Level 7 PgD Clinical Research & Drug Development | LICQual
The advancement of modern medicine depends on rigorous testing, ethical evaluation, and innovative approaches to bringing new therapies to patients. At the center of this process lies clinical research and drug development, a discipline that ensures treatments are safe, effective, and capable of transforming healthcare outcomes. From groundbreaking vaccines to life‑saving cancer therapies, clinical research and drug development provide the foundation for every medical breakthrough.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (PgD Clinical Research) highlights the importance of mastering advanced knowledge in this field. Clinical research and drug development is not limited to laboratories—it extends into hospitals, regulatory frameworks, and global healthcare systems. As demand for innovative therapies continues to rise, professionals trained in this discipline are essential for bridging scientific discovery with patient‑centered application. For learners, engaging with clinical research and drug development is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to life‑changing discoveries, enhance professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (PgD Clinical Research) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in pharmaceutical innovation and clinical practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, patient safety frameworks, ethical considerations, drug formulation, and global standards in clinical research and drug development.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand clinical research and drug development, apply evidence‑based approaches, and align with international standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the program is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in clinical research and drug development.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201227-1 | Principles of Clinical Research | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201227-2 | Clinical Trial Design and Methodology | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201227-3 | Regulatory Affairs and Compliance in Drug Development | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201227-4 | Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201227-5 | Biostatistics and Data Analysis in Clinical Research | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201227-6 | Clinical Research Leadership Project | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (PgD Clinical Research) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in advanced pharmaceutical innovation and clinical practice. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as therapy optimization, patient safety, and compliance with international standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where clinical research and drug development is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on clinical trials.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in clinical research and drug development.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of patient care and therapeutic monitoring.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in evidence‑based healthcare delivery.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into clinical research and drug development roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and patient‑centered care.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for clinical research and drug development careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Principles of Clinical Research
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically evaluate the principles and frameworks underpinning clinical research.
- Analyse ethical considerations, regulatory requirements, and governance in clinical studies.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to plan and assess clinical research activities.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of trial phases, study designs, and research methodologies.
Unit 2: Clinical Trial Design and Methodology
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically assess the design and methodology of clinical trials, including randomisation, blinding, and control strategies.
- Evaluate the selection of appropriate study populations, endpoints, and trial protocols.
- Apply methodological principles to ensure data integrity, reliability, and validity.
- Develop strategies to address challenges and optimise clinical trial outcomes.
Unit 3: Regulatory Affairs and Compliance in Drug Development
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse national and international regulatory frameworks for drug development and clinical trials.
- Apply compliance strategies to ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ethical guidelines.
- Evaluate regulatory submission processes and documentation requirements for approvals.
- Develop approaches to mitigate risks and maintain regulatory compliance throughout drug development.
Unit 4: Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically assess pharmacovigilance systems and safety reporting standards.
- Monitor and evaluate adverse drug reactions, signal detection, and risk management practices.
- Apply strategies to improve patient safety and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Analyse safety data to support evidence-based decision-making in clinical research.
Unit 5: Biostatistics and Data Analysis in Clinical Research
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply quantitative and qualitative statistical methods to analyse clinical trial data.
- Critically interpret research outcomes to inform evidence-based clinical decisions.
- Evaluate data validity, reliability, and potential sources of bias.
- Develop advanced skills in statistical reporting and data presentation for regulatory submissions.
Unit 6: Clinical Research Leadership Project
Learning Outcomes:
- Design and implement a clinical research project addressing a real-world challenge.
- Demonstrate project management, leadership, and problem-solving skills in clinical research settings.
- Critically evaluate project outcomes using appropriate performance and research indicators.
- Reflect on professional practice and propose evidence-based recommendations for clinical research improvement.
