Clinical Trials (Online Learning)

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About the course

Transform your expertise and shape the future of healthcare with our MSc Clinical Trials programme.

Whether you're looking to advance your career or pivot to a new speciality in clinical trials, this part-time, fully online programme is designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in this vital healthcare field.

Why choose this programme?

  • Enhance your expertise: Gain a comprehensive understanding of clinical trial design and management, equipping you with the skills to lead and innovate in healthcare research.
  • Global professional network: Learn with and from a diverse community of professionals from around the world, expanding your professional network and sharing insights across different healthcare systems and practices.
  • Flexible learning: Study at your own pace with our part-time, online programme designed to fit around your professional and personal commitments, enabling continuous professional development without pausing your career.

The University of Edinburgh is ranked consistently among the top 50 universities globally, reflecting our commitment to excellence in research and education. Our MSc Clinical Trials programme is a testament to this, preparing you to lead and innovate in this crucial field.

Take the next step towards leading in the field of clinical trials. Explore the programme and apply today to transform your career and impact global health.


Our MSc Clinical Trials programme offers a structured yet flexible pathway to gaining deep insights and practical skills in clinical trial management, designed to be completed part-time over three years.

This programme structure is designed to provide both essential knowledge and flexibility, allowing you to specialise in areas of interest while maintaining your professional commitments.

Exit at the end of Year 1 or Year 2 with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma respectively, or go on to a third and final year to gain a Master of Science qualification.

Core curriculum

  • Year 1: Start with foundational required core courses in 'Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Medical Statistics' and 'Ethical and Regulatory Considerations in Clinical Trials'. Choose one further elective to complete PGCert.
  • Year 2: Deepen your expertise with elective courses such as 'Principles of Clinical Trial Management', 'Clinical Trials in Special Populations', and more.
  • Year 3: Culminate your learning with a comprehensive MSc dissertation project focused on a specific area of clinical trials or choose to complete your masters through a taught route incorporating a student led individually created course (SLICC).

Optional course content

Tailor your educational experience by choosing from a variety of elective courses that cover advanced topics and specialised areas within clinical trials.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Award Title Duration Study mode MSc Clinical Trials 3 Years Part-time Programme structure 2024/25 PgCert Clinical Trials 1 Year Part-time Programme structure 2024/25 PgDip Clinical Trials 2 Years Part-time Programme structure 2024/25 PgProfDev Clinical Trials Up to 2 Years Part-time Intermittent Study Programme structure 2024/25

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Start date Venue
08 Sep 2025 Distance learning Book now

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