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From managing heart failure to supporting people with HIV, clinical trials make a difference to communities across the globe. Discover our research in this area and learn to carry out trials effectively.
Study Clinical Trials and develop the skills to save lives and shape the future of health. We were one of first universities in the UK to create a distance learning programme focused on clinical trials. With extensive expertise in this area and academics in every corner of the globe, we’ll share best practices for carrying out research that tests drugs, comparing alternative treatments, and using cutting-edge methods.
Your award will depend on the number of modules you complete. We offer this distance learning programme as a Certificate, Diploma and MSc.
What you will learn
- Explore the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of randomised controlled trials of health interventions
- Understand what happens before a trial – review the literature to see what’s been done before and whether it’s reliable
- Practise reporting your findings in a way that is transparent, accurate and helps others apply your results to the real world
- Become confident handling statistics for clinical trials
- Pick optional modules to expand your interests in this area or choose topics from other areas of specialism in the School
- Develop the skills you need to excel in your clinical trials career and make a difference to people’s lives globally
The aims and learning outcomes are detailed in the programme specification.
It’s not just students that are based globally. Our teaching team are too, working on projects that are supporting the health of people around the world. For example, some have studied the management of heart failure and influenced the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines, while others have helped develop maternal and child health programmes in India.
We’ve designed this course to help you look at all the aspects that influence clinical trials in practice. You’ll get support in everything from reviewing the literature effectively to analysing statistics so you can feel confident making conclusions and reporting key findings.
Once you complete the core modules, you have the option to apply for the blended learning option to study up to two modules on-campus in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other students and tutors in person; and engage in face-to-face discussion-based learning.
Who is it for?
Because this programme is distance learning, students join us from across the globe. Wherever you’re living in the world, the content will be relevant to you – whether you are working in a low-, middle- or high-income country.
Many of our students are working in this area already and are eager to take their skills to the next level. If that describes you, we’ll help you expand your role in the design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials.
You’ll learn at your own pace and study when it suits you. The course can be completed in two years, but you can spend up to five years studying with us. We run live sessions regularly which we encourage you to join if you can. These are run at two different times in the day so you can pick the one that works with your time zone.
Programme specification
The aims and learning outcomes are detailed in the programme specification.
Duration
| Course | You study | Study period |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | 11 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 8 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 4 modules | 1-5 years |
| Individual modules | Studying individual modules is an ideal option if you wish to update your professional knowledge or sample the programme. | |
Related courses
We also offer an Essentials of Clinical Trials short course.
Clinical Trials by Distance Learning
Watch Programme Director Claire Snowdon talks how clinical Trials are essential in finding solutions to many health care problems around the world.
The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims and objectives of each module, what you will study, what materials are provided and how the module is assessed.
- Programme specification
- Programme regulations
- Module specifications
- Clinical Trials - suggested schedules
- Programme structure
- Postgraduate Certificate: 4 compulsory core modules
- Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules (4 compulsory core + 4 elective modules*)
- Master’s: 11 modules (4 compulsory core + 5 elective* + 2 compulsory modules†)
*For the PG Diploma and MSc elective modules, at least three modules must be taken from selection group CTM2 or two elective CTM2 modules selected from a list of options and EPM101 Fundamentals of Epidemiology. The remaining module(s) can be chosen from CTM2 or the other selection groups.
†MSc students must take CTM201 Protocol Development and complete the CTM210 Integrating Module, comprising a written report, usually in their final year of study.
It is possible to register for the PG Certificate in the first instance then, on successful completion of the compulsory core modules, transfer your registration to the PG Diploma or MSc.
The majority of modules listed below are also available to study as individual modules.
- Compulsory core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
- CTM101 Fundamentals of Clinical Trials
- CTM102 Basic Statistics for Clinical Trials
- CTM103 Clinical Trials in Practice
- CTM104 Reporting and Reviewing Clinical Trials
- Elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
Clinical Trials elective modules (CTM2):
- CTM201 Protocol Development (compulsory for the MSc, elective for the PG Diploma)
- CTM202 Trial Designs
- CTM203 Project Management and Research Co-ordination
- CTM204 Regulatory affairs, Good Clinical Practice and Ethics
- CTM205 Data Management
- CTM206 Data Monitoring and Interim Analyses
- CTM208 Further Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials
- CTM209 Cluster Randomised Trials
- CTM210 Integrating Module (compulsory for the MSc)
Recommended modules selection group:
- EPM101 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
- EPM301 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- EPM302 Modelling and the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
- EPM304 Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
- EPM307 Global Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases
- GHM201 Health Systems
- IDM201 Bacterial Infections
- IDM202 Nutrition and Infection
- IDM203 Parasitology
- IDM204 Viral Infections
- IDM205 Healthcare-Associated Infection
- IDM213 Immunology of Infection and Vaccines
- IDM215 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
- IDM301 Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
- IDM501 HIV
- IDM502 Tuberculosis
- IDM503 Malaria
- PHM201 Health Decision Science
- PHM203 Economic Analysis for Health Policy
- PHM204 Economic Evaluation
- PHM205 Environmental Epidemiology
- PHM206 Environmental Health Policy
- PHM207 Health Care Evaluation
- PHM209 Globalisation and Health
- PHM210 Managing Health Services
- PHM211 Medical Anthropology in Public Health
- PHM212 Organisational Management
- PHM213 Principles & Practice of Health Promotion
- PHM214 Conflict and Health
- PHM215 History and Health
- PHM216 Sexual Health
- PHM218 Applied Communicable Disease Control
- PHM219 Evaluation of Public Health Interventions
Students wishing to study a module not on the above recommended list should contact the programme team for advice. Approval may be given at the discretion of the Programme Directors.
(Note that restrictions and pre-requisites may apply to some of the modules above. Not all elective modules will be available every year).
- Methods of assessment
Assessment varies from module to module but includes written assignments, groupwork and written examinations. Some modules involve only one type of assessment. Other modules use a combination of assessments. Details are given in the module specifications.
Where modules involve written examinations, these will take place in June.
- Credit awarded
Credits will be awarded for all modules (15 credits each) and the integrating module (MSc only, 30 credits) if successfully completed. To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:
- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- Master’s – 180 credits
- Blended learning: taking modules in London
After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, PG Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the blended learning option, which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at LSHTM in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at LSHTM, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.
Changes to the programme
LSHTM will seek to deliver this programme in accordance with the description set out on this programme page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for LSHTM to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Study materials
Learning is via directed self-study against a detailed set of learning objectives for each module. All CTM modules are delivered solely online, with access to a range of study resources, discussion forums and online webinar discussion sessions via LSHTM’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Details of the study materials for each module can be found in the module specifications. Materials and resources may include:
- Computer Assisted Learning materials provided electronically through Moodle for self-directed study
- E-books and other recommended readings
- Real-time and recorded online sessions with module tutors on specific topics
- Self-assessed assignments (Formative Assignments and past examination questions) plus specimen answers
- Examiners’ reports for two years which include Assessed Assignment and examination questions and specimen answers
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in module-specific discussions on Moodle, and to make use of LSHTM’s online library resources.
Module tutors provide feedback for all students via the online discussion forums and offer individual feedback on submitted assignments. Tutorial support is available from the beginning of October through to the end of May.
Flexible study
We know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff. You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
Once registered, you will be sent the learning materials for the module(s) you have chosen to study. Clinical Trials module materials are mostly delivered online. These materials will take you through a programme of directed self-study, and indicate how and where you can obtain supplementary study materials and access tutorial support to enhance your studies.
The study year runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams, during which time tutorial support is available. Those writing the Clinical Trials integrating report will also continue to have tutorial support over the summer. Deadlines for submission of coursework vary per course but are usually in March, May, August and September.
Fees
The fees below refer to the 2025/26 academic year. Fees are subject to annual review and may be paid in one of two ways:
Either: on initial registration, a single payment covering the programme registration fee and all module fees for the duration of the programme
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Master's | £18,520 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £14,650 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £10,820 |
| Application fee | £65 |
Or: pay the initial programme registration fee, plus the fee for each module you are taking in the first year. Then, in subsequent years, you pay the fee for each new module you take.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration fee | £1,610 |
| Fee per core module | £2,250 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £930 |
| Fee for integrating module | £1,900 |
| Application fee | £65 |
| Assessment resit fee | £270 |
Blended learning fees (for distance learning students attending modules in London)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of MSc fee paid in full | £1,160 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if programme is paid via annual instalments | £2,250 |
Information on Individual modules (taken on a stand-alone basis with no registration fee) can be found here.
How to pay
All fees must be paid in pounds sterling (GBP) directly to the University of London. The University of London accepts:
- Western Union - Quick Pay
- Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron, JCB)
- Sterling banker's draft/cheque
- International money/postal order
Further details are given on the University of London website.
Other costs
In addition to the fees payable to the University of London, you should also budget for the fee charged by your local examination centre to cover its costs; this fee will vary.
Academic requirements
All applicants are required to have:
- either a first or second class honours degree, or the equivalent, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London, in a subject appropriate to the course; or
- an appropriate professional or technical qualification, together with at least three years’ relevant experience, which satisfies the University as a qualification equivalent to a second class honours degree. All applications in this category will be considered on an individual basis
Qualifications from around the world are accepted; for further guidance please see the University of London's qualifications for entrance. Students who do not satisfy the entrance requirements may still be admitted at the discretion of LSHTM on the basis of their academic qualifications, work experience and references.
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, the University of London may also consider your application.
Computer requirements
You must have regular access to a computer (or mobile device*) with an internet connection to use the University of London website and the Student Portal. These are where your programme’s study resources are located. Through the Student Portal you can register as a student, enter exams and use your programme’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE provides you with electronic learning materials, access to the University of London Online Library, networking opportunities and other resources.
To get the most from your studies, your computer should have at least the following minimum specification:
- a web browser (the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer). This must accept cookies and have JavaScript enabled
- screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater
- sufficient bandwidth to download documents/files of at least 50 MB
and the following applications installed:
- word processor that reads Microsoft Word format (.doc)
- Adobe, or other pdf reader
Some of the CD-ROMs and software provided for use with Epidemiology modules may not be fully compatible with Apple Mac computers.
*Full mobile access is not available for all programmes
Our distance learning programmes are run in collaboration with the University of London, a federation of 17 independent member institutions and universities, of which the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is one.
Applications are now open for 2025/26 entry. Apply via the University of London website.
- Application process
1. Submit your application to University of London. Please read the Guidance Notes for Applications (pdf) before you complete your application.
2. Submit your documentary evidence. This can be done online when submitting your application or at a later stage. You will be required to submit personal identification, educational certificates, transcripts, English language proficiency evidence, references and CV (see Guidance Notes for Applications (pdf) for further details).
3. University of London will notify you of whether or not you have been accepted. This usually happens within five working days. You will be sent a student reference number by email in case you need to contact University of London about your application.
4. If you are made an offer, you will receive an email with instructions for completing your online registration (usually from May/June). You will have until the registration deadline to accept your offer and pay your initial fees.
5. Begin your studies. You will be given access to LSHTM's online learning site (Moodle) at the beginning of October. If you have registered for a module which provides hard copy study materials, these will be sent to your correspondence address. Clinical Trials modules are delivered solely online via Moodle.
Important: you are welcome to submit your application even if you are yet to sit an exam or you are awaiting results. University of London can begin to process your application without all the evidence, although a final decision will be made once all the necessary documentation has been received. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet our entry requirements, University of London might be able to advise you on this before you submit your online application.
- Key dates
MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert and individual modules Deadline Application deadline 23 September 2025 Registration deadline (new students) 7 October 2025 Registration deadline (continuing students) 21 October 2025 Programme starts 1 October 2025 - Who to contact
If you have any questions before submitting your application, you can contact:
Academic queries (LSHTM)
Email distance@lshtm.ac.uk for queries about programme content, modules or assessments.
Contact the Study team for general enquiries.
Admissions queries (University of London)
Send a message to University of London for queries about how to apply, documentary evidence or entry requirements, or call +44 (0)20 7862 8360