Masters Degrees (Clinical Trials)

The Master of Clinical Trials (Research) is a distinctive course, targeted at medical doctors and allied health professionals, which will allow you to acquire the expertise needed to design, develop, lead and conduct clinical trials. The course is led by the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC), Australia’s premier academic clinical trials research organisation and is specifically focussed on clinical trials design and research methodology.

The course is offered via distance learning. As a result of participation, you will have a solid understanding of clinical trials methodologies underpinning the design of good quality studies, as well as the knowledge to lead and/or design, conduct and appropriately interpret the results of single and multi-centre clinical trials.

This course complements a parallel course developed by Sydney Nursing School, the Master of Clinical Trials Practice. The Master of Clinical Trials Practice is specifically focussed on the practical aspects of conducting clinical trials for nurses and allied health professionals.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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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 new programme will provide an excellent grounding in clinical trials and enhance the knowledge and understanding of those already working in the field.

Degree information

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 eight core modules (120 credits), and a dissertation/report (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma, consisting of eight core modules (120 credits) and available for full-time, part-time or flexible study is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate consisting of four modules (60 credits) and available for full-time, part-time and flexible study is offered.

Core modules
-Trial Design and Determining the Intervention
-Statistical Principles and Critical Appraisal
-Protecting Patients and Introduction to Patient Engagement
-Trial Set-up and Conduct - from an Idea to Reality
-Alternative Trial Designs and Outcomes
-Applying Clinical Trial Design Principles in Practice
-Managing Open Trials, Preparing for Analysis and Disseminating Trial Results
-Patient and Data Pathways through Clinical Trials

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 and poster 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.

Careers

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 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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

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.

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Programme description

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.

Online learning

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.

Programme structure

This programme is made up of compulsory and optional courses.

Compulsory courses:

Clinical Trials Foundation Module
Introduction to Clinical Trials
Good Clinical Practice, Ethics and Regulatory Issues

Optional courses:

Clinical Trial Management (20 credits)
Clinical Trials in Special Populations (20 credits)
Patient and Public Involvement (20 credits)
Study Design (20 credits)
Monitoring and Audit (20 credits)
Translational Imaging and Clinical Trials (10 credits)
Commercial Aspects of Drug Discovery (10 credits)

MSc Dissertation
Clinical Trials e-Portfolio

Career opportunities

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.

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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) (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/progspec-clinicaltrials.pdf)
- Distance Learning prospectus (pdf) (http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sites/default/files/prospectus/lshtm-prospectus.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsct.html

English Language Requirements

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

Method of assessment

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.

Credit awarded

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

Study materials

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.

Flexible study

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.

Support

- 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

Blended learning: taking modules in London

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

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Study for a prestigious Clinical Trials Masters degree

by distance learning

"This online Masters degree is suitable for those who have general or specialist experience in clinical trials and aims to broaden their role in the design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials as well as for those wishing to gain an understanding of trials before moving into this increasingly important field." - Professor Diana Elbourne, Course Director.

Course aims

The course aims to develop:

- a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of randomised controlled trials of health interventions.
- skills to scrutinize information, to critically analyse and carry out research, and to communicate effectively.

Prestige

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is the leading postgraduate medical institution in Europe in the subjects of public health and tropical medicine. Read about the Clinical Trials Unit at LSHTM being shortlisted for a prestigious BMJ Group Award for their role in Crash-2 clinical trial. This demonstrated the life-saving potential of a cheap drug and is up for BMJ Research Paper of the Year.

Excellent support

You 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.

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.

Tutors are allocated to each module and are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year (October to May), through the online Virtual Learning Environment.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advice Centre:
http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/contact-us

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Stratified Medicine holds huge potential in the timely development of new treatments for human disease. It is among the most important concepts to emerge in 21st century clinical science and will be a crucial component of the global drive to increase the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of new treatments. This new taught postgraduate Masters programme draws on the current and future needs of the Life Sciences sector, to create a highly skilled workforce. It harnesses Scotland’s strengths in Stratified Medicine, Clinical Trials, Bioinformatics and Pharmacogenomics to provide focused training which integrates basic and clinical sciences, and equips students with grounding in the essential skills required to design, execute and evaluate modern clinical interventions.

Why this programme

◾The programme will cover the principles which underpin the emerging science at the interface between genetics and pharmacology and the clinical evaluation of the resultant new medicines, taught by internationally recognised experts
◾The aim of this programme is to train researchers who can break down the barriers that currently prevent discoveries at the bench from being translated into treatments at the bedside
◾University of Glasgow is rated in the top 1% of universities worldwide, and has a global reputation in the field of clinical trials and stratified medicine. You will be taught by a multidisciplinary team of world leading scientists and clinicians within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
◾Students will gain an understanding of statistical methods used to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of new treatments
◾Students on the programme will undergo theoretical and practical training in state-of-the-art research processes available to researchers in Glasgow, enabling an appreciation of how to apply novel stratified approaches, together with clinical pharmacological, regulatory and ethical principles to the optimisation of future clinical research and therapeutic practice.
◾We have excellent opportunities to engage with industrial and clinical scientists, with guest lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry, medical diagnostic laboratories and bioscience business which will help you understand the science, methodology and terminology used by scientists and clinicians from different disciplines. You will learn to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment, critically evaluate a wide range of scientific data and research strategies and learn how to make a significant contribution to research and treatment in the 21st century
◾You will be taught by a multidisciplinary team of world leading scienctists and clinicians within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
◾Students will learn how all of the above techniques are applied by academic and industrial researchers in the development of new medicines
◾Scholarships available

Programme structure

Students will undertake core courses which will account for 90 credits and a further 30 credits from options which will enable students to personalise their degree to better align it with their future career aspirations. Students will also be offered a choice of project.

Core Courses

◾Topics in Therapeutics - general topics and cardiovascular disease
◾Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Medicine - fundamentals of molecular medicine
◾Medical Statistics 1
◾Evidence based research in medicine
◾Drug disposition
◾Clinical trials: principles and methods.

Optional Courses

◾Pharmacogenomics & molecular medicine - applied pharmacogenomics and molecular medicine
◾Topics in therapeutics - commonly used drugs
◾Pharmaceutical medicine
◾Medical statistics 2
◾Established and novel techniques in cardiovascular & medical sciences research.

Project and Assessment

The project will account for the remaining 60 credits. The programme will include an opportunity for all students to present the outcomes of their projects to an audience of other students and academics. Assessment will consist of submission of a Dissertation and a viva examination.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme will be competitive applicants for the positions in the commercial life sciences sector, or for PhD study in an academic or combined commercial / academic environment.

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The course aim is to equip medical researchers with the key knowledge and skills required to contribute to the design and analysis of clinical trials and to critically appraise clinical trials published in the medical literature.

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The aim of this MSc is to provide a postgraduate education in pharmacovigilance, including relevant techniques, the basis of adverse drug reactions, regulations and guidelines, handling safety issues including labelling and risk management and systems and processes. Teaching consists of lectures and workshop activities in small groups and takes into account real world situations. There are opportunities for sharing experiences and networking which contributes to the development of your knowledge and understanding of pharmacovigilance issues.

Flexible programme

This is a flexible programme designed to meet the needs of those in either full or part-time employment who are likely to have a spread of responsibilities. Students are able to complete the MSc course in under three years if able to attend all modules at the earliest opportunity. Alternatively, they can take up to five years, progressing at a slower pace.

Participants will normally be graduates and/or experienced personnel and usually will need to have held positions in drug safety for one to several years. The programme is run as a series of intensive short courses supplemented with substantial pre and post-course reading and set coursework. In addition, if you are studying for an MSc, you will undertake a research project that is normally carried out at your workplace but may be done at the University, or an institution with appropriate experience of pharmacovigilance or adverse drug reactions.

The programme has attracted students from European Union countries, Norway, Switzerland, Japan and the USA and its success has led to the organisation of an annual Pharmacovigilance Update day for those who have completed their studies.

Recruitment will take place at the beginning of each taught module and the programme offers the awards of a PgC, PgD or MSc. Students are typically able to obtain any one of the awards in a minimum of two years; however you have a maximum registration of up to five years in order to complete the course. This course has the option of being a diploma if you do not feel you can commit to the full MSc programme.

Why choose this course?

-The MSc/PgD/PgC in Pharmacovigilance is a programme developed by the School of Life and Medical Sciences and the Pharmaceutical Information and Pharmacovigilance Association (PIPA).
-In addition to offering this course, The University of Hertfordshire is also part of the Eu2P European Programme in Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, an online pan European e-learning/e-teaching MSc course.
-The programme includes eight taught modules, provided as intensive three-day workshops, and for the MSc award, a research project.
-It is taught mainly through teams of staff drawn from the professions appropriate to pharmacovigilance. This is a major feature of the programme, the majority of staff delivering the courses will be acknowledged experts.
-The aim is to provide a postgraduate education in pharmacovigilance, including relevant techniques, the basis of adverse drug reactions, regulations and guidelines, handling safety issues and the role of systems and processes.

Professional Accreditations

PIPA (Pharmaceutical Information and Pharmacovigilance Association)

Careers

Potential candidates will normally be in either full or part-time employment and are likely to have a spread of responsibilities, mostly in pharmacovigilance and medical information, monitoring safety data in either pre- and post-marketing studies or from spontaneous reports. They will be graduates and/or experienced personnel and usually will have held positions in drug safety for one to several years. Some applicants may have doctorates and may be medically qualified. Following successful completion of the course the knowledge gained should enable the post-graduates to make a greater contribution to the pharmacovigilance industry.

Teaching methods

Taught modules normally consist of approximately 24 hours class contact. In addition, about 120 hours will be needed to complete the pre and post-course activities. The actual amount of time spent will depend upon your existing knowledge and ability. All modules are free-standing. Satisfactory completion of four modules is compulsory for the PgCert; all eight modules are required for the PgDip and MSc. Coursework will contribute significantly to assessment and may comprise some or all of the following: summaries of pre-course reading, written reports of class discussions, essays, performances in seminars, poster presentations, problem solving or data interpretation exercise, short projects and case studies. Unseen written examinations will feature in some courses; they may be used to examine understanding of pre-course reading material. Attendance at the taught component and satisfactory completion of both coursework and examinations (where present), with a minimum mark of 50% in each element, is normally required to pass each module.

Structure

Year 1
Optional
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems I
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems II
-Drug Safety in Clinical Trials
-Labelling and Risk Management
-Management of Pharmacovigilance Data
-Pharmacoepidemiology
-Pharmacovigilance Regulations and Guidelines
-Principles of Pharmacovigilance

Year 2
Optional
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems I
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems II
-Drug Safety in Clinical Trials
-Labelling and Risk Management
-Management of Pharmacovigilance Data
-Pharmacoepidemiology
-Pharmacovigilance Regulations and Guidelines
-Principles of Pharmacovigilance

Year 3
Optional
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems I
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems II
-Drug Safety in Clinical Trials
-Labelling and Risk Management
-Management of Pharmacovigilance Data
-Pharmacoepidemiology
-Pharmacovigilance Regulations and Guidelines
-Principles of Pharmacovigilance
-Project, Pharmacovigilance

Year 4
Optional
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems I
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems II
-Drug Safety in Clinical Trials
-Labelling and Risk Management
-Management of Pharmacovigilance Data
-Pharmacoepidemiology
-Pharmacovigilance Regulations and Guidelines
-Principles of Pharmacovigilance
-Project, Pharmacovigilance

Year 5
Optional
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems I
-Adverse Drug Reactions by Major Body Systems II
-Drug Safety in Clinical Trials
-Labelling and Risk Management
-Management of Pharmacovigilance Data
-Pharmacoepidemiology
-Pharmacovigilance Regulations and Guidelines
-Principles of Pharmacovigilance
-Project, Pharmacovigilance

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This course provides you with the opportunity to work within a world class Phase 1 cancer clinical trials unit and, through a mix of taught and experiential learning, to master the discipline of experimental cancer medicine.

You will spend a year as a member of the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team at The Christie. During this year, you will participate in four structured taught modules.

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.

As a nursing and physician student enrolled on this course, you will be expected to participate in patient care, with physicians and nursing staff participating in 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.

Aims

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.

Teaching and learning

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, with e-learning limited to parts of course unit 1.

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.

Coursework and assessment

You will be are assessed through oral presentations, single best answer exams, written reports and dissertation.

Career opportunities

The MRes in Experimental Cancer Medicine 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.

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The Cancer MSc reflects the depth and breadth of research interests, from basic science to translational medicine, within the UCL Cancer Institute. The programme, taught by research scientists and academic clinicians, provides students with an in-depth look at the biology behind the disease processes which lead to cancer.

Degree information

This programme offers a foundation in understanding cancer as a disease process and its associated therapies. Students learn about the approaches taken to predict, detect, monitor and treat cancer, alongside the cutting-edge research methods and techniques used to advance our understanding of this disease and design better treatment strategies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), four specialist modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks) is offered.

Core modules
-Basic Biology and Cancer Genetics
-Cancer Therapeutics

Specialist modules
-Behavioural Science and Cancer
-Biomarkers in Cancer
-Cancer Clinical Trials
-Haematological Malignancies and Gene Therapy

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake a laboratory project, clinical trials project or systems biology/informatics project, which culminates in a 10,000–12,000 word dissertation and an oral research presentation.

Teaching and learning
Students develop their knowledge and understanding of cancer through lectures, self-study, database mining, wet-lab based practicals, clinical trial evaluations, laboratory training, assigned reading and self-learning. Each taught module is assessed by an unseen written examination and/or coursework. The research project is assessed by the dissertation (75%) and oral presentation (25%).

Careers

The knowledge and skills developed will be suitable for those in an industrial or healthcare setting, as well as those individuals contemplating a PhD or medical studies in cancer.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Technician, NHS Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
-Cancer and Genetics, ETH Zurich
-PhD Cancer Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW)
-Clincial Trial Project Manager, Beijing Lawke Health Laboratory Inc.
-Research Scientist, SporeGen

Employability
Skills include critical evaluation of scientific literature, experimental planning and design interpretation of data and results, presentation/public speaking skills, time management, working with a team, working independently and writing for various audiences.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL is one of Europe's largest and most productive centres of biomedical science, with an international reputation for leading basic, translational and clinical cancer research.

The UCL Cancer Institute brings together scientists from various disciplines to synergise multidisciplinary research into cancer, whose particular areas of expertise include: the biology of leukaemia, the infectious causes of cancer, the design of drugs that interact with DNA, antibody-directed therapies, the molecular pathology of cancer, signalling pathways in cancer, epigenetic changes in cancer, gene therapy, cancer stem cell biology, early phase clinical trials, and national and international clinical trials in solid tumours and blood cancers.

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This Master's degree in Cell and Gene Therapy provides an in-depth education in this cutting-edge and rapidly developing field. It is delivered by scientists and clinicians researching, developing and testing new treatments for genetically inherited and acquired diseases using gene delivery technology, stem cell manipulation and DNA repair techniques.

Degree information

The degree covers all aspects of the subject, including basic biomedical science, molecular basis of disease, current and developing technologies and clinical applications. Students also receive vocational training in research methodology and statistics, how to perform a research project and complete a practical laboratory-based project.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible up to five years) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks, part-time nine months, or up to two years flexible) is offered.

Core modules
-Molecular Aspects of Cell and Gene Therapy
-Clinical Applications of Cell and Gene Therapy
-Research Methodology and Statistics
-Stem Cell and Tissue Repair

Research Methodology and Statistics is not a core module for the PG Certificate. Students of the PG Certificate can choose an optional module.

Optional modules
-Foundations of Biomedical Sciences
-Applied Genomics
-HIV Frontiers from Research to Clinics
-Molecular and Genetic Basis of Paediatric Disease
-Understanding Research and Critical Appraisal: Biomedicine
-Laboratory Methods in Biomedical Science
-Research Methodology and Statistics

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation.

Teaching and learning
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, problem classes and tutorials. Assessment varies depending on the module, but includes written coursework, multiple-choice questions, written examinations, a practical analysis examination and the dissertation.

Careers

The majority of our graduates have gone on to secure PhD places. Please see our programme website to read testimonials from past students which include their destinations following graduation.

Employability
This novel programme aims to equip students for careers in research, education, medicine and business in academic, clinical and industrial settings. Examples of potential careers could include academic research and/or lecturing in a university or other higher education setting, conducting clinical trials as part of a team of clinicians, scientists and allied health professionals, monitoring and analysing the results of clinical trials as part of a clinical trials unit, developing new therapies or intellectual property in the pharmaceutical industry or other business ventures.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Institute of Child Health (ICH), and its clinical partner Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), is the largest centre in Europe devoted to clinical, basic research and post-graduate education in children's health, including haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapy.

The UCL School of Life & Medical Sciences (SLMS) has the largest concentration of clinicians and researchers active in cell and gene therapy research in Europe. This is reflected by the many groups conducting high-quality research and clinical trials in the field including researchers at the Institute of Child Health, the Division of Infection and Immunity, the Institute of Ophthalmology, the Institute for Women's Health, the Institute of Genetics and the Cancer Institute.

Keywords: Stem Cells, Therapy, Genomics, Regenerative Medicine, Gene Editing

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This programme will provide a world-class education for advanced training in translational research, from preclinical discovery through to first-time-in-man studies in human and clinical trials in healthy volunteers and patients across neurology and neurodegeneration.

Degree information

The programme combines theoretical and practical teaching on both the breadth of, and complexity in conducting clinical research. Topics include clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, research governance, medical statistics and the fundamental principle for using the correct enabling technologies within the context of medical research and drug development.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), and a dissertation/report (120 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (15 credits)
-Experimental Neurology (30 credits)
-Research Skills & Statistics (15 credits)
-MRes Translational Neurology Research Project (120 credits)

Dissertation/report
Students will have the opportunity to work with internationally recognised researchers from the UCL Institute of Neurology, and the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre as they undertake their research projects, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme will combine lectures, workshops and tutorials. Practicals will focus on the role of surrogate markers and emerging technologies in drug development e.g. pre-clinical discovery, first time in man studies, and early phase clinical trials in healthy volunteers and patients. Assessment is through short answer unseen exams, coursework, simulated grant applications and written clinical abstract as well as a small component with a short answer exam.

Careers

The programme is designed to cater to graduates in medicine and biomedical sciences who wish to gain valuable training in clinical research before embarking on a clinical PhD programme, medical training, or professional work in clinical trials. The successful completion of the MRes should also enhance opportunities for graduates to enter medical school or for MBBS graduates to progress to specialist medical training.

Employability
Whatever your chosen career pathway, the MRes in Translational Neurology will equip graduates to either get a first step on the ladder, change career directions or help to become more experienced with a specific expertise in your chosen career.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The programme is delivered by the UCL Institute of Neurology, a specialist postgraduate institute and a worldwide centre of excellence in clinical research across neurological diseases, including movement disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s disease), multiple sclerosis, neuro-inflammation, epilepsy, stroke, cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

Students will be taught by experts in the field and have the opportunity to network with internationally recognised opinion leaders in neurology and neurodegeneration.

By the end of the programme students will gain a thorough understanding of the challenges involved in setting up research projects, and learn how to design, implement, analyse and report clinical studies. Undertaking an extended piece of primary research in a clinical trials setting is particularly attractive to students wishing to pursue doctoral or clinical research. The focus on translational neurology, from within the specialist research setting of the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre, is also of note.

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This is a part-time, modular based programme for health professionals who wish to strengthen their statistical skills and ability to analyse data.

Students will gain the confidence in carrying out the methods that are widely used in medical statistics, and interpreting the results for the practice of evidence-based health care. The flexible modular structure has been devised for busy professionals and to fit with the structure of specialist training. The regulations allow students to take up to four years to complete the MSc.

This is a joint programme between the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and the Department for Continuing Education's Continuing Professional Development Centre. The Programme works in collaboration with the renowned Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in Oxford.

This course is designed for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, midwives and other healthcare professionals, seeking to consolidate their understanding and ability in medical statistics. Core modules introduce the students to methods for observational and clinical trials research. Optional modules offer the students skills in growth areas such as systematic review, meta-analysis, and big data epidemiology, or specialist areas such as statistical computing, diagnosis and screening research and others. Teaching is tailored to non-statisticians and delivered by an experienced team of tutors from University of Oxford who bridge the disciplines of medical statistics and evidence-based health care.

This programme guides students through core and optional modules and a dissertation to a qualification in the application of medical statistics to evidence-based health care. Compared to the main EBHC programme, this will suit those with basic statistical understanding who seek training who now seek deeper understanding on a broader base of statistical methods.

Visit the website https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/msc-in-ebhc-medical-statistics

Course aims

The course aims to give healthcare professionals high competence in the concepts, methods, terminology and interpretation of medical statistics; and hence, enhance their ability to carry out their own research and to interpret published evidence.

• Gain competence in execution and interpretation of core statistical techniques used by medical statisticians (outside the context of clinical trials), particularly those used in multivariable analyses: multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and survival modelling; statistical analysis plans and statistical reporting.
• Gain competence in execution and interpretation of core statistical techniques used by medical statisticians in clinical trials.
• Gain competence in execution and interpretation of four other areas, selected by the student from the following options: meta-analysis; systematic review; big data epidemiology; statistical computing; diagnosis and screening; study design and research methods.
• Gain hands-on experience, supervised by a senior member of our medical statistics team, of the analysis or meta-analysis of healthcare data, in order to address a question in evidence-based health care.

Programme details

The MSc in EBHC Medical Statistics is a part-time course.

There are two compulsory modules, four option modules (two from group 1 and two more either from either group 1 or 2) and a dissertation.

Compulsory Modules

• Essential Medical Statistics
• Statistics for Clinical Trials

Optional Modules – 1

• Meta-analysis
• Big Data Epidemiology
• Statistical Computing with R and Stata (online)

Optional Modules – 2

• Introduction to Study Design and Research Methods
• Systematic Reviews
• Evidence-based Diagnosis and Screening

A module is run over an eight-week cycle where the first week is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, the second week is spent in Oxford for the face-to-face teaching week, there are then four post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) which are designed to help you write your assignment. You then have a week of personal study and you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week.

Online modules are delivered entirely through a Virtual Learning Environment with the first week allocated to introductory activities. There are ten units to work through which are released week-by-week, you then have five weeks of personal study with use of a revision forum and then you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week.

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This course will develop your knowledge of the design, development, analysis and production of medicines, the drug industry and regulatory affairs. It is particularly suitable if you are keen to enter employment in areas such as pharmaceutical marketing, formulation, regulatory affairs, process development, medical statistics and clinical trial organisations. You can choose to combine your studies with training in the fundamentals of management theory (option available only for September intake), which is especially suitable to those interested in taking up management positions in relevant organisations.

What will you study?

You will have the chance to explore current trends in chemical, biological and biotechnological therapeutics, and will look at the latest technologies used in the pharmaceutical industry. You will gain an understanding of the processes used in clinical trials and in the development, manufacture and regulation of medicines. You will also develop your computing and statistical skills and other key skills, such as data collection, communication, time management, organisational and review and synopsis skills.

Assessment

Exams, tests, laboratory reports, assignments, case studies, oral and poster presentations, research project.

Work placement scheme

Kingston University has set up a scheme that allows postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing to include a work placement element in their course starting from September 2017. The placement scheme is available for both international and home/EU students.

-The work placement, up to 12 months; is optional.
-The work placement takes place after postgraduate students have successfully completed the taught portion of their degree.
-The responsibility for finding the placement is with the student. We cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it.
-As the work placement is an assessed part of the course for international students, this is covered by a student's tier 4 visa.

Details on how to apply will be confirmed shortly.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Modules (September start)
-Statistics and Quality Systems
-Pharmaceutical and Analytical Technology
-Manufacture and Clinical Trials of Medicines
-Design, Discovery and Development of Pharmaceuticals
-Business in Practice
-Project

Modules (January start)
-Statistics and Formulation of Therapeutics
-Design, Discovery and Manufacture of Medicines
-Quality and Analytical Systems
-Drug Development and Clinical Trials
-Project

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This course has been designed to develop future research leaders who are able to complete a PhD, conduct independent research and be future principal investigators.

It is aimed at doctors, academic clinical trainees and other researchers across a range of fields. Robust education and training is provided in quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis methods.

Learning beyond the classroom comprises scientific, clinical and research reading as well as the practical development and application of research skills. Students will engage with a research project at a very early stage and will gain autonomy in research project management and governance. There is an opportunity to learn through teaching on the chosen topic, particularly if the research topic focuses on education. A series of Research Skills workshops is provided to further develop students’ research abilities.

KEY AREAS OF STUDY

• Research methods and critical appraisal
• Essential statistics for health and medical research
• Evidence-based practice
• Clinical trials management
• Advanced research skills
• Epidemiology

COURSE STRUCTURE

Modules are assessed by 3,000 word written assignments which are centred on case studies or a relevant topic agreed between the student and the module leader. In addition there is a 16,000 word dissertation and 3,000 word draft paper for publication.

PG Cert:

MDM10 Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (20 credits)
MDM66 Essential Statistics for Health and Medical Research (20 credits)

PLUS

MDM34 Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

OR

MDM112 Clinical Trials Management (20 credits)

MRes:

MDM10 Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (20 credits)
MDM66 Essential Statistics for Health and Medical Research (20 credits)

PLUS two of the following modules:

MDM34 Evidence-Based Practice (20 credits)
MDM112 Clinical Trials Management (20 credits)
MDM141 Advanced Research Skills (20 credits)
MDM12 Epidemiology (20 credits)

PLUS

MDM100 Research Dissertation (100 credits)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The course is a stepping stone to PhD studies and collaborative or independent research in the future. Course graduates will be research-literate, research-skilled and equipped to be research-active in their careers.

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