PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document)
Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
Teaching institution:
Faculty:
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the programme:
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes )
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
MSc in Clinical Drug Development
PG Diploma in Clinical Drug Development
PG Certificate In Clinical Drug Development
MSc / PG Diploma/ PG Certificate
From session 2008-2009 cohort onwards
University College London
University College London
Medical Sciences
Division of Medicine http://www.ucl.ac.uk/medicine/education/postgraduate-taughtdegrees/msc-clinical-drug-development
Full time or Part time
A minimum of an upper secondclass Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, medical or healthcare discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
One year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
Level 7
Not applicable

Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods:
(see guidance notes)
1. MSc students must take 180 credits from the following modules:
MEDCG001 Statistical Methods in Research (15 credits)
MEDCG002 Advanced Statistical Methods (15 credits)
MEDCG005 Ethics and Regulation of Research (15 credits)
MEDCG003 Drug Discovery 1 (30 credits)
MEDCG004 Drug Discovery 2 (30 credits)
MEDCG017 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (15 credits)
MEDCG099 Research Project (60 credits)
2. Diploma students will take all of the above modules (120 credits), excluding the MEDCG099 Research Project.
3. Certificate students will take 60 credits from any of the following modules:
MEDCG001 Statistical Methods in Research (15 credits)
MEDCG002 Advanced Statistical Methods (15 credits)
MEDCG005 Ethics and Regulation of Research (15 credits)
MEDCG003 Drug Discovery 1 (30 credits)
MEDCG004 Drug Discovery 2 (30 credits)
MEDCG017 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (15 credits)
Name of Board of Examiners:
Clinical Drug Development Board
Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable): n/a
Date of next scheduled accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
For non-clinical postgraduate students:

To provide clinical and scientific experience of research in Biomedicine

To provide the research training element of four-year PhDs
For clinical postgraduate students:

To accommodate educational aims of the successful UCL/UCLH bid under Best Research for Best Health.

To provide training and a research qualification for trainees who have finished FY2 posts

To provide overseas graduates with experience of clinical research and practice in the UK
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Basic research methods
Clinical research methodology
Ethics
Clinical drug development
Clinical trials
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures
Seminars
Computer practicals
Lab practicals
Research supervision
Learning journal
In-class presentations
Assessment:
Dissertation, presentations, MCQ and written examinations
B: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Critical appraisal of scientific literature
Library research
Problem solving
Dealing with uncertainty
Appreciation of vested interests
Seminars
Research supervision
Computer practicals
Lab practicals
Assessment:
Dissertation, presentations, MCQ and written examinations
C: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures
Lab work
Dissertation
Practical skills (able to):
Team working
Laboratory skills
Statistics and analytical skills
Transferable skills (able to):
Time management
Team work
Presentation of data
Analysis of numerical data
Assessment:
Dissertation
Exams
D: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures
Lab work
Dissertation
Assessment:
Dissertation
Exams
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:

the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf
);

the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements );

the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);

UCL teaching and learning policies;

staff research.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Date of Production:
Date of Review:
Dr Simon Yona
15 April 2007
November 2015
November 2015
November 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee