English 
Deutsch Who is the Master's programme in Clinical Research suitable for?
The English-language Master's programme Clinical Research is aimed at professionals with scientific or medical backgrounds who wish to specialise specifically in the management, conduct and evaluation of clinical trials. Typical participants include physicians, scientists, study coordinators, staff from the life sciences, pharma and medtech sectors, as well as early-stage researchers (such as doctoral candidates or research assistants) with career interests in clinical research. The programme is also suitable for graduates of the Harvard PPCR course who wish to continue their academic path up to the Master’s degree.
What formal admission requirements apply?
For admission, you need to meet the following formal requirements:
- Completed university degree with at least 240 ECTS, recognised in your country of origin
- Registration for or proof of successful completion of the “Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR)” course of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Current employment in the field of clinical research and at least one year of relevant professional experience
- Very good English skills (teaching takes place exclusively in English; knowledge of German is not required)
Degrees with fewer credits or thematically different content are assessed individually. Internal applications from DIU or Harvard PPCR alumni benefit from concessions and discounts.
You should enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration, have a high level of self-motivation and analytical thinking skills. Communication skills in an international research context, a solid interest in study design, statistics and scientific work, as well as a willingness for structured and self-organised learning, are required. Practical experience in scientific publishing, data analysis or study management is advantageous. You should also be open to digital tools and innovative methods in the research environment.
Which Study Content Does the Master’s in Clinical Research Cover?
In the Master’s degree programme Clinical Research at Dresden International University, you acquire detailed knowledge in the planning, execution, and evaluation of clinical studies. The programme is strongly practice-oriented and aims to specifically prepare you for leadership and specialist roles in the field of medical research. The core content includes:
- Study Design and Methodology: Formulation and selection of research questions (e.g. according to FINER, PICOT), development of study protocols, application of randomisation and blinding, sample size calculation, and bias reduction
- Biostatistics and Data Management: Statistics (descriptive, inferential, predictive), handling of large data sets, data visualisation, working with R/RStudio, electronic health records (EHRs), databases and basics of SQL
- Scientific Communication: Scientific writing (e.g. manuscripts, abstracts, posters), presentation of research results and publication strategies
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) & Ethics: Knowledge of regulatory requirements, ethical guidelines and international research standards
- Drug Development and Innovation: Insights into Health Economic Outcomes Research (HEOR), Real World Evidence (RWE), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
- Master’s Thesis: Independent scientific final thesis with concluding colloquium
International lecturers as well as the integration of the Harvard programme "Principles and Practice of Clinical Research" (PPCR) shape the interdisciplinary and practice-oriented study approach.
How Is the Study Process Organised in the Clinical Research Master’s Programme?
The Master of Science Clinical Research is a part-time, fully online programme, which usually follows this structure:
- Duration: Approximately 21 months in total (15 months for the modules including the PPCR course, 6 months for the Master’s thesis)
- Start of Studies: Regular intake possible – for example in April or October
- Learning Organisation: Flexible online studies with a modular structure; designed for working professionals
- Teaching Format: Online modules consisting of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and group projects
- Integration of the PPCR Course: The achievements from the Harvard “Principles and Practice of Clinical Research” programme are fully recognised – as the central initial phase
- Final Phase: Independent Master’s thesis including presentation and defence (colloquium)
- Language of Instruction: English
The study structure emphasises individual time management, intensive supervision in small groups and practical implementation of the learned content.
Which Career Options Does the Master’s Degree in Clinical Research Open Up?
With this degree, you qualify for demanding positions within clinical research and related sectors. The most common fields of employment include:
- Leadership and management of clinical studies in pharmaceutical companies, contract research organisations (CROs), medical technology and biomedical industry
- Leadership roles in research departments of hospitals, universities, non-university research institutions and public bodies
- Specialist roles in monitoring, data management, regulatory affairs and medical writing
- Further qualification for scientific careers (doctorate, management of international research projects, academic careers)
- Consulting activities in Health Technology Assessment, Health Economics or ethics committees
Graduates work at the interface of science, clinical practice as well as regulatory and economic implementation of medical research. The degree is recognised both nationally and internationally and opens access to diverse careers in the life sciences sector.
Where and How Does the Study Take Place – Organisation & Process
The Master’s programme Clinical Research at Dresden International University is designed as an online-based, part-time programme:
- Location of Study: The study takes place entirely online. There is no obligation to attend on site.
- University: Dresden International University (DIU), a state-recognised private university based in Dresden
- Virtual Learning Environment: Access to digital teaching materials, live sessions, group work via online platforms
- Supervision: Support and advice are provided online by lecturers and the DIU advisory team
The flexible organisation enables you to optimally combine your studies with your job and individual life situation.
What Costs Arise and Are There Financing Options?
The following costs apply to the programme:
- Total cost of the Master’s programme: €13,325 (excluding fees for the preceding PPCR programme)
- Monthly tuition fee: €895 (each excluding PPCR programme fees)
- Payment modalities: A down payment of €9,000 is to be made before the start of studies. The remaining payment (€4,425) must be settled by the end of the first semester.
Various discounts and scholarships are offered:
- PPCR alumni receive a 25% discount on tuition fees if they enrol immediately after completing the PPCR programme
- “Bring a Friend” discount: Anyone who recruits another person receives one monthly instalment waived
- Funding opportunities: You can make use of national and international funding options, such as scholarships from DAAD scholarship databases or funding programmes of private and public institutions
Please note that additional costs for the Harvard PPCR programme itself are not included in the stated tuition fees.
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