Overview
On our Master’s in Clinical Research Delivery, you’ll develop your research networks, build your practical research skills and gain the confidence to lead and support research delivery.
We’ve designed the programme for registered healthcare professionals from many different backgrounds. Participants include nurses, doctors, paramedics, midwives and pharmacists as well as healthcare scientists, music therapists and physios. You’re also welcome if you’ve worked in a relevant clinical research role. International students must be working in a healthcare setting in the UK.
You’ll be able to take part in clinical research related to your area with support from a senior researcher. Optional modules from across the faculty’s catalogue mean you can tailor your experience to your interests. Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to all the events and opportunities run by King’s Health Partners and King’s Clinical Academic Training Office.
The course will ensure graduates are able to meet the capabilities outlined in the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Academy of Medical Royal College’s (AoMRC) Masters in Clinical Research Delivery (MRDL) Framework (formerly known as the Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework (CRCF). King’s College London is one of only four universities nationwide approved by NIHR to deliver a course which allows students to meet the national Framework.
Check out our Fees section for details about the NIHR Research Masters Studentship.
Key benefits
- Study at a nursing faculty ranked 1st in the UK and 2nd in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
- Under the mentorship of a senior researcher, develop the skills to lead clinical research as a principal investigator.
- Fit your studies around your work, with your employer’s approval, as the course is delivered fully online as a distance-learning programme.
- Explore contemporary clinical issues in thought-provoking course material designed by our experienced researchers.
- Attend seminars, workshops and events with King’s Health Partners (which includes Guy's and St Thomas's, South London and Maudsley and King's College Hospital).
Course essentials
This online distance-learning course has been designed to flexibility support you to develop the ability to lead and support clinical research.
In alignment with the NIHR research Capabilities in Practice identified in the NIHR-AoMRC Masters in Clinical Research Delivery (MRDL) Framework (formerly known as the Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework (CRCF), the course can be taken in stages to develop your chosen career path.
As part of the NIHR-AoMRC Masters in Clinical Research Delivery (MRDL) Framework (formerly known as the Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework (CRCF), if you have experience in clinical research delivery, you can also join the PG Dip and MSc courses with Advanced Standing. This allows you to join a later stage of the course, which means you can complete your studies in a shorter period of time.
We understand you need to plan your studies alongside your work. So, we announce the timetable for the whole year (with all the teaching periods and exams) in advance.
Course content
For the PG Cert (year 1, 60 credits), you’ll develop a detailed understanding of the clinical research ecosystem and learn how to manage the steps of data collection in a networked clinical research study.
During the PG Dip stage (year 2, 60 credits), you’ll identify and evaluate the key processes of research (including what must happen before a research study can begin) and scope out the next stages.
For the MSc (year 3, 60 credits), you’ll complete a dissertation on a clinical research delivery topic relevant to your future practice. You’ll be matched with an expert within the faculty who will support you through this process.
By the end of the course, you’ll have direct experience that will give you the confidence to take part in and lead research activity. You’ll feel confident making research a routine part of clinical care.
If you apply for the PG Cert in the first instance, you can then decide later to apply to transfer to the PG Dip, then on to a full MSc qualification if you wish. If you apply to the full MSc at the outset, it is also possible to apply to transfer your studies to the PG Cert or PG Dip later if you decide to do so.
The purpose of this taught programme is to develop students’ knowledge and research skills to enhance their current and future careers in supporting, delivering and integrating research into clinical practice, and fostering evidence-based practice.
Administrative bodies
Regulating body
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
- The final application deadline for applicants seeking NIHR Masters in Clinical Research Delivery (MRDL) bursary funding, or those who are applying for entry with Advanced Standing through our RPL process, is 1 July 2026 (23:59 UK time).
- The final application deadline (for applicants not seeking funding) is on 25 August 2026 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline, if the programme becomes full before the final deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications.