Clinical Research (M.Sc.)
Flexible Clinical Research education with a pathway to the M.Sc.
Clinical Research education at Dresden International University (DIU) is now offered in a flexible, modular format.
Participants can take individual graduate-level courses, combine defined components toward a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), or – if eligible – complete the required academic components toward the Master of Science (M.Sc.).
This allows you to choose the academic qualification that best fits your professional goals while developing advanced skills in clinical research, study design, data analysis, and evidence generation.
Your options in Clinical Research
Individual courses
Choose individual graduate-level Clinical Research courses according to your professional and academic goals.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Combine defined course components to earn a university-level Certificate of Advanced Studies.
Pathway to the M.Sc.
Eligible participants can work toward the Master of Science (M.Sc.) through a modular pathway combining Harvard’s PPCR program, the required M2 and M3 components at DIU, and the Master’s thesis. Admission is subject to an individual eligibility review.
Clinical Research Courses
Build your expertise step by step with graduate-level courses designed for professionals in healthcare, life sciences, and clinical research.
Courses can be booked individually and completed alongside your professional commitments. Depending on the course, participants can complete an assessment and earn ECTS credits.
Who Can Benefit From Clinical Research at DIU?
Our Clinical Research courses and academic pathways are designed for professionals who want to strengthen their methodological, analytical, and scientific competencies in clinical research.
They are particularly relevant for:
- Clinical research professionals and project managers who want to deepen their expertise in study design, methodology, data analysis, and evidence generation.
- Scientists and researchers in healthcare and life sciences working in pharmaceutical or medical device companies, research institutions, consulting, or clinical environments.
- Healthcare professionals who are involved in research and want to strengthen their ability to critically evaluate, design, and conduct clinical studies.
- Early-career researchers and medical professionals, including doctoral candidates, research assistants, and medical graduates seeking advanced Clinical Research competencies.
- Data specialists in healthcare and life sciences who want to expand their skills in clinical data analysis, real-world data, electronic health records, and applied biostatistics.
- Participants and alumni of Harvard’s PPCR program who want to continue their academic development and may be interested in the pathway toward the M.Sc.
Pathway to the Master of Science
The modular pathway allows eligible participants to complete the academic requirements for the Master of Science (M.Sc.) step by step. The pathway combines theoretical foundations, advanced Clinical Research components, and independent academic research.
1. Principles & Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR)
The international Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) program offered by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides the theoretical foundation in clinical research methodology. DIU recognizes the relevant academic achievements from PPCR within the M.Sc. pathway in accordance with the applicable academic requirements.
2. Advanced Clinical Research Components
Participants complete the required advanced Clinical Research components “Clinical Data Lab: R, EHRs & Applied Biostatistics” (M2) and “Clinical Evidence Lab: Study Design & Advanced Methods” (M3) at DIU. These components build on the methodological foundations of PPCR and deepen practical and scientific competencies in areas such as clinical research methodology, data analysis, evidence generation, and applied research.
3. Master’s Thesis
After successfully completing the required academic components, eligible participants proceed to the Master’s thesis. The thesis provides the opportunity to independently investigate a Clinical Research topic using appropriate scientific methods. Participants develop their research project in close collaboration with their academic supervisor and conclude the degree pathway with the required academic examination.
4. Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Successful completion of all required components and examinations leads to the academic degree Master of Science (M.Sc.). Admission to the M.Sc. pathway is subject to the applicable academic admission requirements and an individual eligibility review by DIU. Participation in individual Clinical Research courses does not automatically constitute admission to the M.Sc. pathway.
Why choose Clinical Research at DIU?
Build Advanced Clinical Research Expertise
Develop a deeper understanding of clinical research methodology and strengthen your ability to design, evaluate, and contribute to high-quality research projects.
Connect Methodology With Practice
Apply scientific concepts to real Clinical Research challenges – from study design and data analysis to evidence generation and research implementation.
Strengthen Your Analytical Skills
Work with research methods, clinical data, statistics, and evidence-based approaches that support sound scientific and professional decision-making.
Learn From Experienced Researchers
Engage with lecturers and researchers with international experience in clinical research, medicine, statistics, and data science.
Choose the Qualification That Fits Your Goals
Take an individual course, combine defined components toward a CAS, or explore your eligibility for the academic pathway toward the M.Sc.
Clinical Research at DIU – Experience & Academic Outcomes
The former Clinical Research Master’s program has brought together healthcare professionals and researchers from different countries and professional backgrounds.
Graduates have applied the methodological and scientific competencies developed during their studies to their own research projects, clinical work, and academic careers.
Publications From Previous Clinical Research M.Sc. Cohorts
Several Master’s theses completed within the Clinical Research (M.Sc.) have resulted in publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
What Our Alumni 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
Scientific Director
Clinical Research education at DIU is supported by lecturers and researchers with expertise in clinical medicine, study methodology, statistics, clinical data science, and international research.
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 (excerpt)
Our teaching team brings together experts in clinical research, biostatistics, digital health, pharmacology, and research methodology.
- Prof. Dr. med. Timo Siepmann, FAHA, FESO
- Dr. Ben M. W. Illigens, MD, MBI
- Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schipp
- Prof. Armando Teixeira-Pinto
- Dr. Ingeborg Friehs
- Marc Eisele
- Dr. Christina Sanguinetti
- Prof. Dr. Olav Götz
- Khai Minh Pham
- Tiago Lemos Cerqueira
- Sébastien Wischlen
- Lenka Kellermann
Admission & Eligibility
Admission requirements depend on whether you want to take an individual Clinical Research course or pursue the pathway toward the Master of Science.
Individual Clinical Research Courses
- A suitable academic and/or professional background is recommended.
- In general, individual courses may also be available to participants who do not meet the formal admission requirements for the M.Sc. pathway.
- When requesting participation, please briefly outline your educational pathway and professional background. Based on your profile, the DIU Study Advisory team will advise you on the appropriate course and participation options.
Explore Clinical Research courses
M.Sc. Pathway
To be considered for the pathway toward the Clinical Research (M.Sc.), applicants are generally required to provide:
- a completed university degree equivalent to 240 ECTS credits and recognized in the country of origin;
- registration for or successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health;
- proof of current professional involvement in clinical research;
- at least one year of relevant professional experience; and
- proof of the required English language proficiency.
Eligibility for the M.Sc. pathway is reviewed individually based on the applicable academic and examination requirements.
Our Study Advisory team can help you determine which components you have already completed and which steps may still be required.
Personal advice
FAQ
How Is Clinical Research Education at DIU Structured?
Clinical Research education at DIU offers flexible options: individual graduate-level courses, defined course combinations toward a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), and a modular pathway toward the M.Sc. for eligible participants. DIU reviews the requirements for your intended qualification individually.
Can I still earn the Master of Science?
Yes. Eligible participants may still work toward the M.Sc. by completing the required academic components. These include Harvard’s Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) program, the required M2 and M3 components at DIU, and the Master’s thesis.
Admission is subject to the applicable academic requirements and an individual eligibility review.
Can I take individual Clinical Research courses without pursuing the M.Sc.?
Yes. Clinical Research courses can be booked individually. This allows you to focus on specific professional or academic competencies without committing to the M.Sc. pathway.
Can I earn ECTS credits for individual courses?
Depending on the course, ECTS credits can be earned after successfully completing the required assessment. Please refer to the respective course page for information on assessment requirements and credit points.
Can I earn a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)?
Yes. Defined Clinical Research course components can be combined toward a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS). The DIU Study Advisory team can help you identify the appropriate combination based on your previous qualifications and academic goals.
Can individual courses count toward the M.Sc. pathway?
Eligible academic achievements may be taken into account within the M.Sc. pathway. Recognition depends on the respective course, successful completion of the required assessment, and the applicable academic regulations.
Taking an individual course does not automatically guarantee admission to or recognition within the M.Sc. pathway.
How does Harvard’s PPCR program fit into the M.Sc. pathway?
The Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides an important theoretical foundation for the pathway. Relevant academic achievements from PPCR are recognized by DIU in accordance with the applicable requirements.
What are the admission requirements for the M.Sc. pathway?
Applicants generally need a recognized university degree equivalent to 240 ECTS credits, participation in or successful completion of PPCR, current professional involvement in clinical research, at least one year of relevant professional experience, and the required English language proficiency. Eligibility is reviewed individually by DIU.
Are the Clinical Research courses taught in English?
Yes. The Clinical Research courses and the academic pathway are offered in English. Knowledge of German is not required.
Where can I find current dates and available courses?
Current Clinical Research courses, upcoming dates, fees, and participation options are listed in the Clinical Research course overview.
