Clinical trials are crucial for discovering new healthcare interventions and improving patient outcomes. It’s an expanding and highly competitive field of research yet employers find it challenging to recruit people with the appropriate skills and knowledge.

This online MSc in Clinical Trials from UCL will equip you with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills sought after in the industry.

Designed in consultation with leading employers from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and the NHS, this online MSc will provide a firm grounding if you’re new to the industry or will help enhance your expertise if you’re already in the field. 

With numerous exciting career opportunities and the potential for further doctoral study, this programme is your gateway to success in clinical trials.

Develop your knowledge of clinical trial design

You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, methodological, and practical aspects of clinical trial design. From trial setup to final reporting, you’ll explore opportunities in clinical trials, data management, regulation, and medical writing. 

Through this exploration, you’ll learn about various trial types, from early to late phase, and from simple to complex interventions. 

Discover the key attributes and traits of successful clinical trialists

You’ll enhance your professional skills and boost your employability by understanding the key attributes of successful clinical trialists.

What’s more, you’ll benefit from the expertise of experienced clinical trialists and researchers, learning from real-world examples and the latest developments in the field.

Equipped with this knowledge, you can become a vital team member in designing, conducting, analysing, and reporting high-quality clinical trials.

Gain transferable skills to use in your career as a health professional 

Developing expertise in trial leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and innovation, you’ll be prepared for diverse roles in the field. You’ll also take part in both individual and group activities to help enhance your communication skills.

Career options include academic trial units, the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organisations, hospitals, and government organisations. 

How will I be assessed?

The assessments on this MSc will help you develop key skills for your career or further study in the field. Assessments are based on real-world examples and activities you would perform or need to be aware of if you work in clinical trials.

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including:

• Unseen written examinations

• Oral presentations

• Written assignments (for example, essays, abstracts, background section of a protocol, critical analysis of published work, practical problem solving, communicating appropriately with different audiences).

By the end, you’ll be able to critically challenge current research and have enhanced your academic writing and oral presentation skills.

What career opportunities could this degree unlock?

An MSc in Clinical Trials equips you with specialist knowledge and skills that are essential for managing and conducting clinical research, which is critical for the development of new medical treatments and therapies.

The skills you’ll gain on this MSc will create exciting opportunities to work both in clinical trials and data management, as well as regulation of clinical trials and medical writing. 

Here are some specific job titles along with their average salaries in the UK:

1. Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

Role: CRAs monitor clinical trials to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protocols. They often travel to clinical sites to oversee the progress of trials.

2. Clinical Project Manager

Role: Clinical Project Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and tracking of clinical trials. They manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams.

3. Clinical Data Manager

Role: Clinical Data Managers handle the data collected from clinical trials. They ensure data integrity, compliance, and quality control.

4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Role: Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that clinical trials comply with all regulatory and legal requirements. They prepare and submit regulatory documents to health authorities.

5. Biostatistician

Role: Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to design, analyse, and interpret the data from clinical trials. They are essential for ensuring the scientific validity of trial results.

Is this a part-time or full-time degree?

This MSc is designed with flexibility in mind and to fit around your current commitments. You can study full-time in just a year, part-time in two years, or choose a more flexible five-year option.