Clinical Research (M.Sc.)
Master clinical research methods and innovation — in a fully online format and in collaboration with Harvard’s PPCR program. Next start: 1 October 2026
The Master's Program in Clinical Research (MPCR) at Dresden International University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the methodology and practice of clinical research. Our program creates an international platform for medical scientists that emphasizes teamwork, creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
In addition, the program strengthens core competencies that are essential for clinical research and academic projects—study design, statistics, and scientific writing. Students develop these fundamentals alongside methodological and practical training throughout the curriculum, supporting high-quality research work from planning to publication.
And with our strong partnership with Harvard University, we recognize the grades of the international nine-month distance-learning program “Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR)” offered by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, allowing graduates of the PPCR course to continue with our Master's program.
Key Facts
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Program starts
1 October 2026
1 April 2027Duration
15 months
Place of study
Online
Program type
Part time
Credit points
60 ECTS
Lecture language
English
Tuition fee
€895 per month (excl. fees for the PPCR program)
Deposit of €9,000: Participation in the first and all subsequent courses is only possible after receipt of the deposit.
The remaining amount of €4,425 is due by the end of the first semester.PPCR Alumni Discount
25%
Our Degree Program is designed for:
- Senior leaders and decision-makers in clinical research
- Clinical research professionals and project managers
- Scientists and researchers in healthcare and life sciences
from pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, consulting, research institutions, and clinics - Early-career researchers and medical professionals
such as doctoral candidates, research assistants, and medical graduates with an interest in clinical research - Participants and alumni of the Harvard “Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR)” program
seeking to continue their academic pathway with a Master’s degree
Key Benefits of the Master’s Program in Clinical Research
Gain an in-depth understanding of clinical research
and prepare for a successful career in science, healthcare, or the research industry.
Develop advanced knowledge and practical skills
to design, manage, and evaluate clinical studies with scientific precision.
Learn in a collaborative environment
that fosters active learning, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
Work closely with experienced lecturers and researchers
to develop new ideas and research questions, strengthen your analytical thinking and methodological skills, and build a lasting professional network.
Combine theory with practice -
from contract negotiation to independent project implementation and risk-benefit evaluation.
Graduate well-prepared
to lead and contribute to impactful research in an international clinical environment.
Publish your master’s thesis in an international peer-reviewed journal
and contribute to the global scientific community. You can find the publications of program graduates via PubMed.
What our DIU Alumni have to say
When you look back on your time as a student at DIU: What moment, person, course topic, or class comes to mind first and has had a particularly lasting impact on you?
“When I think back on my time at DIU, what stands out most to me are the practical discussions and the international exchange within the program. The combination of scientific methodology and a direct connection to clinical practice was particularly formative for me. Prof. Timo Siepmann’s courses left a lasting impression on me because they conveyed complex content in a very practical and motivating way. Likewise, Bernhard Schipp’s “Essential Concepts in Statistics” and the hands-on workshops with Ben Illigens were particularly valuable to me, as they made statistical relationships and data analysis tangible and directly applicable.”
Read more about this in the interview with Dr. med. Daniela Schöne (today: Senior Physician at Universitätsklinikum Dresden).
Looking back on your time at DIU: Which moment, person, course topic, or event comes to mind first as having had a particularly strong impact on you?
One of the most valuable aspects of my MPCR program (2020–2022) was the strong practical focus on topics that could not be covered in the affiliated PPCR program at Harvard University due to time constraints. These included subjects such as Real-World Data (RWD), economic aspects of clinical research, and medical devices. I was also deeply influenced by Prof. Schipp’s statistics lectures, which left a lasting impression on me.
Learn more in our interview with Clinical Research M.S. alumni Dr. Hans-Udo Richarz (today: Attorney at Law, Dr. iur., at JUERGENSEN LAW).
A Graduate’s Perspective – Class of 2025
Course Overview & Upcoming Dates
All courses can be booked individually, with flexible scheduling, and alongside your professional commitments. The overview provides all dates and direct contact information.
Our Study Advisors are happy to help you select the modules that best fit your needs. You will receive a certificate of participation upon completion. ECTS credits are awarded only after successfully completing the required assessment.
Overview of the study contents
Module 1 - Basics of Clinical Research - Theory (“Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health” certificate)
Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health: "Principles and Practice of Clinical Research" Course
- Next start: March 26 – December 10, 2026
- For a detailed program of the PPCR course, please visit www.hsph.me/ppcr
- Application Deadline: March 2026
- PPCR Registration: program application form
Develop a strong theoretical foundation in clinical research and study design.
This module introduces the fundamental principles of clinical research, including formulating precise research questions (FINER, PICOT), defining study populations, and applying key methodological concepts such as randomization, blinding, and statistical analysis. Students will gain essential skills in protocol development, data collection and monitoring, and scientific reporting — from manuscript writing to understanding clinical study phases (Phase 0–IV).
- Study protocol development and research question formulation
- Study design and population selection
- Randomization, blinding, and bias reduction
- Statistical methods and sample size calculation
- Data monitoring, interim analysis, and reporting
- Manuscript writing and scientific communication
Module 2 (bookable separately) - Advanced Clinical Research - Practical Applications
Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world research challenges.
This module focuses on hands-on experience with applied biostatistics, data visualization, and data management. Students work directly with real datasets using R/RStudio to analyze, interpret, and present research findings. The module also covers data structures, electronic health records (EHRs), and the fundamentals of database systems and SQL for efficient data handling in clinical research.
- Applied biostatistics: descriptive, inferential, and predictive analytics
- Propensity score methods and data visualization principles
- R/RStudio hands-on training (data import/export, markdown scripting, interactive reporting)
- Data sources, EHRs, terminologies, and data extraction
- Introduction to databases and SQL
This module can be booked individually, with flexible scheduling, and alongside your professional commitments. The overview provides all dates and direct contact information.
Module 3 (bookable separately) - Innovations in Clinical and Pharmacological Research
Explore the future of clinical and pharmacological research.
This module integrates emerging trends in drug development, regulatory science, and digital innovation. Students learn how to present and publish scientific work effectively, apply Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and understand the economic and ethical dimensions of pharmacological studies. Topics include Health Economic Outcomes Research (HEOR), Real World Evidence (RWE), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
- Scientific writing, presentation, and publication (abstracts, posters, manuscripts)
- Good Clinical Practice and ethical frameworks in research
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR)
- Big Data, AI/ML, precision medicine, and Real World Evidence
- Drug development and regulatory trends
- Health Technology Assessment and international perspectives
This module can be booked individually, with flexible scheduling, and alongside your professional commitments. The overview provides all dates and direct contact information.
Master´s thesis
This module marks the completion of the study program. Students independently develop and complete their Master’s thesis on a topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to apply scientific principles and methodological skills acquired in the previous modules. In close collaboration with their supervisor, they refine and submit their research topic to the examination board.
The program concludes with a colloquium, where students present and defend their thesis, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex topics clearly and respond to critical discussion.
Scientific Directors
Dr. Ben M. W. Illigens, MD, MBI
Instructor in Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA United States and Director, German Sites Development Principles and Practice of Clinical Research Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Managing Director, CEO, D4L data4life gGmbH
Prof. Dr. med. Timo Siepmann, FAHA, FESO
Senior Attending Physician (Deputy Chief Physician), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Site Director, Principles & Practice of Clinical Research (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health)
Lecturers and TA´s
Teaching Staff
Our faculty and staff are internationally recognized for their teaching in clinical research.
Lecturers (excerpt)
- Prof. Dr. med. habil. Timo Siepmann, Attending Physician, Head of Cerebrovascular Outpatient Clinic (Department of Neurologie, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus), Site Director, Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health), Managing Director, Reformed Medical Degree Program (Technische Universität Dresden)
- Dr. Ben Illigens, MBI
- Marc Eisele, Director Centre for Media Technology in Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital
- Dr. Oliver Fiala, Senior Research Advisor, Save the Children UK
- PD Dr. Ingeborg Friehs, MD, Instructor in Surgery Department of Cardiac Surgery Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston United States
- Prof. Alexandra Pintér, MD, Assistant professor of physiology Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary
- Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schipp, Professor of Business and Economics Quantitative Methods, esp. Econometrics, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden Germany
Teaching Assistants (TA´s)
- Miluska Bromley, MD, MSc, Senior TA, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Resident
- Mohamed Hashim Mahmoud, MD, ABHS-FM, Family Medicine, West Bay Training Center, Doha - Qatar
- Arturo Tamayo, MD, FAHA, Assistant Professor of Neurology University of Manitoba
- Tiago Lemos Cerqueira, MD, Nephrology Center of The Evangelical Hospital – Betim Unit
- Monique Garcia, PharmD, MD Student - Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC-MG)
- Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahed Mohamed
- Cristina Dominguez, Pediatric Urologist in Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota in Colombia and a clinical professor at Universidad de los Andes
- Erlon Oliveira de Abreu Silva, MD, Internist, Clinical and Interventional Cardiologist; Researcher HCor Research Institute
Admission Requirements & Application
- Completed studies (240 ECTS), which are recognised in your country of origin
- Registration for the PPCR course of “Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health” or you have a certificate about passing this course
- Proof of currently working in the field of clinical research and
- Proof of at least one-year one year of professional experience
- Knowledge of German is not necessary. The program will be conducted in English.
Please submit the following documents in the application form:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- High school diploma / proof of university entrance qualification
- Diploma(s) from previous academic programs, including transcript of records; officially certified/legal copies where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency according to the general English language proficiency requirements
- Additional program-specific documents
- PPCR Harvard School certificate/transcript or confirmation letter for PPCR
- Proof of current work in clinical research
- Proof of at least one year of professional experience
Personal advice
FAQ
What is the Clinical Research (M.Sc.) program about?
It’s a part-time, fully online master’s program designed to help you build practical and advanced skills to design, run, and evaluate clinical research studies.
Is the program taught in English? Do I need to speak German?
The program is taught in English, and you do not need German to participate.
How long does the program take?
The program is structured as 15 months (Semesters 0–2, including the PPCR course) plus 6 months for the master’s thesis (Semester 3).
How many credits do I earn?
You earn 60 credit points in total.
What are the admission requirements?
You’ll typically need:
- A completed university degree worth 240 ECTS (recognized in your country of origin)
- Registration for Harvard’s PPCR course (or proof you’ve completed it)
- Current work in clinical research plus at least one year of professional experience
How does the Harvard PPCR course fit into the program?
The program recognizes the grades from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s “Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR)” course and allows PPCR graduates to continue toward the master’s degree.
When does the next PPCR course start?
When does the next PPCR course start?
What does the program cost?
Tuition is listed as €895 per month (excluding fees for the PPCR program). A €9,000 deposit is required before participation in the first (and subsequent) courses; the remaining €4,425 is due by the end of the first semester.
Is there a discount for PPCR alumni?
Yes. If you completed PPCR and apply for the next master’s start, the page lists a 25% tuition reduction for the program starting April 1, 2026.
Can DIU help me if I’m struggling with my medical thesis?
Yes. DIU helps you build the core skills you need to move your thesis forward—study design, statistics, and academic writing. You’ll learn in a structured, practice-oriented format and can apply what you learn directly to your thesis project.
And if you want to take the next step, you can continue beyond individual courses and work toward a Master’s degree at DIU.
