This course covers the key principles of how scientific discovery and evidence are used to support clinical practice, as well as the comprehensive enquiry of the design, recording and reporting of clinical research and its conduct according to ethical standards. Students will learn how to identify and interpret scientific and academic scholarly evidence using a range of methods. They will also develop the ability to critically interpret, synthesise and communicate findings from a range of scientific and academic scholarly literature to inform clinical decision making.

Specialising at a deeper level, this course will provide an opportunity to explore the world of evidence-based medicine while investigating existing theory in a targeted area of clinical interest. Teaching is delivered in a research-intensive medical school supported by the University of Melbourne’s leading research institutes and affiliated teaching hospitals. Students will benefit from hands-on experience with successful clinicians and researchers involved in clinical research at the University of Melbourne and partner healthcare providers.

The knowledge and skills acquired in this course culminates in the completion of an advanced systematic review, meta-analysis or research project.

The degree will provide flexible pathways to research higher degrees and many professional postgraduate programs.