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Clinical Trials - MSc/Diploma/Certificate

Start date
September
Duration
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible (5 years)
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

Annual tuition fee for 2024/25:
UK: £10,530 full-time
International: £31,410 full-time
More details on fees and funding

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This Masters programme will provide you with an excellent foundation in clinical trials, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of clinical trials.

Research through clinical trials is a growing global business in academic institutions, industry, the NHS and across public health organisations.

Clinical trials have huge societal impact, providing the best research evidence of the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. The conclusions of well conducted trials inform both clinical and health policy decision-making, ensuring that the most appropriate interventions are used to improve the health and quality of life of the population. Whilst the focus of this programme is trials within healthcare, the majority of theoretical and practical aspects applicable to clinical trials are transferable to trials of social care and public health interventions.

This modular multidisciplinary programme offers a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters in Clinical Trials and is designed to provide academic training to professionals currently working in, or who wish to work in, clinical trials.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

In studying this programme you will gain:

  • an in-depth understanding of the fundamental concepts and features in the design and analysis of clinical trials
  • a comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge of research methods relevant to clinical trials
  • the skills to become a critical thinker and techniques for independent scientific research
  • the knowledge and practical skills to plan and deliver efficient and successful clinical trials
  • the ability to implement systematic and creative approach to dealing with complex issues and problem solving
  • the skills for effective reporting, communication and dissemination of trial findings

MSc intercalation

Please note that this programme can be taken as an intercalated option for those studying MBChB Medicine and Surgery either at the University of Birmingham or at another Institution. To apply for Intercalated MSc Clinical Trials please fill in this registration form and we will be in touch with details about how to apply. For more information, please contact us on mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

The MSc is a highly dynamic and rewarding course. As shown by the diverse content covering the rationale, set up and management of clinical trials, through to the mixed methods of teaching and learning, enabling a robust understanding of the life cycle of a clinical trial. It’s an invaluable course for anyone who wants to start a career in clinical trials or progress in their current trial-related profession. The course provides consistent support through the lecturers and peers to aid high achieving! It’s an exciting, engaging, student-centred course!

Serena Hill, MSc Clinical Trials alumnus

Why study this course?

The University of Birmingham hosts the Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials and is one of the leading centres in the UK for designing and implementing high quality clinical trials across a wide range of diseases and clinical settings.

You will be taught by experienced staff, based within the Centre, who have an established record of training, their teaching informed by their own applied and methodological research.

The programme will:

  • produce skilled specialist trials staff in the existing workforce and expert trial Chief Investigators of the future;
  • encourage new graduates and professionals into the clinical trials environment; and
  • engage clinicians in research methodology

The development of a more skilled research and clinical workforce will lead to exceptional and more efficient trials, less research waste and the promotion of evidence-based clinical decision making. This will ultimately improve lives locally, nationally and internationally.

Modules

Masters students will complete seven core modules, totaling 120 credits and will undertake a 60 credit dissertation. Postgraduate Diploma students will take the 120 credits from the taught core modules as per the Masters programme, but will not complete the dissertation. Those seeking a Postgraduate Certificate will take 60 credits from the taught modules.

You can transfer from the Certificate to Diploma and from Diploma to the Masters based on appropriate performance.

Masters Programme

You will take the following core modules:

Postgraduate Diploma

You will take the 120 credits from taught modules as per the Masters choices but will not complete the final research project.

Postgraduate Certificate

You will take 60 credits from the taught modules above. Option combinations for the Postgraduate Certificate are as follows:

Option A
  • Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features (20 credits)
  • Selection, Collection and Reporting of Trial Outcomes (10 credits)
  • Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings (20 credits)
  • Early Phase Clinical Trials (10 credits)
Option B
  • Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features (20 credits)
  • Preparation and Set-up for a Clinical Trial (20 credits)
  • Delivery and Management of Clinical Trials (20 credits)
Option C
  • Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features (20 credits)
  • Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings (20 credits)
  • Design and Delivery of Further Clinical Trials (20 credits)

*These modules are available on a stand-alone basis. For more details contact the programme team at clinicaltrialsmsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Fees

2024/25 fees per year

MSc

UK: £10,530 full-time
International: £31,410 full-time

PGDip

  • UK: £7,020 full-time
  • International: £20,940 full-time

PGCert

  • UK: £3,510
  • International: £10,470


Are you an international applicant?

All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.

Find out more about the deposit >>.

 

Postgraduate Loans for Masters students

As a UK resident you can apply for a government loan for postgraduate Masters study. This is a contribution towards the costs of study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs will be at the discretion of the student.

Find out more about the Postgraduate Loan

How To Apply

How to apply for our taught postgraduate programmes

Application deadlines

The deadline for international students (including EU) to apply is 7 May 2024. The deadline for UK students is 30 August 2024.

Making your application

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

  • 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a health or life sciences related subject (including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, psychology, health sciences), medical statistics or health economics.

Individuals not meeting the above requirement who have equivalent relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Individuals in this category may be offered a place on the PGDip in the first instance, with the potential to transfer to the MSc.

International Requirements



International Students

English language requirement

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

English to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available.

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the University, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Find out more about the English for Academic Purposes Presessional course.

As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

Teaching is likely to take place in one or two-week blocks, and you will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is via a mixture of examination and assignment. If a module is assessed by assignment you will usually have 4-5 weeks to complete it after the module has finished. If a module is assessed by examination it will take place after a period to allow for revision after the taught part of the module has finished.

Masters students complete their degree by also undertaking a research project and writing a dissertation. This provides them with an opportunity to pursue a specific research question in depth, and to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught part of the programme.

Prizes are presented to the best students on the programme.

There are many exciting career opportunities in both academic institutions and industry within this growing field. Staff working on trials include a wide range of healthcare professionals, statisticians, economists, qualitative researchers, programmers, data managers, quality assurance officers, trial co-ordinators/project managers and trial administrators.

The Clinical Trials programme is designed to produce skilled specialist trials staff and expert trial chief investigators of the future, ultimately improving the lives of people around the world. The University of Birmingham hosts the Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials (BCCT), one of the leading centres in the UK for designing and implementing high-quality trials across a wide range of diseases and settings. 

Find out more about the Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials

The programme provides a robust foundation for a transition to clinical trials research from other health-related research or a methodological background or as a new graduate wishing to launch your career in clinical trials. For those already working in clinical trials the programme develops further skills to augment progression in your current or next position.

The programme would also provide an excellent basis for a future study towards a PhD.

Careers support for postgraduate students

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. For more information visit the Careers Network website.