What is the NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework?
The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework has been developed jointly by the NIHR and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), led by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), working with Higher Education Institutions to develop a national framework of Master’s level qualifications.
These qualifications provide the networks, skills and confidence needed for healthcare practitioners from any regulated profession to lead and support clinical research delivery.
How does it work?
Participating health and care professionals develop their research delivery skill set with the aim of becoming Clinician Researchers.
The learning is made up of a combination of:
Online modules
Flexible access to modules of high-quality interactive learning. These theoretical modules will develop knowledge of and insight into the approaches to, and delivery of, clinical research.
Research Practice Experience (RPE)
Practical modules that enable learners to take part in clinical research in their area of interest, as part of existing research studies, whilst being supported under the supervision and mentorship of a senior researcher. This will develop their experience and expertise to grow future local research leadership capability within the NHS.
The qualifications are designed to fit around clinical working commitments, and learners are able to undertake the credentials in stages to develop their chosen career path.
What is a Clinician Researcher?
Clinician Researchers are individuals with responsibility for leading or contributing to clinical research locally within their clinical setting, whilst maximising the potential of working as part of a Clinical Research Network.
Within a research team, they predominantly take on the role of Collaborator, Co-Investigator or Principal Investigator (PI).
Who is the NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework for?
The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework is aimed at experienced health and care practitioners from all professional backgrounds, who aspire to take on the roles of Collaborator, Co-Investigator or Principal Investigator (PI). This includes those who have no or limited research experience and those currently working in research delivery.
Clinician researchers may be from all registered healthcare disciplines including medicine, nursing, midwifery, pharmacists, healthcare scientists and other allied health professions.
Framework levels
Postgraduate Certificate level (60 credits)
1x RPE Module, 2 or 3 online modules (dependent on credits)
The Postgraduate Certificate provides core learning modules to quickly bring learners to the level of Local Co-Investigators on a variety of studies. Learners may be able to act as Local Principal Investigators on less complex research studies as their expertise deepens.
Postgraduate Diploma level (60 credits)
1x RPE Module, 2 online modules
The Postgraduate Diploma extends learners' expertise and offers opportunities for methodological specialisation.
Master's level (60 credits)
Dissertation based on a research project
Learners can be awarded a Master's qualification following the successful completion of a dissertation rooted in networked research.
Typically Master's alumni will be able to act as Local Principal Investigators on most studies.
More information
To learn more about the framework, please visit the NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework website or email the NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials team.