MEGIC | Master's in Clinical Research Management

Designed to develop professionals specialized in clinical research and study management

 

The Master’s in Clinical Research Management | MEGIC provides an in-depth understanding of the key concepts and methodologies in clinical research, equipping professionals to design, implement, monitor, and analyze clinical trials.

 

A joint Master’s program offered in partnership with Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA Medical School, NOVA Information Management School, and National School of Public Health) and Universidade de Aveiro

Would you like to learn more about the Master’s Program in Clinical Research Management?

Join our online or in-person information sessions and get all your questions answered.

April 14 | 2 p.m. - Info Sessions Online April 16 | 5 p.m. - On Site Session

 

OPEN DAY REGISTRATION

 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Lúcia Domingues
Professor and Clinical Researcher

 

APPLICATIONS 2026/2027

APPLY HERE

 

  • LANGUAGE | Portuguese
  • DURATION | 2 years
  • TEACHING TYPE | In person
  • SCHEDULE | Daytime - thursday and friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • START DATE | September 2026

 

The Master’s in Clinical Research Management | MEGIC develops the expertise needed to act with professionalism and impact, enabling you to strengthen teams across hospitals, universities, research centers, biobanks, pharmaceutical companies, health technology firms, and clinical research organizations.

The program also builds the skills to actively enhance the quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of clinical research teams and infrastructures, addressing the real-world demands and challenges of today’s healthcare research sector.

 

Skills you will acquire
  • Understand the principles, methods, and techniques used in clinical research.
  • Develop clinical research protocols, including defining objectives, methods, target population, and statistical analysis.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret clinical data.
  • Carry out clinical trials in full compliance with ethical and legal standards.
  • Navigate the different phases of clinical trials and the associated national and international regulations.

 

Develop a structured understanding of clinical research and its scientific and regulatory framework. Distinguish between different types of clinical studies and analyze their requirements, stakeholders, and contexts of application. Learn how to define strategies for searching scientific literature and identify relevant sources of information. Understand the organization of clinical research infrastructures and the different phases of studies, from planning to execution, monitoring, and closure.

Course coordinator:

Lúcia Domingues
Professor and Clinical Researcher

 

Gain skills in clinical research management, understanding its specific challenges and requirements. Apply strategic and operational management principles to the planning, organization, and evaluation of projects. Use key concepts, methodologies, and techniques of project management in a clinical context, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice. Integrate quality management systems into the conduct of clinical research projects.

Course coordinator:

   Ana Dias

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

Understand the ethical principles and legal framework of clinical research involving human subjects. Analyze ethical implications in real-world scenarios, including risk–benefit balance, the use of placebo, and potential conflicts of interest. Recognize the responsibilities of different stakeholders and the importance of Good Clinical Practice, ethical review, and scientific integrity. Explore informed consent as a process and the inclusion of vulnerable populations. Apply these principles to the organization of a clinical research project, from planning to execution, monitoring, and closure.

Course coordinator:

Lúcia Domingues
Professor and Clinical Researcher

 

Explore the fundamental principles of epidemiology and clinical research methodologies that underpin research and intervention projects. Develop a critical approach to scientific results and recognize the limitations of available evidence. Strengthen your ability to interpret scientific questions independently, fostering critical thinking and scientific curiosity.

Course coordinator:

Ana Rodrigues
Principal Investigator, MD, PhD

 

Apply statistical methods to the planning of clinical studies, including selecting appropriate analyses and calculating sample size. Estimate effects and perform hypothesis testing to assess statistical significance. Use predictive models and evaluate the suitability of different statistical approaches. Develop a critical approach and interpret statistical results in clinical contexts.

Course coordinator:

   Vera Aleixo

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

Gain an understanding of the principles of quality management in healthcare, including funding models and current challenges in service delivery. Analyze quality dimensions, indicators, and standards, as well as patient-centered practices such as satisfaction assessment and complaint management. Learn about regulatory frameworks, accreditation and certification processes, and the role of auditing in healthcare services. Strengthen skills in research, synthesis, and communication.

Course coordinator:

   Maria Teresa Herdeiro

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

Explore the principles of regulation of medicines and health products, including the role of regulatory authorities and European systems, with a focus on the national context. Analyze key information associated with medicines, such as summaries of product characteristics, labeling, and patient information leaflets. Deepen your understanding of regulatory frameworks for different types of products, including advanced therapies, biologics, generics, and medical devices. Understand the importance of drug safety monitoring and post-authorization studies. Strengthen skills in research, synthesis, and communication.

Course coordinator:

   Maria Teresa Herdeiro

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

Analyze the organization of healthcare systems, with a focus on the Portuguese context and the structure of the National Health Service. Compare international models and understand the different levels of care delivery and how they are organized. Explore key concepts in healthcare management, including financing, operations, quality, patient safety, innovation, and performance evaluation. Recognize the role of healthcare system organization in the management of clinical research.

Course coordinator:

   Ana Gabriela Henriques

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

Explore the role of biobanks as key infrastructures supporting clinical research. Analyze the ethical, legal, and social aspects of their implementation and operation. Apply methodologies and best practices in biobank management and develop skills for planning biobanks. Reflect on their importance in advancing clinical research.

Course coordinator:

   Ana Gabriela Henriques

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

Deepen your understanding of food components, including nutrients and non-nutrient compounds, as well as their functions and metabolism. Understand nutritional and energy recommendations across the life cycle, including the role of supplementation and the scientific evidence supporting them. Explore experimental models in nutrition, including laboratory techniques in cellular, tissue, and animal systems, recognizing their advantages, limitations, and ethical considerations. Develop critical reading skills for scientific literature, evaluating evidence, identifying strengths and limitations, and interpreting findings within the broader scientific context.

Course coordinator:

Gabriela Ribeiro

 

Apply data collection methods and develop sampling strategies suited to different contexts. Understand and use both probabilistic and non-probabilistic approaches, determining appropriate sample sizes. Estimate population characteristics based on sample data and assess the precision of your estimates.

Course coordinator:

   Pedro Simões Coelho

   NOVA IMS

  

 

2nd Year

Deepen your knowledge of data management in clinical research, from study setup to data organization and processing. Explore the key activities involved, including data collection, editing, and database structuring, with a focus on electronic systems. Develop a data management plan and understand the infrastructures required to support the entire process. Analyze current trends and emerging changes in the field.

Course coordinator:

Lúcia Domingues
Professor and Clinical Researcher

 

2nd Year

Build skills in identifying and analyzing funding sources for clinical research. Plan and structure grant applications, including their technical components and budget development. Prepare reports throughout the study lifecycle, from implementation to completion. Communicate research findings through scientific writing, poster preparation, and oral presentations.

Course coordinator:

   Bruno Gago

   Universidade de Aveiro

  

2nd Year

Consolidate your skills through a year-long dissertation, internship, or project, preparing you for real-world clinical research settings. Apply advanced knowledge in quality management, study planning, and data collection and analysis strategies. Contribute to identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals, as well as sample monitoring and biobank management. Integrate knowledge to address complex challenges and actively contribute to clinical research. Strengthen your autonomy, research, synthesis, and scientific communication skills.

Course coordinator:

Lúcia Domingues
Professor and Clinical Researcher

 

 

  • Study Coordination
  • Clinical Trial Monitoring
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Clinical Research Management
  • Project Management
You should have a degree in Life and Health Sciences, such as:
  • Biochemistry;
  • Biology;
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biotechnology;
  • Dentistry;
  • Medicine;
  • Microbiology;
  • Nursing;
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences;
  • Veterinary Medicine;
  • or other related fields.

 

Applications are submitted online through our academic platform. Before you begin, make sure you have all required documents ready.

For detailed information, please refer to the official Public Notice (content in Portuguese).

 

Required documents:
  • Motivation letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Identification document (Citizen Card or Passport)

 

Academic certificates:
  • Certificate(s) of the degree(s) listed in your CV
  • Final grade
  • Transcript of records (courses and grades)

 

Specific situations (if applicable):
  • Final-year students: document including completed courses, grades, and current GPA.
  • International applicants: declaration of honor (available HERE).

 

Note: This page is for informational and guidance purposes only. The legally binding conditions are set out in the official Public Notice which shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy.

Tuition fee 2026/2027
  • National Student (EU) | €2.750,00 (annual) *
  • International Student (non-EU) | €5.500,00 (annual) *
 
Other fees
  • Application | €51,00
  • Enrollment | €35,00 (annual)
  • School insurance | €14,00 (annual)

* flexible payment options are available. Contact us for more details.

 

Course accredited by

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT US:

 
 
Manuel Batatinha
Admissions Advisor

 

E-mail: admissions@nms.unl.pt

Tel.: +351 210 529 766

Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.