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Training Opportunities in Clinical Trials and Methodology

The Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM) is a centre of excellence for clinical trials. It is part of the Faculty of Population Health sciences at UCL, and is comprised of four different clinical trials units. One of these units is the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL (MRC CTU at UCL), which carries out international clinical trials with a focus on developing and implementing new methodologies that deliver results faster and more efficiently.

As part of its commitment to training the next generation of clinical trialists and methodologists, the ICTM runs a wide range of training opportunities for different career stages.

MSc programmes

There are two MSc programmes available that are taught online by ICTM clinical trialists and statisticians: the MSc in Clinical Trials, which covers all the aspects of clinical trial conduct, and the MSc in Statistics for Clinical Trials, which covers practical, theoretical and analytical aspects that are required to be a clinical trial statistician. The MSc Clinical Trials is suitable for life science graduates, the MSc Statistics for Clinical Trials requires strong quantitative skills and both programmes have been popular choices for clinicians and other allied health professionals.

Testimonials

“As an undergraduate, I realised I wanted a career in clinical trials. ICTM was one of the few institutions which covered clinical trials to a world class standard. The most exciting part of the MSc course were the opportunities to discuss scenarios which were bound to arise in our careers with peers and lecturers. These discussions meant that everything we were learning on trial set-up and design, regulatory frameworks, statistics, and trial management, wasn’t just theory, but was put into practice. After graduating, I started working at UCLH as a Data Manager and then as a Junior Clinical Practitioner. Since day one at UCLH, I have appreciated the value that the MSc Clinical Trials has provided, as nearly everything I do builds from the knowledge I acquired during the course.”

- Joel Watson, MSc Clinical Trials alum and currently a Clinical Trials Practitioner at UCLH

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

- Tasmin Rookes, MSc Clinical Trials alum and currently a PhD student at UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

PhD research degree programme

The ICTM also offers a PhD research degree programme. ICTM has a particular focus on developing and delivering innovations in methodology that improve clinical trials, meta-analysis and epidemiological studies. The institute collaborates with national and international partners, which ensures student projects have immediate relevance and application. Recent graduates have secured employment in clinical trials units, academic research departments and the pharmaceutical industry.

Testimonial

“As a PhD student at the ICTM, you are treated like any other employee. You need to obtain ownership of your research and you are supported by the best methodologists to reach your full potential. Your ideas are valued by the academic staff and during the program you also are able to get involved supervising MSc projects. Career opportunities are countless given the fact you are in a world leading clinical trials unit that develops methods that are used both in academia and industry sectors. My methodology expertise is now highly valued in the pharmaceutical company I am currently working.”

- Theodosia Salika, PhD alum and currently a Statistician at AstraZeneca

Additional training

The ICTM also supports additional training needs for staff by running a series of short courses aimed at professionals already working in the field, including clinicians, statisticians, trial managers and data managers. These courses tackle key aspects of designing, running and analysing results from clinical trials, covering topics such as sample size calculations, independent data monitoring committees, statistics for non-statisticians, platform trials and methods for handling missing data.

“As a Science Communications Officer at the MRC CTU at UCL, a big part of my job is communicating the results of clinical trials to researchers, patients and the public. Because I hadn’t done any statistics training since I was an undergraduate, I decided to complete the ‘Statistics for Non-statisticians' short course to refamiliarise myself with general statistical principles and how they apply to trials. The training involved a mix of talks from statisticians, group discussions and practical activities. I came away from the course with more confidence to interpret statistical analyses of trial results, which helps me communicate these ideas to different audiences.”

- Charlotte Hartley, Science Communications Officer

Clinical fellowship

Finally, there are opportunities to apply for a clinical fellow position. This is suited to clinicians who want to develop their research careers at the MRC CTU at UCL. The role combines clinical training with research and is a unique opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams, lead your own research projects and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Testimonial

“As a Clinical Research Fellow, I contribute to the trial management team for each trial, and I am involved with a wide range of activities. These include answering clinical queries about the trial, planning and delivering teaching sessions, and writing posters and papers for publications. Aside from my role within the trial teams, I have time designated for research. This allowed me the time required to complete my MD(res) and now I am working on developing a new clinical trial as well as working on several smaller research projects.

- Hannah Rush, Clinical Research Fellow and Academic Clinical Lecturer in Medical Oncology

Further information and useful links