Clinical Research Courses

Graduate-level learning for professionals in healthcare, life sciences, and clinical research

Develop practical skills in clinical research, study design, applied biostatistics, and data management at Dresden International University (DIU). Explore individual courses, a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), or a possible modular pathway toward the “Clinical Research M.Sc”.

Who These Courses Are For:

The courses are designed for professionals and researchers who want to strengthen their clinical research skills, including:

  • Clinical research professionals, project managers, and decision-makers
  • Healthcare and life sciences professionals in pharmaceutical and medical device companies, research institutions, consulting, and clinical settings
  • Early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, research assistants, and medical graduates

Participants and alumni of Harvard’s Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) program who are interested in a modular pathway toward the M.Sc. can contact DIU for an individual assessment.

Key Benefits of the Clinical Research Courses

Strengthen Your Research Methods

Build skills to assess study designs, evaluate clinical evidence, and develop well-founded research questions.

Develop Your Data Skills

Strengthen your skills in applied biostatistics and clinical data management, and connect analytical methods with research practice.

Learn Through Professional Exchange

Discuss research questions with experienced lecturers and fellow participants, and bring perspectives from different professional settings into your learning.

Scientific Directors

Portrait Scientific Director Ben Illigens: Person wearing a dark gray suit jacket, black shirt, and gray tie with arms crossed

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

Expert profile

Portrait of a Smiling Man in a White Medical Coat With Folded Arms in a Bright Clinic or University Building With Large Windows in the Background.

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)

Expert profile

Participation and Admission

Individual Courses

A relevant academic or professional background is recommended. You may be able to take an individual course without meeting the admission requirements for the Master’s pathway. Please include your educational background and relevant professional experience in your course inquiry.

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Before booking courses for a CAS, ask DIU to confirm the required course combination, assessments, and participation requirements. An individual course certificate and a CAS are different qualifications.

Modular Pathway to the M.Sc.

Eligible participants can pursue the Clinical Research M.Sc. through a modular pathway. DIU individually reviews admission eligibility, prior learning, and the remaining degree requirements. Participation in a course or CAS does not automatically qualify you for the Master’s pathway.

Following your inquiry, DIU will clarify the appropriate next step with you, which may include a counseling appointment or a course agreement.

Request course registration now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Clinical Research Courses?

The Clinical Research Courses offer graduate-level learning in clinical research methodology and practice. You can choose an individual course based on your interests and background. A CAS requires a defined combination of course components and assessments; it is a separate qualification.

Can I Work Toward the M.Sc.?

Yes. Eligible participants can work toward the Clinical Research M.Sc. through a modular pathway, subject to an individual assessment. DIU will review your academic background, prior learning, and the remaining degree requirements with you. Taking an individual course or completing a CAS does not automatically grant admission or guarantee credit toward the M.Sc.

How Do Course Certificates and a CAS Differ?

A course certificate relates to one course and its assessment requirements. A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) requires a defined combination of course components and successful completion of the required assessments. Ask DIU to confirm the course combination, ECTS credits, and requirements for your intended qualification before booking.

How Long Does a Course Take?

Duration and teaching dates depend on the course you choose. Both courses listed here are currently planned for 2027. Please check the individual course pages or contact DIU for the current schedule. The duration of a CAS or modular Master’s pathway depends on the required components and your individual starting point.

What Is the Teaching Format?

See the individual course pages for the teaching format, language, scheduled sessions, and self-study requirements. Contact DIU if you need to confirm how the schedule fits your professional commitments. CAS and Master’s pathway components may have different requirements.

What Are the Participation Requirements?

A relevant academic or professional background is recommended for individual courses. Please outline your education and relevant experience in your inquiry so DIU can assess the appropriate entry option. CAS requirements and eligibility for a modular Master’s pathway are reviewed separately. You do not need to apply for a complete Master’s program to inquire about an individual course.