Clinical Trials

Our programme is unique, flexible and delivered by experts and partners from leading research facilities.

Impressive reputation

We run our programme in collaboration with strong industry partners and affiliates, including the Edinburgh Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (WTCRF), the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU) and NHS Lothian.

In 2011, the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (WTCRF) was the first non-commercial clinical research centre in the UK to be accepted onto the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Phase I Accreditation Scheme.

Unique programme

This is the first online programme encompassing the complete methodology of clinical trials. Through our virtual learning environment, you can engage with peers from around the world and gain a broad perspective on the discipline. You will also learn about the latest developments through video lectures, podcasts and readings.

Flexibility

This programme is ideal for health professionals who wish to gain a postgraduate qualification without taking a break from their work commitments.

You can study from home, part-time, and select modules suited to your career aspirations. You will have electronic access to the University library and its vast collection of e-journals and online textbooks.

Improved career prospects

Our programme is designed to enhance your existing training and equip you with the skills and knowledge required to lead clinical trials. This will be advantageous when applying for jobs in an academic or commercial environment, as you will have demonstrable interest and commitment.

This is a part-time, online postgraduate programme where you can study for a certificate, diploma or masters qualification.

The degree normally extends over a period of 36 months. The first two years contain a series of taught 10 and 20 credit modules. A master’s degree is awarded following the completion of a Clinical Trials e-Portfolio in Year Three.

Year one

In your first year, you will study three compulsory courses. You can then be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate.

Module

• Introduction to Clinical Trials
• Good Clinical Practice, Ethics and Regulatory Issues
• Principles of Clinical Trial Management

Award

At the end of your first year, you can apply for a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Trials, and choose whether to continue your studies.

Year two

In each semester of your second year, you will choose elective courses totalling 20 credits. You can then be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.

Semester one

Modules

• Clinical Trials in Special Populations
• Commercial Aspects of Drug Development
• Medical Devices
• Pharmacogenomics

Semester two Module

• Bioinformatics and Data Management
• Complex Interventions (Non-drug)
• Monitoring and Audit
• Translational Pharmacology

Semester three Modules

• Health Economics
• Patient and Public Involvement
• Pharmacovigilance
• Translational Imaging and Clinical Trials

Award

At the end of your first year, you can apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Trials, and choose whether to continue your studies.

Year three

To be awarded the full master’s degree, you must complete an e-Portfolio.

In your final year you will complete a Clinical Trials e-Portfolio in place of an MSc dissertation.

This is to be submitted on an assigned date in August.

The Clinical Trials e-Portfolio includes three components of written work:

• critique and design of an e-Protocol
• an e-Poster, a conference poster which presents and translates the findings of a clinical trial
• a reflective account of what you have learned and experienced on the programme.

Award

Once you have successfully completed your e-Portfolio, you will be awarded the full master’s degree.

Audience

This programme is suitable for graduates in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, life sciences and other allied disciplines involved in Clinical Trials.

You will need a strong background, at least a 2:1 or its equivalent at undergraduate level, in one of the following areas:medicinenursingpharmacylife sciencesbiological sciencesIf you fall below these requirements but have three to five years of relevant work experience we will consider your eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us with details of your experience before applying so can assess your suitability.English language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you will need to meet the minimum standards set out by the College and recommended by the University.You will also need to be able to provide documentation of your proficiency, either through Certificate or Letter of English Language Competence. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more. Work Experience No work experience is required. This programme is most suited to health professionals already working in, or looking to specialise in, clinical trials. It will supplement and extend previous undergraduate training and work experience, giving you the skills and knowledge to lead clinical trials.