Project Management and Research Governance (Online) 20 credits

Project management and research governance is an optional module in the MRes Clinical Health Research programme and can be taken as a component of other health related courses, or as a stand-alone module.

The content of the module reflects five specific themes surrounding research governance:

1. Introduction to the science and principles of research governance
2. Ethics in research
3. Information and documentation
4. Project management, finance and intellectual property
5. Health & safety and employment within research

You will initially consider the development of knowledge in relation to cultural and ethical dimensions of research, and critically consider the theory and practice of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). You will explore the systems involved in securing ethical approval for research and the regulations arising from the UK policy framework for health and social care research (HRA, 2017). This module will also critically review the essentials involved in effective project management including pre-project planning, developing realistic time frames and effective time management.

The module is delivered via online sessions and discussion forums. There will be opportunities for you to network online with other students to support each other's learning. There will also be opportunities to interact with experienced researchers in online discussions of the modules themes.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate evidential understanding of the main aspects of research governance
• Critically analyse professional, transferable and application skills necessary to carry out research in a patient centred manner attributable to Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Critically evaluate the project management skills required to undertake high quality research
• Be sensitive to the risk of vulnerabilities of patients and carers who maybe participating in health related research

Attendance required

Distance online learning supplemented with discussion forums and individual tutorials on request.

You will also be required to complete the National Institute for Health and Care Research eLearning course on ‘Introduction to Good Clinical Practice’

Course dates

• 26th November 2025
• 28th January 2026
• 18th March 2026

Credits

20 credits

For information on requirements please contact the Programme Administrator at acp@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Please note this microcredential is available for home applicants only.

Fees for 2025 entry

Microcredential (Home): £1,211

Non-credit: £1,011.20

Please note the Microcredential is not open to International students.

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.