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Clinical TrialsMSc / PGDip / PGCert
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptemberDuration1 year (full-time) / 2 years (part time) / 5 years (flexible)
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate
- Entry requirements2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a health or life sciences related subject (including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, psychology, health sciences), medical statistics or health economics.
- Fees£10,900 (full-time)
Course overview
Join us to shape the future of healthcare and advance global health. Well designed, conducted, and analysed clinical trials provide the best evidence of the effectiveness of healthcare interventions, improving the health and quality of life of the population.
Our programme produces skilled specialist trials staff and expert trial chief investigators of the future, ultimately improving the lives of people around the world. The development of a more skilled research and clinical workforce will lead to exceptional and more efficient trials, ultimately improving lives locally, nationally and internationally.
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.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There's also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis or flexibly (up to 5 years). While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
During Term One you’ll develop a thorough understanding of why clinical trials have become so important in the evaluation of healthcare, social care and public health interventions. You’ll gain an understanding of the various types of outcomes commonly collected in contemporary clinical trials and will explore the procedural and logistical considerations when setting up a trial.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
The University of Birmingham hosts the Birmingham Centre for BCCT Website 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’ll be taught by experienced staff, who have an established record of training, their teaching informed by their own applied and methodological research.
- All modules focus entirely on clinical trials and use real-world examples in their teaching.
- Gain knowledge and practical skills to design, plan and deliver efficient and successful clinical trials.
It's the only face to face Clinical Trials programme currently in the UK.
Explore examples from a broad range of trials and disease settings.
You’ll develop the key research and presentation skills needed for PhD study or for employment in research environments.
Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit was one of the first clinical trials units to be awarded the UK Clinical Research Collaboration accreditation.
Course delivery
As a Birmingham student, you’ll 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’ll be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. Teaching is likely to take place in one or two-week blocks, and you’ll participate in a range of teaching styles:
Lectures
- Material will be introduced in short lectures.
- Lectures will be delivered in classrooms, not large lecture theatres and students will have opportunities to ask questions.
Seminars
- Seminars delivered by experts will support the learning by bringing examples of real world trials into the classroom.
Tutorials
- These will be arranged where there is a perceived need in preparation for assessments e.g. exams.
Small Group Teaching and group discussion
- Lecture material will be consolidated through the provision of exercises and scenarios using real world examples where students work together in small groups to design solutions to common clinical trial challenges.
Guided Independent study
- Students may be required to access pre-recorded lectures and reading prior to attending classroom sessions.
Assessment – examination and assignment.
- You’ll usually have four to five weeks to complete assignments after the module has finished. Examinations 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, providing the 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.
You’ll 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.
Module information
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 Diploma and from Diploma to the Masters based on appropriate performance.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Delivery and Management of Clinical Trials | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Design and Delivery of Further Clinical Trials | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Early Phase Clinical Trials | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Final Research Project | 60 | |
| Preparation and Set-up for a Clinical Trial | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Selection, Collection and Reporting of Trial Outcomes | 10 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 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.
Applicants who do not meet this requirement but who have relevant experience may be considered. Please get in touch with us to discuss your suitability prior to applying.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
Fees for 2025 entry
PGDip (Home) - £7,267
PGDip (International) - £21,673
PGCert (Home) - £3,633
PGCert (International) - £10,837
- £10,900
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
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 co-ordinators/project managers and trial administrators.
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 Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.