Course features

Build a practical understanding of Research Management and Administration with this self-paced course, designed to give you a give you actionable insights into how research is supported, managed and delivered.

Through real-word examples and applied activities, you’ll examine:

• The global research landscape and its evolving dynamics
• Funding mechanisms and governance frameworks that shape research delivery
• The essential role of Research Management and Administration (RMA) professionals in enabling research success
• The full research lifecycle, from pre-award to post-award stages
• Practical processes including proposal development, budgeting, contracting, compliance and evaluation

By the end of the course, you will be equipped to understand, support, and reflect on research management practices and your own role within the evolving research ecosystem.

Curriculum

• Unit 1: The Research Landscape

Explore why research matters, how it is funded, and the systems and people shaping the global research ecosystem.

• Unit 2: The Role of RMA Professionals

Understand the role of research management and administration (RMA) professionals in each stage of research project and how they contribute to success.

• Unit 3: Pre-award (from ideation to winning)

Examine the pre-award stage of the research lifecycle, from shaping ideas, to identifying funding opportunities and submitting successful funding proposals.

• Unit 4: Post-award (contracting to dissemination)

Explore what happens after research funding is secured, from establishing contracts and risk management, to ensuring compliance, financial accountability, and long-term impact

• Unit 5: My Career

Reflect on your own professional journey in research management and administration, and develop strategies to enhance your career.

Our expertise

Written and designed by experts in Research Management in King's College London and Istanbul University, with years of experience in the field.

Entry requirements

This is an introductory level course, no prior experience is required to complete it.

Further information

King’s College London has partnered with the online education platform edX to deliver self-paced short courses to learners worldwide. This course is delivered through the edX learning platform and is designed to be completed in approximately 8 hours. 

For full access to the course and to obtain a verified certificate upon successful completion, the USD fee is $9.99.

The GBP course fee displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and subject to change in line with current exchange rates.

Payment for verified access to the course is made directly via edX. Please see edX Terms of Service for further information.