Selection, Collection and Reporting of Trial Outcomes 10 credits

This is a core module on the MSc/PGDip in Clinical Trials programme. It is available as an optional module on the PGCert when taken alongside the following modules:

• Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features
• Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings
• Early Phase Clinical Trials

It can also be taken on a stand-alone basis.

Overview

Outcomes assessment is a fundamental aspect of trial design and implementation. Despite this, the rigor with which outcomes are selected, collected and reported in clinical trials is highly variable. Inappropriate selection of outcomes and outcome measures can lead to trial findings of little value to key stakeholders (such as patients) and heterogeneity in outcomes across trials, which makes data synthesis difficult. Issues arising with the collection of outcomes, such as missing data, can impact on the usefulness of a trial’s findings and inappropriate reporting of outcomes can lead to outcome reporting bias and misleading interpretation of a trial’s findings.

This module will consider the various types of outcomes commonly collected in contemporary clinical trials and their key features, strengths and weaknesses. The module will also provide a detailed understanding of the fundamental principles surrounding trial outcome selection, collection and reporting, and will explore solutions to overcoming barriers to successful measurement and appropriate interpretation of different outcomes in a variety of settings. A key aim will be to equip students with the knowledge and critical analysis skills to construct appropriate trial protocol-style written content focused on outcome selection, justification and collection.

On completion you should be able to:

• Distinguish between types of outcomes commonly collected in contemporary trials and summarize their key features, including modes of collection and impact on the design and conduct of a trial.
• Explain the fundamental principles and key considerations surrounding trial outcome selection, collection and reporting in different settings.
• Identify and support the most appropriate outcome(s) for different research questions.
• Critically appraise trial outcome selection, implementation and reporting/interpretation in medical research literature.
• Appraise existing strategies and, where appropriate, develop new approaches aimed at optimising trial outcome capture in different settings.
• Construct appropriate trial protocol content around outcome selection, justification and collection, relevant to a specific area of research.

Dates

8th - 12th December 2025

Attendance Required

1 block week of teaching.

Assessment

2,500-word extended writing (100%).

Standalone Course

• An interest in evidence-based practice
• 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a health or life sciences related subject (for example, 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 an individual basis.

For further information, please contact the programme team at clinicaltrialsmsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Fees for 2025 entry

Microcredential (Home): £605

Microcredential (International): £1,745

Non-credit: £505.60

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.