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MSc Clinical Trials
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Analyse and understand decisions affecting the design, delivery and assessment of clinical trials - an increasingly important field in global health. Expand your knowledge of key concepts in statistics and epidemiology and sharpen your practical skills. Learn from leading experts and advance your career.
Key features
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Shape the future of global health
Clinical trials for the development of and rigorous evaluation of components of health care are crucial for the health of populations worldwide. This has been particularly evident in recent years amid growing understanding of the importance of trials and the skills of trial researchers on the global stage.
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Advance your career
The MSc offers theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of trials of health interventions. It allows those relatively new to the trials field, as well as those already active in trials, to develop and extend key skills and knowledge.
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Fit your studies around your life
Study independently around your commitments from anywhere in the world. Achieve a prestigious qualification no matter where you are based, without putting your career on hold. With most degree materials offered asynchronously, fit your studies around your life and shape your workload and learning preferences.
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Benefit from international perspectives
Earn a degree that is internationally valued and will help you pursue sought-after careers in health-related fields around the world. Benefit from a range of international perspectives, with students and tutors based worldwide, and materials and assessments that reflect the global reach of clinical trials in advancing different evidence bases.
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Access a wealth of resources
Benefit from a virtual global classroom wherever you are - thanks to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which offers all of your learning materials, peer forums and tutor support. Access even more resources via the LSHTM Library and our Online Library.
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Join the world class
Be part of our global alumni community, joining a distinguished list of University of London alumni from Nobel prize-winners to leaders in law, finance, humanities and other fields in more than 190 countries. Enjoy wide-ranging benefits including events, free online courses and more.
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Course overview
The programme is available to be studied as a full master’s degree, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
You complete 11 modules for the MSc:
Six compulsory modules, plus five elective modules (at least three from the Clinical Trials group).
You complete eight courses for the PGDip:
Four compulsory modules, and four elective modules (at least three from the Clinical Trials group).
You complete four compulsory courses for the PGCert:
Courses can be studied individually on a stand-alone basis, subject to availability.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
Core
(CTM102)
(CTM103)
(CTM101)
(CTM104)
MSc only
(CTM210)
(CTM201)
Group CTM2
(CTM202)
(CTM203)
(CTM204)
(CTM205)
(CTM206)
(CTM208)
(CTM209)
Group EPM3
(EPM301)
(EPM302)
(EPM304)
(EPM307)
Group GHM2
(GHM201)
Group IDM2
(IDM201)
(IDM202)
(IDM203)
(IDM204)
(IDM205)
(IDM213)
(IDM215)
Group IDM3
(IDM301)
Group IDM5
(IDM501)
(IDM502)
(IDM503)
Group PHM2
(PHM201)
(PHM218)
(PHM203)
(PHM204)
(PHM205)
(PHM206)
(PHM207)
(PHM209)
(PHM210)
(PHM211)
(PHM212)
(PHM213)
(HHM102)
(PHM215)
(PHM216)
(PHM219)
The degree is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to certain deadlines), using the study materials developed and supported by academic staff at LSHTM, which take you through a programme of directed self-study.
Study materials
Your study materials are mostly provided online via the VLE. They may include study guides, textbooks, computer-based sessions and additional computer software (e.g. Stata), past examination papers and examiners’ reports.
All of your study materials are made available in October.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The VLE. Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
LSHTM also offers students a range of support and guidance. Further details can be found in the Programme Specification.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Time commitment
You should expect to study for 15-25 hours per week throughout the study year if you wish to complete your qualification in the minimum time allowed (one year for the Postgraduate Certificate, two years for the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc). Most students take between three and five years to complete the MSc.
Assessment
This varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. More details can be found on course pages. Exams are held in June each year.
LSHTM has an international presence, and is renowned for its research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. It was crowned University of the Year in 2016 by Times Higher Education for its extraordinary response to the Ebola crisis. It was ranked first in the world for its open access research in the 2022 CWTS Leiden Ranking.
The Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health (EPH) houses the largest group of epidemiologists, statisticians and medical demographers in Europe. It also houses nutritionists, social scientists and public health practitioners, all working on the diseases of major health importance in both industrialised and developing nations.
Academic leaders
Professor Diana Elbourne is Professor of Healthcare Evaluation in the Medical Statistics Department at LSHTM. She is formerly Director of the Perinatal Trials Service of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford. Her research includes cluster RCTs, data monitoring committees, reporting of trials, and qualitative research on the views of people participating in trials. Diana is Module Organiser for CTM206 Data Monitoring for Clinical Trials, and CTM210 Integrating Module.
Claire Snowdon is Associate Professor in Clinical Trials Education in the Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health at LSHTM and Co-Programme Director of the MSc Clinical Trials by distance learning. Her earlier work (with Diana Elbourne) focuses on issues around bereavement for parents, clinicians and trial teams in the context of neonatal intensive care trials. Claire is a tutor on the MSc programme and Module Organiser for module CTM204 Regulatory Affairs, Good Clinical Practice and Ethics.
Free online courses
The School offers several free online courses on a wide range of health topics. These provide a great insight into the independent learning experience.
Open days
The School holds regular open days in London. You can come and meet staff and students and receive a tour of the School.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | October 2025 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
For entry to the programme, you will need either:
- the equivalent of a UK first or second-class honours degree in a relevant subject from an acceptable institution.
- or, an appropriate professional or technical qualification, plus three years' relevant experience.
Find equivalent qualifications where you live.
If you do not meet the above standard requirements, we can still consider your application on the basis of your qualifications and experience. In these instances, once you apply online, we will contact you with a request for two references to support your application before referring on for academic consideration.
English Language requirements
You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
- Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.
Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.
If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, we may also consider your application.
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.
More about computer requirements. Further details can be found in the Programme Specification.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to the 2025-26 academic year session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
Programme fees: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Programmes:
MSc/PGDip/PGCert Clinical Trials, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases, Public Health.
| Application fee (non-refundable) | £65 |
| Application fee for recognition of prior learning (per module) (non-refundable) | £136 |
Full programme fee (payment in full)*
| Master of Science | £18520 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £14650 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £10820 |
Payment by module
| Initial registration fee | £1610 |
| Fee for final project | £2870 |
| Assessment resit fee | £270 |
Fees applicable to MSc/PGDip/PGCert Clinical Trials, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases
| Fee per core module (e.g. coded CTM1, EPM1, GHM1, IDM1, HHM1) | £2250 |
| Fee per elective module (excluding those identified as core modules) | £930 |
| Integrating module (CTM210 only) | £1900 |
Individual modules (not part of formal awards) taken on a stand-alone basis
| Fee per module (with the exception of Public Health core modules (PH)) | £2750 |
| Fee per Public Health PH core module | £1870 |
BLENDED LEARNING FEES (DL STUDENTS ATTENDING IN LONDON – fees payable directly to LSHTM, not to the University of London, once approved for attendance at LSHTM)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of DL MSc fee paid in full | £1160 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if DL course is paid via annual instalments | £2250 |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.
*The full course fee covers all registration and module fees payable to the University of London for the duration of your study. It does not include the Application fee, Assessment resit fee, or Application fee for recognition of prior learning.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
Can I get sponsored?
If you are employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fee if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.
Our courses are ideal for employers because they get to retain you as an employee and benefit from your learning from the moment you begin.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
The degree is relevant for roles in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of clinical trials, or for broadening your role in the evaluation of interventions for screening, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease in people. It may also prepare you for further study in clinical trials.
The most exciting thing was that many of the tutors were world experts in clinical trials and epidemiology, so it was fantastic to be able to discuss things either online or in live chats. I would absolutely recommend this course. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dr Jane Walker, graduate
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
What our students say
“I would strongly recommend it, not just recommend it – it's been a fantastic learning experience for me.”
Bharath Kumar
India
Mariana Grings
Brazil
Apply now
Start dates
- October 2025 - application deadline closes
