Clinical Trials

By the end of the course, students should have the knowledge and skills required to design and undertake a clinical trial. By running a fully integrated course covering all key aspects of clinical trials, students will acquire a good understanding of the theoretical underpinning as well as the practical aspects of randomised clinical trials and have an in-depth training in trials methodology. The course will cover different types of trials and clinical conditions, with a focus on large, streamlined clinical outcome trials in cardiovascular disease.

The specific aims are to provide:

• in-depth training in, and understanding of, the principles and practice of conducting randomised clinical trials;
• a forum for the nurturing of future global leaders in clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine and beyond.

Teaching is delivered virtually (via online lectures, tutorials and group work) during the first year, and for the first two whole terms and part of the third term in the second year. The curriculum comprises eight compulsory modules of varying length and intensity across six terms:

• An introduction to the principles of randomised trials
• The regulatory and ethical framework and participant involvement
• Design to implementation
• Data management and analysis
• Big data and new technologies
• Different types of trial in particular populations
• Health economics and Patient Reported Outcome Measures
• Meta-analyses and the reporting of trial results

The course will include a one-week compulsory residential period in the Long Vacation (September) between years one and two. The aim of the residential period is to allow the students to meet the tutors and course teaching staff and to provide face-to-face teaching, discussion time and leadership training. The examination will also take place during this week.

A shorter optional residential period will also take place in Trinity Term in year two. This will allow discussion about dissertation content, practical guidance on statistical content and an opportunity for face-to-face discussion between the student and dissertation supervisor.

During all six terms of the course there will be a series of formative assessments designed to enable teaching staff and the students to monitor progress. These assessments are compulsory but the marks do not contribute to the final degree. All students are provided with detailed feedback that will enable them to improve their learning by helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses.

There are six summative assessments in total. In Hilary Term of year one, a written assignment of 2500 words (10%) is submitted. In the break between year one and two students will upload a scientific poster (10%) for assessment. The examination (20%) will be held at the end of the Long Vacation during the residential week. During Michaelmas term of year two a written assignment of 3000 words (10%) will be submitted. During Hilary Term of year two students will present a 15 minute presentation (10%) and finally during the Trinity term of year two, students will write a dissertation (40%) that will be submitted in September of year two.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Population Health and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. A supervisor may be found outside the Nuffield Department of Population Health.

It is expected that MSc in Clinical Trials graduates will return to their full-time roles, but may include more clinical trials/studies in their duties. Some students may wish to progress to DPhil study.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the department

Population Health DPhil
Global Health Science and Epidemiology MSc
Evidence-Based Health Care MSc
Primary Health Care DPhil
Clinical Medicine DPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Population Health

Clinical Trials MSc

Global Health Science and Epidemiology MSc

Population Health DPhil

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Entry requirements