Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research

This course provides individuals from medical and allied health professions (such as nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists etc) and others with a science-based background and qualifications the opportunity to complete advanced formal training in Clinical Research.

Consequently, students will have the opportunity to build a comprehensive range of skills in the general area of clinical research through the Graduate Certificate, higher-level theoretical skills in a relevant clinical speciality through the Graduate Diploma and applied skills in a relevant area of clinical speciality if they progress through to the Masters award.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research will possess:

• A comprehensive understanding of the broad area of clinical research and issues associated with good clinical practice, ethics and regulations, as well as analytical and project and team management techniques,
• A comprehensive foundation in the methods and rationales of clinical research in a relevant clinical research speciality area,
• The ability to acquire knowledge about clinical research,
• High level analytic and problem solving skills using techniques acquired during the course,
• A theoretical understanding of what needs to be done to apply this knowledge in the work environment,
• Report writing skills in the general clinical research area and presentation skills in an area of relevant clinical speciality, and
• Sufficient preparatory knowledge for more detailed study in clinical research at the Masters level.

To satisfy the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research, students must complete a total of 100 points.

Core Subjects

Firstly, students must complete the following four core subjects (50 credit points).

Elective Subjects

Students are then required to complete a total of 50 credit points from this list of elective subjects.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in medicine, an allied health profession, science or social science, and
• at least one year of documented, relevant professional work experience in a medical, scientific or allied health environment.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the research experience or evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research; and
• the capacity of a participating department to provide adequate supervision in a research project appropriate to the interests and preparation of the individual applicant.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit:

http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

On successful completion of the Graduate Diploma or students will be eligible for 100 points credit towards the Masters programs in Clinical Research

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

· Academically excellent:

o have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship

o have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)

o reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication

o be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning

o be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

· Knowledgeable across disciplines:

o examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines

o expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects

o have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems

o have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment

· Leaders in communities:

o initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces

o have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations

o mentor future generations of learners

o engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

· Attuned to cultural diversity:

o value different cultures

o be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work

o have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community

o respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

· Active global citizens:

o accept social and civic responsibilities

o be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment

have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics

.

Na

n/a