Help improve human health
Apply your skills from the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research (PGDipClinRes) with a 1-year Master of Clinical Research (MClinRes). Explore and expand your understanding of research in your area of interest to further your career or upskill in a specific area.
Write your thesis to include a detailed literature search around your study topic, describe your research methods, and present pilot results data.
Our MClinRes gives you options for your thesis: you could complete systematic reviews, or quantitative or qualitative methodologies.
Who can study for the qualification
The MClinRes suits you if you’re:
- a medical trainee or graduate
- a health professional who wants to carry out clinical research
- a health professional who needs to up-skill in research methods.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research could also suit you. Contact us to discuss which option works best for you.
How you’ll study
You can complete your Master’s in 1 year of full-time study. Students generally complete their Master’s thesis under supervision at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, but you may be able to study outside of Wellington.
You’ll choose your topic or work with your supervisor to find one.
If you haven’t completed the Diploma but have significant and relevant clinical research experience, you may still be admitted into the Master’s degree. Contact the School to discuss your options.
Part-time study options
You can study for MClinRes part time—with a workload of about 20 to 23 hours of work a week.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours work.
Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
Other Master’s degree options
You may choose to study one of our specialist 1-year coursework Master's degrees tailored to a specific area. Tailor your programme to your interests and career goals by choosing elective courses alongside the core course requirements.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MClinRes degree shall have:
(i) completed the PGDipClinRes or an equivalent qualification;
(ii) provided evidence of preparation for a research thesis via CLNR 580 or equivalent, such as through professional practice; and
(iii) been accepted by the Programme Director of Clinical Research as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of Science, in consultation with the programme director, for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MClinRes
2. (a) The course of study for the MClinRes shall consist of a thesis of 120 points: Thesis in Clinical Research (CLNR 591).
(b) The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
Future careers
More career information
Find out more about careers in health and related areas.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Clinical Research
-
The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Clinical Research
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Research an area that interests you
As part of your Master’s study, you’ll conduct research under the supervision of our staff.
Find out about current research in the School of Biological Sciences.
High-quality research
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Faculty of Science is one of New Zealand’s top research institutions, with our own research centres and strong links to many other organisations and universities. These links offer you an enriched study experience and opportunities to work with potential employers during your research.
Further research or study
If you do well in your Master's degree, and have the skills and passion for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a PhD.
Begin your career as a scientist or academic and complete a major piece of original research with a PhD through the Wellington Faculty of Science.
Academic staff research areas
Richard Carroll
Adjunct Teaching Associate
Elaine Dennison
Professor of Clinical Research
Lisa Woods
Statistical Consultant
Martin Woods
Teaching Fellow
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.