University of Galway
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University of Galway: Leading the way in healthcare education

Across the globe, communities are grappling with growing populations, ageing societies, and new health challenges emerging at an unprecedented pace. In remote areas, access to quality healthcare remains a distant dream for many. A shortage of healthcare professionals exacerbates the situation, leaving countless individuals without adequate medical attention. Urban centres are not immune to these issues — overcrowded hospitals and clinics strain under the weight of growing healthcare needs.

In the face of such challenges, the role of esteemed institutions like at the University of Galway cannot be overstated. Nestled within the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, the school boasts a legacy of teaching excellence that spans over 175 years. It’s this level of experience that attracts students from near and far.

“I chose the University of Galway for its reputation for teaching and research excellence and innovation,” says graduate Conor Hussey. “My postgraduate course provided me with invaluable skills and qualities that I am now putting into practice in the workplace.”

With time, the School of Medicine has evolved to keep addressing the healthcare sector’s most pressing needs through career-ready practitioners like Hussey. Today, it offers a range of postgraduate options, catering to both clinical and non-clinical pursuits. The array underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing a versatile cohort of healthcare professionals.

The MSc in Clinical Research, for example, enhances one’s perspective on clinical trials. Delivered online and in person, and through an interactive and convenient learning platform, the programme explores theory such as research methods and operations such as site level activities, to name just two. Students can add optional modules that they’re interested in. “It is great to pursue the MSc in Clinical Research,” says student Ha Vu.

As  a research Fellow, Ha gets to work in the Data Management team and participate in the Business Continuity process at the Institute for Clinical Trials based at the University. “This is a valuable opportunity for me to see how all the knowledge in the lecture is applied in real-world studies and to gain practical experience,” she says. “I believe that studying MSc at the University of Galway is surely one of my best decisions.”

University of Galway

Ha Vu calls her decision to pursue the MSc in Clinical Research the “best decision of her life.” Source: University of Galway

Other School of Medicine       postgraduate offerings include the Healthcare Simulation and Patient Safety (MSc), Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation (MSc), Cardiac Rehabilitation (PgCert), Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (MSc), Cellular Manufacturing and Therapy (MSc), Cheminformatics and Toxicology (MSc), Clinical Education (Masters/PDip), Clinical Education (Masters/PDip), Diabetes (MSc), Exercise Physiology and its Application in Therapy (MSc), Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Multidisciplinary Radiology (MSc/PDip), Obesity (MSc), Preventive Cardiology (MSc), Regenerative Medicine (MSc), Surgery, Masters in (MCh), and two brand new additions.

The new Applied Clinical Data Analytics (MSc) offers a distinctive spiral curriculum tailored to train healthcare professionals in analysing healthcare data. Led by experts in Clinical Data Analytics from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, the programme features assignments rooted in real-world clinical research scenarios, including clinical trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, and data sourced from clinical administrative datasets. Students can expect to gain proficiency in applying both traditional statistical techniques and machine learning through weekly assignments and a final thesis.

Launched in 2023 the Evidence-Based Future Healthcare (MSc) is a 100% online inter-professional postgraduate course built for busy healthcare professionals looking to enhance their practice, improve healthcare outcomes and advance their careers. Regardless of their professional background, this programme can equip them with the expertise to address current and emerging healthcare challenges through state-of-the-art evidence identification, evaluation, and implementation approaches.

Delivered by the University of Galway’s leading experts in evidence-based healthcare, supplemented by insights from international specialists, the programme is closely aligned with esteemed centres of excellence such as Evidence Synthesis Ireland, Cochrane Ireland, and the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network.

University of Galway

Source: University of Galway

All programmes place a strong emphasis on practical application, which is why the School of Medicine has spared no effort in providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources in abundance. There’s a Clinical Science Institute and a 40 million euro Human Biology building. Recently, the university launched Ireland’s Institute for Clinical Trials, which      seeks to transform the clinical research landscape in Ireland by supporting the development and delivery of clinical trials, from initial concept to reporting. The institute is a focal point for the development of sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry partners, further positioning Galway as the MedTech centre of Ireland and contributing to future economic growth and regional development.

These spaces are home to world-class research teams at the forefront of transformative health discoveries. With a focus on pivotal areas such as cancer research, gene and stem cell therapy, and biomedical engineering science, they are pioneering advancements impactful enough to not just keep the School of Medicine’s curricula up-to-date, but to shape the future of healthcare as well. Collaboration is crucial for these complex tasks.

University of Galway

The MSc Clinical Research class of 2023 enjoying a break on campus. Source: University of Galway

In fact, collaboration lies at the heart of the school’s research endeavours, partnering with esteemed institutes and centres, including CÚRAM, REMEDI, The Martin Ryan Institute, Corrib Core Lab, Galway Diabetes Research Centre, Galway Neuroscience Centre     ..

As a whole, the School of Medicine links arms with community organisations at the local, national, and international levels. The school is also the proud holder of the prestigious Athena Swan Bronze Award, a recognition of its unwavering commitment to equality and diversity.

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