LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research) 

LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research) 

Clinical research and drug development are at the heart of modern medicine, shaping how new treatments are discovered, tested, and brought to patients worldwide. The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research) is a prestigious, internationally accredited qualification designed for professionals and students who want to advance their expertise in clinical trials, pharmaceutical innovation, and evidence‑based healthcare.

This Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development provides a structured pathway to mastering advanced concepts such as clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance, and drug safety evaluation. You will explore how clinical research professionals contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, ensure ethical standards, and improve patient outcomes. Unlike short training programs, the Clinical Research and Drug Development Level 6 Course offers in‑depth knowledge, practical applications, and global recognition, making it ideal for pharmacists, healthcare managers, researchers, and policy makers.

Delivered through flexible online study, the Clinical Research Diploma Online allows you to balance your learning with work and personal commitments. Each module is designed to be approachable and engaging, covering drug development processes, biostatistics, healthcare regulations, and global clinical trial practices. By completing this D Clinical Research Qualification, you will gain the confidence to apply clinical research principles in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide.

What makes this program stand out is its career‑ready design and international accreditation. Whether you are seeking an accredited diploma in clinical research and drug development, aiming to expand your professional skills, or passionate about advancing healthcare innovation, this course equips you with the knowledge and credibility to succeed.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research) 

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

480

Qualification #

LICQ2201195


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research) , applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: Learners should hold a Level 5 or Level 6 qualification in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, life sciences, healthcare, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
  • Experience: Learners are expected to have practical experience in clinical research, drug development, healthcare, or pharmaceutical practice, demonstrating familiarity with trial protocols, research methodologies, or regulatory procedures.
  • English Language Proficiency: Learners must have a strong command of English, both written and spoken, as all materials, assessments, and communications will be in English.
  • Commitment to CPD: Learners should show a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as this qualification is designed to enhance professional knowledge, research expertise, and career progression.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to relevant learning materials, research databases, trial management software, and digital resources necessary to complete theoretical and practical components. Centres delivering the course must ensure these resources are available, current, and fit for purpose.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2201195-1

Introduction to Clinical Research

20

80

LICQ2201195-2

Clinical Trial Design and Methodology

20

80

LICQ2201195-3

Regulatory Compliance and Ethics in Clinical Research

20

80

LICQ2201195-4

Data Management and Statistical Analysis

20

80

LICQ2201195-5

Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management

20

80

LICQ2201195-6

Advanced Clinical Research Project

20

80

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Unit 1: Introduction to Clinical Research

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the principles and objectives of clinical research in drug development
  • Analyse the roles and responsibilities of clinical research professionals
  • Evaluate different types of clinical studies and their applications
  • Apply foundational knowledge to support clinical research activities

Unit 2: Clinical Trial Design and Methodology

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of clinical trial phases and designs
  • Analyse protocol development, randomisation, blinding, and control strategies
  • Evaluate trial methodologies to ensure reliability and validity
  • Apply trial design principles to plan and conduct clinical studies

Unit 3: Regulatory Compliance and Ethics in Clinical Research

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain national and international regulations governing clinical research
  • Evaluate ethical considerations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements
  • Apply informed consent procedures and patient safety protocols
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks during clinical trials

Unit 4: Data Management and Statistical Analysis

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of clinical data collection, storage, and management
  • Analyse trial data using appropriate statistical methods
  • Evaluate the integrity and reliability of research data
  • Apply data management and statistical techniques to support evidence-based conclusions

Unit 5: Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain principles of pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance
  • Analyse adverse event data and implement risk mitigation strategies
  • Evaluate regulatory requirements for safety reporting
  • Apply risk management procedures to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance

Unit 6: Advanced Clinical Research Project

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Plan and execute an independent clinical research project
  • Critically review literature and existing data to support project objectives
  • Develop solutions and strategies for clinical trial management challenges
  • Present project findings professionally, demonstrating analytical and decision-making skills

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research) is designed for professionals and students who want to strengthen their expertise in clinical trials, pharmaceutical innovation, and evidence‑based healthcare. This internationally accredited qualification is ideal for pharmacists, healthcare managers, researchers, and policy makers who aim to lead in drug development and clinical research. With flexible online study and global recognition, it is perfect for anyone seeking career advancement, credibility, and practical skills in clinical research and drug development.

1. Practicing Pharmacists

  • Gain advanced knowledge of clinical research and drug development processes
  • Strengthen compliance with international healthcare standards and patient safety protocols
  • Enhance credibility with an internationally recognized qualification
  • Prepare for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical organizations
  • Stay updated with evolving clinical trial practices and global healthcare policies

2. Pharmacy Students and Graduates

  • Build a strong foundation in clinical research before entering the workforce
  • Improve employability with a Level 6 diploma UK recognized
  • Learn practical applications of drug development and pharmacovigilance
  • Gain confidence in applying clinical research principles in real‑world settings
  • Add a career‑ready certification to your academic portfolio

3. Healthcare Professionals

  • Understand clinical research across diverse healthcare systems
  • Strengthen skills in patient safety, therapeutic monitoring, and drug evaluation
  • Expand career opportunities with international accreditation
  • Apply clinical research principles in multidisciplinary healthcare teams
  • Improve patient trust through safe and effective medicine delivery

4. Healthcare Managers and Administrators

  • Deepen expertise in clinical research and healthcare systems management
  • Strengthen oversight of ethical and professional healthcare practices
  • Gain practical tools for monitoring and evaluating healthcare performance
  • Improve career advancement opportunities in healthcare administration
  • Enhance credibility with a specialized diploma in clinical research and drug development

5. Pharmaceutical Researchers

  • Gain insights into drug discovery, clinical trial design, and therapeutic evaluation
  • Strengthen research credibility with accredited certification
  • Learn practical tools for designing and evaluating pharmaceutical studies
  • Improve career advancement opportunities in pharmaceutical R&D
  • Enhance knowledge of evidence‑based medicine and healthcare informatics

6. Policy Makers and Government Officials

  • Understand clinical research for healthcare policy and decision‑making
  • Strengthen ability to evaluate cost‑effectiveness of national health programs
  • Learn practical tools for resource allocation and healthcare planning
  • Improve credibility with a specialized diploma in healthcare regulation
  • Contribute to sustainable healthcare systems in developing and developed nations

7. International Candidates

  • Earn a globally recognized clinical research and drug development qualification
  • Access flexible online study from anywhere in the world
  • Meet international accreditation standards for healthcare practice
  • Strengthen career prospects in diverse healthcare and pharmaceutical markets
  • Gain cross‑border knowledge of clinical research and healthcare systems

To deliver the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Research and Drug Development (D Clinical Research), centres must adhere to high standards to ensure learners receive a quality learning experience. Centres are expected to:

  • Employ competent and qualified staff with relevant academic qualifications and professional experience in clinical research, drug development, or pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Provide access to up-to-date learning resources, including clinical research databases, trial management software, scientific journals, regulatory guidelines, and reference materials.
  • Maintain suitable facilities, such as classrooms, seminar rooms, or online learning platforms, to support both theoretical instruction and practical activities.
  • Implement robust assessment and feedback processes to monitor learner progress and ensure achievement of learning outcomes.
  • Support learners with practical tools and simulations, enabling them to apply clinical trial management, data analysis, and regulatory compliance skills effectively.
  • Promote a culture of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), encouraging staff and learners to stay updated with the latest developments, regulations, and best practices in clinical research.
  • Comply with national and international quality standards, ensuring all teaching, learning, and assessment practices meet recognised industry and educational benchmarks.

By meeting these requirements, centres provide a professional and supportive learning environment, enabling learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to succeed in clinical research, drug development, and healthcare innovation.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.