Online short course in Clinical Trials

Designed by expert clinical trialists and statisticians at the University of Oxford, this short course provides an introduction to randomised controlled trials (RCTs), focusing on how and why they are conducted. It is run by Oxford Population Health and the Nuffield Department of Medicine.

DATE

Course dates will be available from early 2026.

DURATION

This online course runs remotely over 4 weeks with live sessions on Zoom at the start of week 1, end of week 2, and end of week 4. (This is a self-paced course with approx. 3 hours of work a week).

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR

This course is designed for clinical trial managers and investigators working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It aims to improve their ability to effectively understand, implement, and manage clinical trial protocols. The course's focus will be on equipping participants with the fundamental knowledge and skills to interpret trial protocols, oversee trial implementation, and manage trials more efficiently.

No prior training in clinical trials is required, although some experience in clinical trial work and familiarity with trial terminology would be of use. However, the course is not intended for experienced trial investigators. No previous formal training in statistical methods is required.

COURSE CONTENT

This course will cover:

• The role of randomized trials within the broader context of medical evidence
• Key principles of trial design, including randomization, blinding, and outcome selection
• Common sources of bias and error, and how to avoid them
• Basic statistical concepts essential for planning and analysing trials
• Practical considerations in trial conduct, from recruitment to follow-up
• Basic statistical analysis of your trial
• Critical appraisal of real-world trials

OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand the purpose and value of randomized trials in clinical research
• Describe the key components of robust trial design
• Identify common sources of bias and error in different types of studies
• Interpret basic statistical concepts used in the planning and analysis of trials
• Recognize practical challenges in trial conduct and how to address them
• Critically assess the validity and relevance of published trial findings

COURSE FEE

£50

While we aim to offer places on a first-come, first-served basis, we also want to ensure the course is the right fit for each applicant. If we have any concerns about suitability, we’ll be in touch to discuss it further. For any questions about the course, please contact us at CTshortcourse@ndph.ox.ac.uk.

Join the course