MSc in Clinical Trials

Learning objectives

The MSc in Clinical Trials aims to provide a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinning and practical aspects of randomised clinical trials and an in-depth training in trials methodology. The course will cover different types of trials and clinical conditions with an emphasis on large, streamlined clinical outcome trials in cardiovascular disease.

induction

The department provides comprehensive online induction materials for all new MSc in Clinical Trials students in early October. The induction materials are designed to enable students to begin their studies with an understanding of the academic and social environment within which they will be working. 

Course structure

The curriculum comprises eight compulsory modules of varying length and intensity across six terms and vacation periods.

• An Introduction to the Principles of Randomised Trials covers the benefits of randomisation, the role of trials in research, the role of epidemiology, refining the question, choosing outcomes and good trials design.
• Design to Implementation covers writing a protocol, project management, site selection, set-up and training, efficient recruitment and follow-up, appropriate monitoring, pharmaco-vigilance, the use of online data collection packages, outcome gathering and adjudication and opportunities for methodological innovation.
• Data Management and Analysis covers statistics for trials, sample size estimation, central statistical monitoring, data monitoring committees, different methods of analysis and the use of CDISC and SDTM.
• Regulatory and Ethical Framework and Participant Involvement covers how to obtain approvals, informed consent processes, appropriate interpretation of ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines and relevant regulations, the importance of public engagement and the ethics of trials including in vulnerable populations.
• Routine Health Care Data, Big Data and New Technologies covers the use of electronic health records and registries for efficient recruitment, follow-up and data collection and how new technologies (such as different types of biological sensors) can be used for trial monitoring or outcome measures. 
  
• Health Economics for Clinical Trials and Patient Reported Outcomes covers the basics and principles of health economic analysis for clinical trials, including relevant data collection methods and use of various patient reported health-related quality of life measures and other patient reported measures.
• Meta-analysis and Trial Reporting covers how to report results of a clinical trial including various visual representations of the data as well as how to understand the statistical aspects and role of meta-analysis of trials.
• Different Types of Trials and Populations covers the use of cluster randomised and non-inferiority designs and when these are appropriate.

Our MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology offers a greater statistical and epidemiological base if you are interested in this area of study.

Teaching styles

Throughout the course teaching is delivered using a range of methods including online lectures, seminars, workshops and student presentations, as well as self-directed learning and independent study. The teaching will all be online, with the exception of two residential periods, in September at the end of year 1, and March of year 2. All students are allocated to a seminar group of eight to ten students.

Formative Assessments

There will be one formative assessment each term (five in total across the two years) and students will receive individual written feedback from the module lead or tutor. The formative assessments will act as building blocks towards the summative assessments.

Summative Assessments

dissertation 

All MSc students will submit a dissertation. This is a substantial piece of work and accounts for 40% of the total marks awarded for the MSc degree.

The aims of the dissertation are to demonstrate a full understanding of the process of planning and executing a clinical trial. The MSc dissertation will demonstrate the acquisition of core skills associated with the development of a clinical trial proposal and will be written in the form of a grant application.

2025-26 Fees: MSc in Clinical Trials

The course fees for the MSc will cover the tuition for the course and accommodation for the residential periods. They do not cover any living costs or travel costs for the residential periods. 

Full details of fees can be found by visiting the University's fees and funding webpage. 

Scholarships

2025-26 Application Deadline

Applications for entry in October 2025 are closed. Applications for entry in October 2026 will open in September 2025.

Entry requirements for admission

Full details of the entry requirements for admission to the MSc in Clinical Trials are available on the Graduate Admissions and Funding webpage for this course.

You are advised to refer to the application guide before making an application. 

disability

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments and addressing any individual support requirements for applicants with disabilities. You can find information about the facilities and support available to students from the Disability Advisory Service.

What happens after I apply?

All applications are carefully considered by an admissions panel comprising at least two members of the academic team. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview online. Interviews are expected to be held in February and March.

The University provides an outline of the process for the admissions decisions for your information.

Since 2020, we have taught over 100 students from 40 countries. We encourage all alumni to keep in touch after completing the MSc, and we have an alumni LinkedIn group to facilitate ongoing collaboration.

The course aims to expand students’ knowledge of clinical trials and apply this within their own careers. The student dissertation is a research proposal in the style of a grant application for a randomised trial which students can use or adapt in their post-MSc life as a clinical trialist.

The MSc is also a forum for the nurturing of future global leaders in clinical trials. One former student is now the Chief Medical Officer for a major division of a global medical devices company, and several students have already been awarded substantial grants to deliver trials they worked up during their time with us in Oxford. Another student has become president of their national cardiology society.

Trials granted funding

A number of alumni have had their trials accepted for funding following completion of the MSc, including:

• IRON-PH: ~€1.5 million for trial testing IV iron in Pulmonary Hypertension in Belgium – Pieter Martens
• DanRUSH: £0.6 million for comparison of high-sensitivity troponin measurement algorithms in Denmark – Manan Pareek
• REPAIR CKD: funding for pilot study to treat hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease – Ditte Hansen

Keeping in touch

Alumni of the MSc in Clinical Trials are encouraged to join our LinkedIn group.

Alumni who may be interested in showcasing their achievements on the department’s website or giving an online talk to our current students should contact the Graduate Studies Office.

Alumni who are cardiologists, and other specialists managing vascular disease, are encouraged to join the European Heart Academy’s alumni community. In the past, this community has held talks and networking at the European Society of Cardiology Annual Congress.