MSc in Clinical Trials
Birmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 5 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 31,410 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* UK students I international students (including EU) is 30 June 2024
** for international students I £10,530 UK students
Introduction
Our MSc Clinical Trials will provide you with an excellent foundation, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of trial design, conduct, analysis and interpretation. As a student at Birmingham, you will benefit from a hands-on approach delivered by our passionate academics and scientists to enhance your knowledge and skills.
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 a 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 program offers a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master's in Clinical Trials and is designed to provide academic training to professionals currently working in, or who wish to work in, clinical trials.
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 approaches 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.
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.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate teaching and research programmes. From cash payments to full tuition fee waivers, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.
Our scholarships are intended to support both UK and International students undertaking a postgraduate taught or research programme at the University of Birmingham. To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Curriculum
Masters students will complete seven core modules, totalling 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 the Diploma and from the Diploma to the master's based on appropriate performance.
Masters Programme
You will take the following core modules:
- Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features (20 credits)
- Selection, Collection and Reporting of Clinical Trial Outcomes* (10 credits)
- Preparation and Set-up for a Clinical Trial* (20 credits)
- Delivery and Management of Clinical Trials* (20 credits)
- Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings* (20 credits)
- Early-phase Clinical Trials* (10 credits)
- Design and Delivery of Further Clinical Trials* (20 credits)
- Final Research Project (60 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
You will take the 120 credits from taught modules as per the Master's 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.
Program Outcome
Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit (BCTU) was one of the first clinical trial units to be awarded UK Clinical Research Collaboration accreditation.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
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 coordinators/project managers and trial administrators.
The Clinical Trials programme is designed to produce skilled specialist trial 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.
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 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.
Student Testimonials
Program delivery
Duration: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible (5 years)
Flexible: Full-time, part-time and flexible (up to 5 years) study options available
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.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.