable for you if you are an international student.
International students are allowed to enrol in the PGDipClinRes, but you should note the following:
Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, academics, clinical experts and professional colleagues.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. As well as the country’s political, diplomatic, and security hub, Wellington is a harbour city with easy access to the great outdoors.
Through this programme of study, you’ll be able to expand your current work to include clinical research, or move into a new career as a clinical researcher in a range of areas in the health sector. You might work for a drug company, a hospital clinical trials unit or a research institute.
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Take your PGDipClinRes to the next level with a Master of Clinical Research (MClinRes). In this Master’s programme, you’ll complete a thesis that includes a detailed literature search around your study topic, a description of your research methods, and some pilot results data.
If you haven’t completed the Diploma but have significant and relevant clinical research experience, you might still be admitted into the Master’s programme.
You can complete your Master’s in one year of full-time study. Students generally complete their Master’s thesis under supervision at the University, but you can study at an approved outside site. Find out how to apply to do this.
If you do well in your Diploma or Master’s research, you'll be able to apply to do a PhD. You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics through the Wellington Faculty of Science.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
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