Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research â PGDipClinRes
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.
Real-world skills
Toward 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.
Learn from the experts
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.
For health professionals
If you’re a medical trainee or graduate, a nurse or other health professional who wants to carry out clinical research, or 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.

