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UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology

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The UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology is a centre of excellence for clinical trials, meta-analysis and epidemiological studies.

Why UCL?

  • UCL is winner of The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024
  • UCL is rated 9th in the QS World Rankings 2024
  • UCL is ranked 6th in the world for Public Health (ShanghaiRanking’s 2023)
  • UCL is No.1 for research power and impact in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021)
  • The combined strength of our four clinical trials units means The UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology has the largest group of trialists – approximately 400 - in Europe. Our institute is a centre of excellence for clinical trials, meta-analysis and epidemiological studies 
  • Our students are closely integrated into our community through research-embedded teaching

Browse our programmes 

For full programme information including modules, fees and entry requirements please visit the prospectus

Register your interest


Book a 1-2-1 appointment

Clinical Trials MSc 

Book a 15-minute appointment with a member of the Clinical Trials MSc Programme Team. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, careers or studying at UCL. 

Book a 1-2-1

Statistics for Clinical Trials MSc

Book a 1-2-1 with a member of the Statistics for Clinical Trials MSc programme team. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, careers or studying at UCL.

Book a 1-2-1

Why study our online clinical trials programmes?

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Careers and employability

Clinical Trials MSc

Graduates have gone to work as: 

  • Clinical Trial Co-Ordinators
  • Data Managers / Data Scientists in Clinical Trials
  • Clinical Trials Monitors
  • Clinical Trial Physicians (our graduates who also have medical qualifications)
  • Clinical Trial Pharmacists (our graduates who are pharmacists)

Some graduates go on to specialise within certain areas of clinical trials such as: 

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Quality Assurance
  • Patient and Public Involvement

Past employers of our MSc Clinical Trials Graduates include: 

  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust 
  • Imperial College London
  • Richmond Pharmacology 
  • IQVIA 
  • Johnson and Johnson Ltd. 
  • NHS Trusts 
  • UCL

Graduates have also gone on to work for contract research organisations, clinical trials funders, and many different organisations involved in clinical trials.

Statistics for Clinical Trials MSc

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Clinical trial statistician in academic trials units, the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organisations, hospitals, and government organisations.
  • Students may also use this qualification as a springboard for further study at doctoral level. Clinicians will possess the right knowledge and statistical skills to work in clinical research, in particular clinical trials.

Funding your studies 

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Visit our Meet our Students webpage to hear from Tega Ayerume on how to successfully apply for a scholarship.

For tips on applying for the NIHR Pre-doctoral Fellowship for Clinical Trials, please visit our webpage.


What our students and alumni say

Zoya
Zoya, Clinical Trials MSc 

Trishul
Trishul, Clinical Trials MSc

Clinical Trials MSc UCL Masters degree
Joel, Clinical Trials MSc 

Whilst most topics can be taught in theory, this course gave me the skills to apply my learning to the real-world work environment. Using real-life examples of trials, the data they produced, and being taught by the people who conducted the work meant that us students were really embedded within current Clinical Trial practices. Beyond just giving me the “How to do something”, it gave me the “Why it was important”, which now means in my current role within trials I ensure that processes are followed because I know the potential consequences if they are not done."

Tasmin Rookes, Alumna Clinical Trials MSc and PhD Student 

FAQs

General 

Are the Clinical Trials MSc and Statistics for Clinical Trials MSc fully online?

Yes, these programmes are delivered entirely online. We use an online platform called Moodle to deliver the course online. Each taught module is broken down into weeks of learning. Each week you will be given access to self paced learning packs that you can access in your own time (asynchronous learning) before you join the weekly live online classes. Live online classes are delivered using Zoom.

Is there an option for me to attend in person?

This programme is delivered fully online. There is no option to attend in person. Any students who live in UK have the option to visit the UCL campus and library using their UCL Student card.

Do I need a visa to be eligible for this course?

No, you do not need a visa to be a student on this course. The course is fully online and therefore there is no requirement for a visa.

Will I receive a UCL Student card?

If you wish to obtain a UCL Student card, you would  need to collect this in-person from the main UCL Campus in UK. You can find out how to book an appointment to collect your card in-person here. 

Are adjustments possible for exams based on chronic conditions and learning disabilities?

UCL has a system where students with specific needs can submit evidence and receive adjustments for assessments – this is called a Summary of Reasonable Adjustments (SoRA)

How do I apply?

For detailed information and application procedures, please refer to the programme prospectus pages: Clinical Trials MSc (Online) or  Statistics for Clinical Trials MSc (Online) 

When will I come to know of the outcome after I apply?

This is variable depending on the number of applications that UCL are processing (some periods are busy). The paperwork you provide on application is checked by the admissions team. This takes time and we recommend that you apply as early as possible. It is important that you provide all the information requested. Missing information will delay the processing of your application.

Are there financial aid options available for this programme?

There are some options available. Please explore the UCL scholarships page here for more information: Funding for students on postgraduate taught courses | UCL Scholarships and funding - UCL – University College London

Can I get reimbursed by my employer for this programme?

Some employers may offer financial support towards your programme fees. We advise you to check with HR department at your workplace about the support that may be available to you.

Teaching delivery

Who teaches on the programmes?

You will be taught by clinicians, clinical trialists, statisticians and industry speakers (Roche, GSK, NHS etc) with expertise in various aspects of clinical trials.

How is teaching delivered?

We will provide you with self-paced learning packs one week in advance. You will be expected to complete the learning packs and come prepared for live online sessions. 

Learning packs consist of pre-recorded lectures, relevant papers, videos, quizzes and other interactive elements. Each week you will be given access to learning packs that you can access in your own time (asynchronous learning) before you join the weekly live online classes. We expect you to complete the learning packs in your own time and pace before the live session. This means you will be prepared for active participation in the live sessions.

Will there be any live teaching sessions online?

Yes. We will have live online sessions via Zoom during the taught modules in Terms 1 and 2. The live online sessions last 2-4 hours and consist of lectures, individual and small group activities using real life clinical trials examples, quizzes and other interactive options. 

How many hours per week would I need for the online programmes?

The workload can vary depending on your learning pace, but you can expect to spend time on these aspects each week (the times mentioned here are a guide, but will vary individually):

  • Time spent on self-paced online learning packs: 2-4 hours
  • Online activities: 1 hour
  • Live online teaching sessions: 2-4 hours per week

You will also have to schedule time to work on assessments. Formative assessments are set early on in each module. Summative assessments are usually set at the end of each module (or during and after the module if there are two assessments). We will provide you with your assessment schedule for the year, during induction week.

Can I balance the online programmes with a full-time job?

Many students complete our courses while working. The programmes' online format offers flexibility for working professionals. The curriculum is mostly designed around self-paced learning. It is however important to plan your attendance at the live online sessions and assessments.

Assessment deadlines are typically spread throughout the term, with assignments designed to be completed alongside the course modules. You would need to set time apart for completing assessments. 

Do the programmes offer online interaction with academics?

Each taught module has two module leads. They will guide you through each module. Our live teaching sessions allow for online interaction with academics and fellow students. In addition, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will guide you with pastoral support- all online.

Will I get to do a research project during this course?

If you would like to complete an MSc with us, you would need to complete a research project. The research project takes place in Term 3 (April- August), after you finish all of the 7 taught modules. However, it is possible to work on certain aspects (if applicable: ethical approvals, data collection etc) of the research project in advance – this is dependent on the individual project.

Student experience

What kind of support services are available for online students?

UCL offers various online student support services, such as academic advisors, technical support, online career services, online library sessions, online academic writing sessions etc

Will I be able to interact with my classmates during the course?

 Yes, students will have the option to interact with other students in these ways:

  • Student WhatsApp groups- This is for current students on the MSc. A vibrant group where students help and support each other. Our student representatives add new students into this group each year.
  • UCL Society for Online Students- This new society is for online students at UCL. Membership is free for this society
  • UCL ICTM Students and Alumni LinkedIn group- This is a private group on LinkedIn for current students and alumni from our MSc

Clinical Trials MSc

Will AI in Clinical Trials be taught in this programme?

Yes. We deliver teaching on all aspects of clinical trials, and regularly review course content to make sure we teach about contemporary topics. Across the programme, we will explore the role that AI has the potential to play and the considerations for using AI at various stages in the lifecycle of a clinical trial.

Does the programme offer opportunities to network with professionals in the field?

The programme has guest lectures from industry experts and has an exclusive current students and alumni LinkedIn group. These avenues help students network with professionals in the field. 


Contact us

Clinical Trials MSc

E: ICTM.pgtct@ucl.ac.uk

Statistics for Clinical Trials MSc

E: ictm.pgtstatisticsct@ucl.ac.uk


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