MSc in Clinical Trials

This Master's 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 programme offers a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters'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 a 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.

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 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.

Entry Requirements

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 Students

English language requirement

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

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 the course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

"My favourite thing about the Birmingham programme is that it draws on the world-class expertise from the researchers at the University's two clinical trials units."



--- Dr Graham McIlroy, MSc Clinical Trials student

Modules

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 Master's 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:

• 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.

Fees

2022/23 fees per year

MSc

• UK: £9,810 full-time; £4,905 part-time
• International: £27,540 full-time

PGDip

• UK: £6,540 full-time, £3,270 part-time
• International: £18,360 full-time

PGCert

• UK: £3,270 full-time; £1,635 part-time
• International: £9,180 full-time

Scholarships

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We are offering over 200 awards of £2,000 to support the brightest and best applicants wishing to undertake Master's study at the University during 2022-23.

The deadline for applications is Saturday 30 April 2022.

Postgraduate Loans for Masters students

As a UK resident, you can apply for a government loan for a postgraduate Master's 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.

Employability

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 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.

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 her 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.