Clinical TrialsMSc / PGDip / PGCert

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.

Course Structure

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.

Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit was one of the first clinical trials units to be awarded the UK Clinical Research Collaboration accreditation.

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.

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.

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:

Postgraduate certificate programmes

All students on the postgraduate certificate programme are required to complete taught modules to the value of 60 credits. There is one compulsory module (20 credits) that all students must complete and a choice of three additional options worth 40 credits in total. The three options are listed below. Students must decide on their options at the end of the initial compulsory module.

Compulsory module

• Rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features (20 credits)

Optional modules

Option A

• 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

• Preparation and Set-up for a Clinical Trial (20 credits)
• Delivery and Management of Clinical Trials (20 credits)

Option C

• Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings (20 credits)
• Design and Delivery of Further Clinical Trials (20 credits)

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 for 2025 entry

PGDip (Home) - £7,267

PGDip (International) - £21,673

PGCert (Home) - £3,633

PGCert (International) - £10,837

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.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

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.

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.