Duration
1.5 years full time / 3 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
February
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
AUD $33,984 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
Learn more
Learn more
Career outcomes
Overview
- Gain specialised competencies for a career in clinical research
- Graduate with expertise to expand your career prospects in healthcare
- Meet the entry requirements for further study, including a PhD pathway
The Master of Clinical Research is driven by industry needs and highly regarded by employers. The specialist knowledge developed through this course will expand your career prospects and put you at the heart of opportunities in healthcare.
Upon completion of this course, you should have the clinical competencies and specialised skills to practice clinical research at an advanced level. You will be qualified to plan, implement, and manage clinical research programs, as well as translate your research into clinical practice.
Master of Clinical Research careers
You will graduate with a range of varied career opportunities across numerous healthcare and research settings, including:
- Clinical research and contract research organisations
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Academic and research institutions
- Healthcare organisations and hospitals
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies
- Clinical trial management and coordination roles
Further Study
The Master of Clinical Research can also be a pathway to your PhD - it satisfies the 25-point research credit to PhD admission, allowing you to further advance your expertise and research in the field of clinical research.
Hear from Master of Clinical Research alumni
The Master of Clinical Research has empowered many graduates to pursue careers in various sectors. Below is a quote from Aidan Jackson, a junior doctor at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, and a story from Varsha Jevoor, a Clinical Data Manager in the Urology Department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Quote from Aidan
“The Master of Clinical Research afforded me many unique opportunities and experiences, opened multiple doors, and formed relationships I keep to this day. It has provided me with a strong background in clinical research, and I now feel much more confident to appraise literature and contribute to projects in my day-to-day work. My research culminated in my end-of-year thesis as part of the formal Masters, but also many more opportunities. I presented at one of the biggest Ophthalmology conferences in the US, “ARVO”, which was held in Colorado. Finally, I was able to publish my findings in Ophthalmology, the major US ophthalmic journal. The Master of Clinical Research has provided me with skills and knowledge that I still use to this day. I am now a junior doctor, and I find it very useful to be able to critically appraise literature and effectively apply evidence-based guidelines, as well as contribute to ongoing research projects."
Story from Varsha
Profile
Varsha Jevoor
I completed my capstone placement at the E.J. Whitten Prostate Cancer Research Centre, where I gained hands-on experience across several investigator-initiated and sponsor-led projects. My supervisor was incredibly supportive and opened doors to valuable networking opportunities with investigators and collaborators.
I’m now working as a Clinical Data Manager in the Urology Department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, alongside distinguished investigators. I’ve led the development of a clinical registry for robotic-assisted prostatectomy and am currently contributing to an AI-driven smartphone app designed to risk-stratify penile cancer. The knowledge and skills I gained through the Master of Clinical Research program allowed me to hit the ground running in this role.
I would highly recommend the program to prospective students. It offers a rare blend of academic rigour, real-world relevance, and genuine support. Whether you're aiming for a PhD, transitioning into industry, or deepening your research expertise, the program equips you with the tools, networks, and confidence to thrive. The teaching faculty are not only experts in their fields but also deeply invested in student success. The flexibility of the block format, the approachable coordinators, and the exposure to cutting-edge research make it an ideal choice for anyone serious about a career in clinical research.