Our MRes Experimental Cancer Medicine master's course will give nurses, doctors and clinical researchers the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental cancer through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning, spending a year as a member of the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team at The Christie while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering Phase 1 clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will be allocated to one or more clinical trials that are being conducted by The Christie experimental cancer medicine team. You will have a named trainer and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing and physician students will be expected to participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients.
For clinical trials coordinators, no direct patient contact is envisaged and duties will involve clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Cancer Medicine is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier UK Phase 1 cancer clinical trials unit and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of Experimental Cancer Medicine.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience within The Christie's Experimental Cancer Medicine Team.
Meet the course team
Dr Natalie Cook is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Experimental Cancer Medicine at the University and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Christie. She completed a PhD at Cambridge, investigating translational therapeutics and biomarker assay design in pancreatic cancer.
Professor Hughes is Chair of Experimental Cancer Medicine at the University and Strategic Director of the Experimental Cancer Medicine team at The Christie. He is a member of the research strategy group for Manchester Cancer Research Centre. He serves on the Biomarker evaluation review panel for CRUK grant applications.
Professor Hughes was previously Global Vice-President for early clinical development at AstraZeneca, overseeing around 100 Phase 0/1/2 clinical studies. He was previously Global Vice-President for early phase clinical oncology, having been involved in over 200 early phase clinical studies.
Dr Matthew Krebs is a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Experimental Cancer Medicine at the University and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Christie.
He has a PhD in circulating biomarkers and postdoctoral experience in single cell and ctDNA molecular profiling. He is Principal Investigator on a portfolio of phase 1 clinical trials and has research interests in clinical development of novel drugs for lung cancer and integration of biomarkers with experimental drug development.
Our course is structured around a 2:1 split between clinical-based research projects and taught elements respectively.
Taught course units will predominantly use lectures and workshops.
For the research projects, teaching and learning will take place through one-to-one mentoring from a member of the Experimental Cancer Medicine team.
The clinical and academic experience of contributors to this course will provide you with an exceptional teaching and learning experience.
You will be assessed through oral presentations, single best answer exams, written reports and dissertation.
For each research project, you will write a dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words. Examples of suitable practical projects include the following.
Research proposal
Publication-based/dissertation by publication
Service development/professional report/ report based dissertation
Adapted systematic review (qualitative data)
Full systematic review that includes data collection (quantitative data)
Qualitative or quantitative empirical research
Qualitative secondary data analysis/analysis of existing quantitative data
Quantitative secondary data analysis/analysis of existing qualitative data/theoretical study/narrative review
Teaching will take place within The Christie NHS Foundation Trust , Withington.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
This course is relevant to physician, nursing and clinical research students who are considering a career in Phase 1 clinical studies.
The course provides a theoretical and experiential learning experience and offers a foundation for roles within other experimental cancer medicine centres within the UK and EU, as well as careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, clinical trials management and medicine.
The MRes is ideal for high-calibre graduates and professionals wishing to undertake directly channelled research training in the clinical and medical oncology field.
Our MRes Experimental Medicine (Cancer) programme will give nurses, doctors, clinical researchers and clinical trials co-ordinators the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental medicine with a focus on cancer through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning, through spending a year as a member of the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team at The Christie while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering Phase 1 clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will be allocated to one or more clinical trials that are being conducted by The Christie Experimental Cancer Medicine team. You will have a named supervisor and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing and physician students will be expected to participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients. For clinical trial coordinators, no direct patient contact is envisaged and duties will involve clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Medicine (Cancer) is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier UK Phase 1 cancer clinical trials unit and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of experimental medicine related to cancer.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience through completion of two research projects within The Christie's Experimental Cancer Medicine Team.
Taught by experts in Experimental Medicine within dedicated research and clinical trials facilities
You will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from experimental medicine researchers within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Manchester Clinical Research Centre across a range of different fields and thereby broaden your knowledge and experience of experimental medicine.
Clinical trials are essential in discovering whether new healthcare interventions improve outcomes for patients. This is an expanding field which offers many exciting career opportunities. This face-to-face programme will provide an excellent grounding in clinical trials and enhance the knowledge and understanding of those already working in the field.
Students learn about the scientific, methodological and practical issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials. Teaching is delivered by researchers with expertise in many different healthcare fields. All types of trials, from early to late phase trials, and from simple to complex interventions are covered.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of seven core modules (120 credits), and a dissertation/report (60 credits)
A Postgraduate Diploma, consisting of seven core modules (120 credits) and available for full-time, part-time or flexible study is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate consisting of three or four modules (60 credits) and available for full-time, part-time and flexible study is offered.
Core modules
All modules, except where indicated, are worth 15 credits.
Optional modules
No options are currently available for this programme.
Dissertation/research project
All students undertake a project which consists of a project proposal of 2,000 words, a 20-minute oral presentation, and a journal paper of 6,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, online resources and practical work. Assessment is through written examinations, oral presentations, written assignments (for example, essays, abstracts, background section of a protocol, critical analysis of published work, patient information and communication plans) and the dissertation/report.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Clinical Trials MSc
Potential career opportunities include trial and data management, statistics, regulation of clinical trials, and medical writing. Career destinations include academic trials units, the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organisations, or hospitals. Students may also use this qualification as a springboard for further study at doctoral level.
Future career prospects will be enhanced on completion of this programme. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become key team members in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of high-quality clinical trials.
Employability
Clinical trials is an expanding and highly competitive field of research yet employers find it challenging to recruit people with the appropriate skills and knowledge. This programme has been designed in consultation with employers from academia, the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS. It will give graduates the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that employers seek in this multidisciplinary, collaborative field.
The Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM) at UCL is a global leader in the field with over 450 researchers (including clinicians, statisticians, trials managers) working within it. Students will meet and be taught by many of these researchers.
Using a diverse range of clinical trials designs and methodology the ICTM provides evidence that impacts on a wide variety of diseases and has a particularly strong track record in cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, primary care, and mental and women's health.
There is expertise from early to late phase clinical trials, stratified medicine and novel interventions such as targeted therapies.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
The online programme will provide a knowledge and understanding of the key elements and principles of clinical trial design, delivery and analysis. In addition to a knowledge and understanding of the principles of GCP and their practical implementation in clinical trials.
This programme is suitable for graduates in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, life sciences and other allied disciplines involved in Clinical Trials.
This programme will support the demand for appropriately qualified investigators to lead clinical trials of all phases. Each course is divided into a set of themed sections in which material is presented in a blend of short online lectures, practical case studies, directed readings, podcasts and archived webinars. Discussion board tasks and live expert guest lectures offer opportunity for collaborative critical discourse and debate of current issues under the guidance of expert teaching staff.
The programme covers Commercial Aspects of Drug Discovery and Development, Trial and Project Management, Statistics and Data Management, Regulations and Ethics, Imaging, Medical Devices and Complex Interventions.
The programme is delivered completely online, allowing for a curriculum design approach that caters to different ways of learning. Embracing the role that technology can play to enhance teaching, learning and assessment, the programme has been designed with the learner in mind.
Each student will be supported as an active member of a vibrant online community where clearly-defined learning outcomes are facilitated by tasks and materials that foster active, relevant and collaborative learning, supported by the purposeful use of digital media and online technology.
This programme is made up of compulsory and optional courses.
Compulsory courses:
Optional courses:
MSc Dissertation
Clinical Trials e-Portfolio
The programme will offer candidates an alternative to traditional classroom based research training if they do not wish to or cannot take time away from their professional commitments.
It aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be a leader of clinical trials, supplementing and extending any undergraduate training and work experience. The programme will also provide an important step towards gaining employment in either the commercial or non-commercial/industrial sectors.
The MSc programme is designed to highlight the candidate’s commitment to continual professional development and will ensure a competitive edge when applying for future employment positions.
Our MRes Experimental Medicine (Dermatology) programme will give nurses, doctors, clinical researchers and research programme managers the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental medicine with a focus on dermatology through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning, through spending a year working closely with the Experimental Medicine Dermatology Team of the Biomedical Research Centre while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering Phase 1 clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug or intervention into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will have a named supervisor and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing and physician students may participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients.
For non-registered clinical researchers and research programme managers, no direct patient contact is envisaged and you may participate in clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Medicine (Dermatology) is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier Biomedical Research Centre and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of experimental medicine related to dermatology.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience through completion of two research projects working closely with the Experimental Medicine Dermatology Team of the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.
Taught by experts in Experimental Medicine within dedicated research and clinical trials facilities
You will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from experimental medicine researchers across a range of different fields within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and thereby broaden your knowledge and experience of experimental medicine.
Our MRes Experimental Medicine (Hearing Health) programme will give nurses, doctors, audiologists, clinical researchers and research programme managers the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental medicine with a focus on Hearing Health through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning, through spending a year working closely with the Experimental Medicine Hearing Health Team of the Biomedical Research Centre while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering Phase 1 clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug or intervention into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will have a named supervisor and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing, physician and audiology students may participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients.
For non-registered clinical researchers and research programme managers, no direct patient contact is envisaged and you may participate in clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Medicine (Hearing Health) is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier Biomedical Research Centre and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of experimental medicine related to hearing health.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience through completion of two research projects working closely with the Experimental Medicine Hearing Health Team of the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.
Taught by experts in Experimental Medicine within dedicated research and clinical trials facilities
You will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from experimental medicine researchers across a range of different fields within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and thereby broaden your knowledge and experience of experimental medicine.
Our MRes Experimental Medicine (Musculoskeletal) programme will give nurses, doctors, clinical researchers and research programme managers the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental medicine with a focus on musculoskeletal through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning that includes spending a year working closely with the Experimental Medicine Musculoskeletal Team of the Biomedical Research Centre while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering Phase 1 clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug or intervention into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will have a named supervisor and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing and physician students may participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients.
For non-registered clinical researchers and research programme managers, no direct patient contact is envisaged and you may participate in clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Medicine (Musculoskeletal) is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier Biomedical Research Centre and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of experimental medicine related to musculoskeletal.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience through completion of two research projects working closely with the Experimental Medicine Musculoskeletal Team of the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre
Taught by experts in Experimental Medicine within dedicated research and clinical trials facilities
You will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from experimental medicine researchers across a range of different fields within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and thereby broaden your knowledge and experience of experimental medicine.
Our MRes Experimental Medicine (Respiratory) programme will give nurses, doctors, clinical researchers and research programme managers the skills needed to work in early phase clinical studies.
You will learn how to master experimental medicine with a focus on respiratory through a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on learning, through spending a year working closely with the Experimental Medicine Respiratory Team of the Biomedical Research Centre while also taking four structured taught units.
The taught units will see you learn the details of designing and delivering early phase clinical studies, understanding the pre-clinical data required before a clinical programme can commence, and how to optimise early clinical studies to provide evidence for progressing a promising drug or intervention into Phase II/III clinical testing.
Alongside the taught elements, you will have a named supervisor and be exposed to tasks required in the setup, delivery, interpretation and audit of a clinical study.
Nursing and physician students may participate in patient care, including new and follow-on patient clinics, treatment and care-giving episodes with patients.
For non-registered clinical researchers and research programme managers, no direct patient contact is envisaged and you may participate in clinical trial setup, protocol amendments, database setup, data entry, costing and billing for clinical research.
You will be able to choose two aspects of your direct clinical trial research experience to write up for your two research projects in a dissertation format. This will give you the skills and knowledge required to critically report medical, scientific and clinically related sciences for peer review.
The primary purpose of the MRes in Experimental Medicine (Respiratory) is to provide you with the opportunity to work within a premier Biomedical Research Centre and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, master the discipline of experimental medicine related to respiratory.
Extensive practical experience
You will spend most of your time gaining hands-on experience through completion of two research projects working closely with the Experimental Medicine Respiratory Team of the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre
Taught by experts in Experimental Medicine within dedicated research and clinical trials facilities
You will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from experimental medicine researchers across a range of different fields within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and thereby broaden your knowledge and experience of experimental medicine.
Medical statistics is a fundamental scientific component of health research. Medical statisticians interact with biomedical researchers, epidemiologists and public health professionals and contribute to the effective translation of scientific research into patient benefits and clinical decision-making. As new biomedical problems emerge, there are exciting challenges in the application of existing tools and the development of new superior models.
The UCL Medical Statistics degree provides students with a sound background in theoretical statistics as well as practical hands-on experience in designing, analysing and interpreting health studies, including trials and observational studies. The taught component equips students with analytical tools for healthcare economic evaluation, and the research project provides experience in using real clinical datasets.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of a foundation course, six core modules (90 credits) two optional modules (30 credits) and the research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an individual research project, culminating in a dissertation of approximately 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and classes, some of which are dedicated to practical work. External organisations deliver technical lectures and seminars where possible. Assessment is through written examination and coursework. The research project is assessed through the dissertation and a 15-minute presentation.
Workshops running during the teaching terms provide preparation for this project and cover the communication of statistics, for example, the presentation of statistical graphs and tables.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Statistics (Medical Statistics) MSc
Medical statisticians enable the application of the best possible quantitative methods in health research and assist in the reliable translation of research findings to public and patients’ health care.
The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) has identified medical statistics as one of the priority areas in their capacity building strategy and has awarded UCL two studentships annually for this MSc.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
There is an acute shortage of medical statisticians in the UK and employment opportunities are excellent. Recent graduates from this programme have been employed by clinical trials units, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS trusts and universities (e.g. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UCL).
One of the strengths of UCL Statistical Science is the breadth of expertise on offer; the research interests of staff span the full range from foundations to applications, and make important original contributions to the development of statistical science.
UCL is linked with four NHS hospital trusts and hosts three biomedical research centres, four clinical trial units and an Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology. Established links between UCL Statistical Science, the NIHR UCLH/UCL Biomedical Research Centre and the Clinical Trial Units provide high-quality biomedical projects for Master's students and opportunities for excellent postgraduate teaching and medical research.
Help improve human health. Prepare for a career researching and developing new clinical treatments such as vaccines and drug therapies, or take your skills into health policy or management.
You'll study advanced immunological theory and techniques and train in clinical trial design and practice. Develop your oral and written communication skills while you study and produce a research paper intended for publication.
The Master of Clinical Immunology (MClinIm) is taught in collaboration with the highly regarded Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, the largest private medical research institute in New Zealand. You'll also learn from practising clinicians from the local district health boards, the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand and other research institutions.
You'll complete your MClinIm in one calendar year over three trimesters.
You can choose to complete either your own research project or a work experience practicum. Both will give you the opportunity to be placed in a clinical or research environment to gain relevant experience. You might work or carry out research in a hospital, research institute or other medical organisation.
You'll graduate with the skills you need to assess, analyse and undertake clinical research in immunology in real-world settings.
In your first trimester you'll complete three core courses introducing you to clinical research, experimental trial design and clinical immunology. In the second trimester you'll study two more core courses and do your research project or practicum, or choose other elective courses.
If you achieve a B average or better, you'll be able to go on to study the two final courses in your last trimester. These will advance your clinical immunology knowledge and science communication skills, and you'll complete an individually mentored research proposal.
If you successfully complete the first part of the programme but for whatever reason are unable to complete the second, you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.
If you are studying full time you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. It is possible to study part time, but you'll need to discuss this with the programme director. Part-time students doing one or two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
The MClinIm will prepare you for a range of senior roles in health research. You might work in a hospital, private research institute, diagnostic laboratory or pharmaceutical company, or for a government agency involved in health policy or delivery.
This MSc offers specialised training in biomedical science with exposure to leading research scientists, biotechnologists and the pharmaceutical industry. It provides a foundation for a career in drug development and a comprehensive programme in research methodology, the translation of basic research into therapies and the governance and social implications of health research.
Students develop practical understanding of research methods in biomedical science and knowledge of cutting-edge research alongside practical experience in laboratory, clinical or epidemiological research. They develop the ability to evaluate scientific literature and gain an appreciation of ethical and governance requirements of research, including 'Good Clinical Practice' principles. Graduates of this MSc go on to have successful careers in both academia and in industry.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of six core modules (120 credits) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate consisting of two core modules (60 credits) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this degree.
Research project/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a report of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, practicals, small-group seminars and laboratory work. Assessment is through presentations, essays, examination and the research project and dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Clinical Drug Development MSc
The programme provides an ideal foundation for graduates who wish subsequently to undertake a PhD in biomedical science, and provides key transferable skills for those wishing to pursue careers in drug development.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
This programme runs within the School of Life and Medical Sciences, one of the most highly rated medical research organisations in the UK. Close links with clinical colleagues in the UCLH group of hospitals provides cutting-edge medical expertise and links to world-leading clinical research. Graduates of the programme have pursued careers in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine, and a significant proportion go on to study for PhD degrees at UCL and other institutions worldwide.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Division of Medicine has as its mission the performance of innovative, high-quality biomedical research and excellence in graduate teaching.
This MSc programme provides an opportunity for students to develop theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical skills in research methodology. These include statistical methods applied to medical research, drug development in a specific biomedical area or health specialty, and the ethics and governance of applied health research.
Over the course of the year, students will have the opportunity to build a network of contacts from both academia and industry, improving their future career prospects.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Medicine
80% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
These courses provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of randomised controlled trials of health interventions. They are suitable for students working in high-, middle- and low-income countries.
The need for rigorous evaluation of components of health care is increasingly recognised worldwide. An important type of evaluation is the randomised controlled clinical trial. These courses will give students an understanding of trials which will equip them to work in this increasingly important field.
They are suitable both for those wishing to gain an overall understanding of trials before moving into the field, and those who have general or specialist experience in clinical trials and aim to broaden their role in the design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials in high, middle and low income countries.
The aims and learning outcomes of the courses are detailed in the programme specification.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/request-prospectus)
- Distance Learning prospectus (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/request-prospectus)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/clinical-trials-online
You will meet the English language requirement if you have passed, within the past three years:
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English when a minimum overall score of B or 190 is achieved;
- (IELTS) International English Language Testing System when an overall score of at least 7.0 is achieved with a minimum of 7.0 in the Written sub-test and a minimum of 5.5 in Listening, Reading and Speaking; or
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) overall score of 68 or above, with a minimum of 68 in Writing and a minimum of 59 in Listening, Reading and Speaking
- (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language overall score of 100 or above with at least 24 in Writing, 23 in Speaking, 22 in Reading and 21 in Listening
Assessment varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. Details are given in the module specifications.
Examinations take place once a year in June (please note: it is not possible to hold examinations at other times of year). These are normally held in a student’s country of residence. We have examination centres in over 180 countries worldwide (for details please visit the assessment and examinations section).
Examinations are arranged mainly through Ministries of Education or the British Council. Students taking examinations will need to pay a fee to their local examination centre. Please note that if you fail an examination at the first entry you will be allowed one further attempt.
Credits will be awarded to all modules (15 credits each) and (MSc only) the integrating module (30 credits) successfully completed. To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:
- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- MSc – 180 credits
The majority of the Clinical Trials module study materials are delivered online after course/module registration. You will receive details of how to use the online learning environment effectively. Study materials provided for non-Clinical Trials modules may include study guides, textbooks, CD-ROMs/additional computer software (e.g. Stata). You will have access to past examination papers and Examiners' reports, Student Handbooks, and to the School's online library resources. We also provide all students with a student registration card.
We know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff. You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
Once registered, you will be sent the learning materials for the module(s) you have chosen to study. Clinical Trials module materials are mostly delivered online. These materials will take you through a programme of directed self-study, and indicate how and where you can obtain supplementary study materials and access tutorial support to enhance your studies.
The study year runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams, during which time tutorial support is available. Those writing the Clinical Trials integrating report will also continue to have tutorial support over the summer. Deadlines for submission of coursework vary per course but are usually in March, May, August and September.
- a web-based learning environment (including web conferencing, allowing you to engage in academic discussions with tutors and fellow students)
- personalised feedback from teaching staff and advice on assignments
- tutors are allocated to each module and are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year, through the online Virtual Learning Environment
- communicate with other distance learning students, either individually or through learning support groups
After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the 'blended learning option', which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at the School in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at the School, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsct.html#seventh
For health care professionals from diverse backgrounds who wish to expand their knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of oncology, including:
A full-time programme is also available.
The aim of this programme is to give you a scientific understanding of the cellular basis of cancer. We will then discuss how understanding the molecular pathology of the disease can help in stratifying patients to personalised cancer therapeutic approaches and disease management.
Aiming to allow you to understand the research process, this programme draws on examples from within this renowned research Institute and its associated Clinical Trials Unit. A key part of this Masters programme is the planning, execution and reporting of a piece of independent study leading to submission of a dissertation.
At all levels we aim to encourage interactive rather than didactic learning and lecturing. Therefore, in addition to assembling and learning facts you will also to consider some of the philosophical challenges which underlie the treatment of cancer.
The programme is studied part time over 2.5 years and includes a taught element plus a work place based dissertation. During the first year you normally study 4 taught modules (5 weeks of attendance), whilst in the second year you normally study 3 taught modules (3 weeks of attendance) plus start your dissertation. The programme however is intended to be flexible and other patterns of study are permitted (please discuss with the programme lead (Dr Jean Assender).
You can opt for a Postgraduate Diploma on completion of the core modules and 30 credits of optional modules, or an MSc on successful completion of the taught programme and an independently researched dissertation.
As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.
This programme is delivered via one or two 5 day blocks of teaching from Monday to Friday approx 9am-5.30pm. You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, eLectures (Surgical Oncology sample), small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.
So you can get an idea of what some of our students have to say about the programmes we have been in touch with them and compiled some of their comments into student profiles for you to have a look at:
Dr Selvi Radhakrishna, a recent graduate from the PG Diploma in Clinical Oncology programme here at the University of Birmingham, has written a book that presents the various cultural issues an Indian woman might face when diagnosed with breast cancer. This New Indian Express article tells the story.
Careers Support for Postgraduate Students
Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career
We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. For more information visit the Careers Network website.
