Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership

Who is the course designed for?

The Postgraduate Certificate is part of the Clinical Medicine Programme, a suite of part-time courses designed to enhance the specialist skills of senior healthcare professionals in training and broaden their understanding in healthcare education, research, leadership and management. The modules are designed to complement postgraduate curricula.

The programme has been developed by Cambridge University Health Partners, (the academic health sciences centre), in conjunction with the School of Clinical Medicine and the Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge.

Aims of the programme

• Provide professionally relevant teaching and learning informed by research in an integrated clinical and teaching environment
• Create an international cohort of healthcare professionals able to pursue and develop their roles in a rapidly-changing and challenging environment of clinical medicine
• Develop the confidence within this cohort to lead service improvement for safe and high quality patient care, with the required knowledge, skills and capability to have a positive personal impact on the work of others in their clinical team and wider service
• Develop clinicians with an understanding of teaching, professional development and assessment in the field of clinical medicine
• Develop clinicians with an understanding of research methodologies and ethical considerations relevant to clinical medicine
• Encourage participants to develop as reflective practitioners with the emotional intelligence, resilience and astuteness required to be effective clinical leaders
• Encourage a commitment to intellectual challenge and evidence-based clinical practice informed by the latest conceptual and theoretical knowledge of clinical education, research methods, ethics and clinical leadership and governance

For further information please see our FAQs.

Learning support 

We welcome learners of all backgrounds and abilities at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), and for this reason we have robust learning support in place for any student who needs it.

The Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) provides advice, guidance, and resources to disabled students on ICE award-bearing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

If you have a disability or medical condition including a mental health condition, then please indicate this on your application form so we can work with you on supporting your studies. If you would like to access support from the ADRC please complete their online Student Information Form as soon as possible. If you are able to, please upload your evidence (written in English) within the Student Information Form where prompted. The following links to guidance on medical evidence or diagnostic evidence will help to answer any questions you may have. 

If you have any questions concerning disability support then please contact the ADRC NMS team via adrc.nms@admin.cam.ac.uk or view their website via https://www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk/non-matriculated-students

You can also disclose a disability at any time during your course by contacting either the ADRC NMS team, or ICE’s Student Support team via da@ice.cam.ac.uk

Student wellbeing is a key priority at ICE, and we have a dedicated Student Support team who can provide wellbeing support and guidance. Please contact the team via studentwelfare@ice.cam.ac.uk

Teaching and learning

The Postgraduate Certificate comprises three modules and combines face-to-face study days with on-line activity, study and assignments. 

Please note: information regarding dates and teaching sessions are provisional, this will be updated for 2025-26 before the course starts

Module: Clinical Leadership (also available as stand-alone study)

• TBC (4 teaching days)

Aims 

• To develop students as healthcare leaders with the required knowledge, skills & capability to have a positive personal impact on the work of others in their clinical team and wider service.
• To contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, resilience & political astuteness required to be a healthcare leader in a rapidly changing & challenging environment.
• To develop students who are committed to safe and high-quality patient care.
• To develop students who are confident in leading for improvement and leading across a wider system of healthcare.

There are eight themes within the Clinical Leadership Module:

• Theme 1: Clinical Leadership in the NHS;
• Theme 2: Self-awareness and personal leadership qualities;
• Theme 3: Project/change management theories and practice;
• Theme 4: The impact of effective leadership within the clinical arena and how to enhance leadership. Leadership resilience strategies;
• Theme 5: Teams: An evidence-based approach to people management and developing high-performing teams;
• Theme 6: Rescuing failing teams, managing difficult behaviour;
• Theme 7: Improvement, strategic development, business planning & marketing;
• Theme 8: Presenting projects, change management, organisational theory.  Change within large organisations – the NHS, learning from other industries.

Module : Clinical Research

• TBC (5 teaching days)

Aims 

• To allow students to participate effectively in clinical research and to provide students with a framework to develop research ideas into publishable studies. 
• Provide students with the knowledge to understand the importance of research activity in the future of clinical care within healthcare systems and tertiary health care institutions. 
• To provide students with insight into study design, funding and management, and understanding of the regulatory environment in which research is conducted. 
• Contribute to continuing professional development of healthcare professionals by providing knowledge of research and academic career pathways.

There are eight themes within the research module: 

• Theme 1: Understanding the role of research in clinical practice and the role of clinicians in conducting research, and the elements of good clinical practice; 
• Theme 2: Effective review of the literature;
• Theme 3: Understanding research methodologies;
• Theme 4: The clinical study design process and ethical approval;
• Theme 5: Publication and dissemination;
• Theme 6: Funding applications and grant writing skills;
• Theme 7: Statistics, data analysis and data presentation;
• Theme 8: Critically appraising the literature;
• Theme 9: Research career pathways.

In addition, a Good Clinical Practice Course is completed electronically. 
 

Module: Clinical Education (also available as stand-alone study)

• TBC (5 teaching days)

Aims

• Ensure students develop advanced skills and motivation for teaching.
• Allow students to contribute to continuing development of healthcare professionals by stimulating inter-professional education.
• Develop students as teachers and prepare them for the high standards of revalidation and appraising of the educational aspect of their work.

There are five themes within the education module: 

• Theme 1: Educational Theory  
• Theme 2: Educational Supervision 
• Theme 3: Evaluation and Quality of Teaching 
• Theme 4: Technology in Education 
• Theme 5: Academic and Teaching Skills 
   

A virtual learning environment will support students’ learning throughout the programme.

Assessment

Students are assessed formatively throughout the course using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection. Demonstration of active participation in the programme will be required. There may also be a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.

Students will be required to submit :

Module: Clinical Leadership

1. A written assignment from the healthcare simulation workshop of 1,000 words or equivalent
2. A retrospective report on the quality improvement project*, in the form of:

• a) an academic project poster
• b) a verbal presentation (10 minutes followed by 5 minutes Q&A) supported by a slideshow

*The quality improvement project will be carried out by the candidate throughout the academic year, on an individual title approved by the tutors in Michaelmas term.
 

Module: Clinical Research

Summative assessment will be conducted using a written assignment (2500 - 3000 words) in the form of a theoretical research project proposal in an area of clinical practice relevant to the student’s own speciality or interest. 

Module: Clinical Education

Students will submit one assignment consisting of three parts:  

1. An essay on a topic of the taught programme (1000 - 1,500 words).  
2. An example of a training programme ((750 - 1000 words). 
3. Reflection on a teaching episode (750 - 1000 words). 
    

Fees and funding

The fees for 2025-26 will be £6,545.00 per annum (UK) and £13,090.00 (overseas).

The fee status of EU nationals for 2021 entry onwards will be International by default until the UK government announce further details and amendments of the current regulation. EU students should regularly check for updates at: www.cam.ac.uk/eu

Students will be expected to cover the application fee (£50 online) and any costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence incurred during teaching sessions in Cambridge.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted until 30 April 2025. Please click the APPLY NOW button at the top of the page and follow the steps.

Applicants will be required to either submit or provide details of the following as part of the application process:

·       Original qualification transcripts

·       Employer letter of support to confirm release of time to study.

·       Evidence of funding

·       Details of two academic referees

·       If applicable, appropriate visa to attend the course.

All eligible candidates will be invited to interview. Candidates will be informed of final decisions towards the end of June 2025.

FAQs

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked question or FAQs, relating specifically to the PG Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership. Please do read through these and you should find the answers to most questions.

However, if you still cannot find what you are looking for then please click on, the 'ASK A QUESTION' button at the top right of this page to send the course team a message and we will respond as soon as possible.

Is this course available online?

No, this is not a distance-learning course. We plan to deliver our postgraduate and MSt qualifications in-person. 

This course has been designed for part-time delivery in order to permit students to work around their employment commitments. It is not possible for it to be studied on a full-time basis. 

When can I apply for the next PG Certificate course?

Applications for an MSt, PG Certificate and PG Diploma starting in the Michaelmas term (October) of any given year, open in the September/October of the previous year. So, for example, for an October 2026 start, applications open September 2025.  Please see our Courses pages for when courses are open for application here. 

When is the deadline for applications?

Applications for 2025/26 entry for the PG Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership can be submitted online until 30th April 2025.

When will my application be considered? 

All applications will be reviewed at the close of the applications window after the submission deadline, irrespective of when they are received.

When can I expect to hear back with a decision?

Decisions on applications will be made approximately 6 weeks after the relevant closing date. Final decisions regarding admissions can only be made on the full and final applications and the offer of places will depend on the strength of applicants in any one year.

Who is the course aimed at?

Applications are invited from healthcare staff including doctors, dentists, nurses and allied health professionals.

Am I suitable for the PG Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Research?

The entry requirements for this course are outlined under the Entry Requirements of the course page here.

English is not my first language - can I still apply?

All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme. Students whose first language is not English must be able to satisfy the necessary requirements, even if they have worked or studied in English previously.  Please refer to the ICE website here for further information, following any extra links there for further, added advice.

Can I transfer credits from my current/previous university?

We are currently unable to accept any transfer of credits from other universities.  

Can I study individual modules?

The Postgraduate Certificate comprises three modules.  Module 1 (Clinical Leadership) and Module 3 (Clinical Education) are available as a stand-alone study option, for Continuous Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) only (not for credit).

However, should the PG Certificate course in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership be pursued at a later date, any modules studied previously as a stand-alone option would still have to be repeated and all teaching sessions attended, with all assignments submitted and no reduction in the course fee.

I have a question about my application, whom should I contact?

For any queries or information about the admissions procedure, making an application or your application itself - please contact the Admissions team by clicking on the Ask A Question link at the top right-hand side on this page.

How is teaching delivered?

The PG Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership combines face-to-face study days with on-line activity, study and assignments, supported through a virtual learning environment [VLE].  There are 15 contact teaching days in total.

A provisional guide of the number of teaching days is provided under the Teaching & Assessment tab of the course page.

Teaching day attendance is in Cambridge and students should ensure they are able to meet all teaching obligations before starting the course.

What are the Fees?

The fees for 2024 entry for the PG Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership, as detailed on the course page, are £6,545.00 per annum for Home students and £13,090.00 per annum for Overseas students. The fee status of EU nationals for 2021 entry onwards will be International by default until the UK government announce further details and amendments of the current regulation. EU students should regularly check for updates at: www.cam.ac.uk/eu. Students will be expected to cover the application fee (£50 online) and any costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence during residential sessions in Cambridge. 

Is there any funding available for the Clinical Medicine courses? 

There is currently no funding available for the PG Certificate in Clinical Research, Education and Leadership.  It may be possible to secure funding through your employer or healthcare organisation. Please note that places are offered on merit rather than funding.

The Postgraduate Admissions Office website provides information on funding administered centrally within the University and you may find the following link helpful :http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding 

How are fees payable?

Once you have arranged any funding, payments can be scheduled through a payment plan, of up to four instalments per academic year; or for the whole course (the latter is sometimes the preferred method by sponsoring organisations).  You can discuss this with the course team prior to course start.

What is my fee status?

Guidance on fee status, whether Home or Overseas can be found on the University website here.  Your fee status will determine the fee that you are liable to pay for your course of study.  If in doubt or you require further advice regarding your fee status please contact Admissions:  ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk 

Progression 

The PG Certificate in Clinical Research Education and Leadership forms the first year of the progression route to the MSt in Clinical Medicine. Upon successful completion of the PG Certificate students would be eligible to apply for the one year PG Diploma in Clinical Medicine, and following this the one year MSt in Clinical Medicine. 

Please note: the maximum break in study between awards is five years, provided that you maintain relevant clinical experience. The full MSt in Clinical Medicine must be completed in a maximum of eight years.

Other courses

Enquirers may also be interested in viewing details of the PG Certificate in Medical Education course.

General enquiries

Please use the 'ASK A QUESTION' link at the top right.