Nottingham University Hospitals works with Nottingham Trent University to develop the next generation of research leaders
Senior research leads at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) have worked in partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to develop a new course offering qualifications up to and including Masters level for people working within a research field, who want to develop their knowledge about clinical research delivery.
The first cohort of students are already busy studying for one of several qualifications in Clinical Research, delivered by both NUH research leaders and the Institute of Health and Allied Professions at NTU, this includes oversight of the clinical research lifecycle, leadership and management in clinical research, research governance and ethics, trial management and research funding.
Some students are studying towards a full MSc qualification, as well as others studying towards professional or postgraduate certificates. The clinical research modules are available either as a stand-alone module, or part of an academic award at degree and Masters level. Awards include certificate, PG diploma and MSc, as well as a BSc (Hons) top up.
Kathryn Fairbrother, Director of Clinical Operations for Research & Innovation at NUH – who co- designed the content and is a course lead - commented:
“We are delighted to see the first intake of students participating in this course, which is a fantastic opportunity for people working in a research environment to develop their knowledge and understanding of delivering and leading clinical research. NUH is bringing our expertise in clinical research to match the academic excellence of NTU.”
She added: “The course explores the latest issues in the conduct and utilisation of health and social care research, as well as enhancing collaborative working and enables effective leadership. We are sure it will only go from strength to strength in future.”
Dr Louise Bramley, Deputy Clinical Director of Research & Innovation – who supported the development of the course syllabus - added: “We are proud of our association with Nottingham Trent University, which has a strong track record in designing and delivering excellent courses to meet the needs of the local health sector workforce.
“Our management team from R&I are involved in the hands-on delivery of the course, which is part of NTU’s suite of continuous professional development courses.”
Chris Pritchard, Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Practice & Emergency Care and Course Lead for the Clinical Research Portfolio at NTU, said:
“I am excited to see our students engaging with this course. It offers a brilliant opportunity for them to explore the operational realities of running large scale clinical research.
“Working in partnership enables both NUH and NTU to bring together our recognised research and academic expertise to develop future research leaders. We have students from several NHS organisations within the East Midlands, and I’m looking forward to the course expanding further in the future.”
Anne Felton, Head of Department for the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP) at NTU, said:
“IHAP are delighted to offer the MSc Clinical Research programme as an important addition to our diverse portfolio of courses run in partnership with NUH. The partnership brings together the best of clinical and academic expertise to enable our courses to provide the knowledge and skills to drive excellence in clinical practice and research.”
The blended learning, part-time course is delivered in person at NTU’s Clifton Campus in Nottingham and the next student intake will be in September 2025.
More details on this course and its entry requirements is available via the following link on NTU’s website: Clinical Research BSc (Hons); MSc; PGCert; PGDip; Professional Certificate in Practitioner; Professional Course | Nottingham Trent University