Foundations in Clinical Research and Critical Evaluation - online ($490- $1350)

Access Dates: Monday 16 March 2026 to Friday 15 May 2026

Registrations close: Monday 2 March 2026 

Modality:  Online-self-paced

Duration:  Participants will be able to access the course for 2 months

Price:  From $490 to $1,350 dependant on status and location.  See table below for more details and the relevant price code to use at enrolment.

The short course will be delivered in 11 sessions, lasting approximately one hour each. Formal presentations will be interspersed with case studies and practical short exercises. Some sessions will end with review questions for formative self-assessment. The course is supported by pre-readings, which will be provided to course participants after registration closes. A glossary, additional online resources and advanced readings on special topics are also provided. While this is an intensive course, it is also focused on the practical steps and pitfalls to avoid when performing and publishing a clinical research study.

You will have online access to the course materials for two months (16 March to 15 May 2026).  Your access to the course materials will not be extended beyond this date.

Schedule of Fees 2026 (please use the appropriate code during enrolment)

Short course structure and topics covered: 

What will the course cover?

• Session 1: Planning a clinical research study
• Session 2: Study designs
• Session 3: Statistical concepts 1
• Session 4: Statistical concepts 2
• Session 5: Data management
• Session 6: Analysis 1
• Session 7: Analysis 2
• Session 8: Sample size and power
• Session 9: Study protocol and statistical analysis plan
• Session 10: Presenting results
• Session 11: Writing manuscripts and formulating conclusions

Learning outcomes: 

By the end of the short course, the course participants will be able to:

1. Understand and apply key concepts in clinical research and data analysis.
2. Select an appropriate study design to answer a medical research question and understand the strengths and limitations of different study designs.
3. Create appropriate tables and graphs to present research data.
4. Know which statistical tests and procedures to apply to different types of analysis, and how to present and interpret different statistical results.
5. Draw appropriate conclusions from clinical research studies.

Who should enrol? / any entry requirements? 

Who is it suitable for?

The course is suitable for:

• RACP Advanced Trainees, as well as trainees in other disciplines (to enable them to successfully complete the research project requirements of their advanced training).
• Hospital medical, nursing and allied health staff.
• Research staff and students.
• Anyone entering clinical research or seeking to increase their clinical research expertise.

Course Facilitators: Associate Professor Chris McKinlay,   Dr Carol Chelimo

Previous participant reviews:

The following are some anonymous quotes from in-person course participants in the past year:

• “Great course, the application of the conceptual ideas to real world examples helps to understand them.” 
• “For someone who knows very little about research, the examples were fantastic to understand the concepts.” 
• “Outstanding course – thank you!” 
• “Great presentation team – very knowledgeable, well-spoken and enthusiastic to share.”
• “The quality of all sessions is high."

Payment for short courses is normally by credit card. If you need to pay by invoice or require assistance, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz. Please note that the University does not issue individual invoices for amounts less than $500 New Zealand dollars. 

By enrolling in a Short Course at the University of Auckland you agree to the Short Course Terms and Conditions