Xinyi Zhang
Student
What are your career goals after graduating?
After graduating, I hope to secure a clinical trial–related role within the NHS or a Clinical Trials Unit. I’m also interested in becoming a medical writer in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, where I can apply my scientific knowledge and communication skills to support the development of new therapies.
Tell us about the teaching environment and lecturers on your course.
The teaching environment is friendly, supportive, and highly engaging. Our lecturers encourage us to ask questions and actively participate in discussions. They are very professional and experienced, many of whom are currently working in real-world clinical trials. This gives us valuable insight into how clinical research is conducted in practice.
Tell us how the course has helped you to develop your skills for your current/future career.
This course has provided a comprehensive overview of the entire clinical trial process. It has introduced us to various roles within clinical research, such as protocol development, trial monitoring, data analysis, and electronic case report form (eCRF) design.
Through group projects and critical thinking exercises, I’ve learned how to identify key information, work collaboratively, and present ideas in a clear and logical way—skills that are essential for my future career.
What are the best things about your course?
One of the best things about the course is gaining a deep understanding of the clinical trial process from start to finish. I also appreciate the opportunity to interact with professionals from different roles within the industry, which helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice.
Why did you choose to study your current course?
I previously worked as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), which sparked my interest in learning more about clinical trials in greater depth. I chose this programme to build a solid academic foundation and to prepare myself for future opportunities in the clinical research field.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings. University of Birmingham is the Top Choice for Employers. Its location in Birmingham offers convenient transport links, making it easy to travel across the UK and explore new places. I felt it was the perfect environment for both academic and personal growth.