ESPR Grant for an MSc in Clinical Trials at the University of Oxford

The ESPR Grant for an MSc in Clinical Trials provides funding to skilled and qualified health professionals with a background in Paediatrics who want to take part in the two-year, part-time distance learning course, MSc in Clinical Trials at the University of Oxford, UK.

There are currently no grants available.

• About the MSc in Clinical Trials

  The MSc in Clinical Trials is a two-year, part-time distance learning course that provides a thorough training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of conducting randomised clinical trials.

  By the end of the course, students should have the knowledge and skills required to design and undertake a clinical trial. By running a fully integrated course covering all key aspects of clinical trials, students will acquire a good understanding of the theoretical underpinning as well as the practical aspects of randomised clinical trials and have an in-depth training in trials methodology. The course will cover different types of trials and clinical conditions, with a focus on large, streamlined clinical outcome trials in cardiovascular disease.

  The specific aims are to provide:

  • in-depth training in, and understanding of, the principles and practice of conducting randomised clinical trials;

  • a forum for the nurturing of future global leaders in clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine and beyond.

  Teaching is delivered virtually (via online lectures, tutorials and group work) during the first year, and for the first two whole terms and part of the third term in the second year. You will receive around three hours of supported study per week and will be expected to complete around two hours per week self-directed study. The curriculum comprises eight compulsory modules of varying length and intensity across six terms:

  • An introduction to the principles of randomised trials
  • Design to implementation
  • The regulatory and ethical framework and participant involvement
  • Data management and analysis
  • Big data and new technologies
  • Health economics and Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  • Different types of trial in particular populations

  • Meta-analyses and the reporting of trial results.

  The course will include a one-week compulsory residential period in the Long Vacation (September) between years one and two. The aim of the residential period is to allow the students to meet the tutors and course teaching staff and to provide face-to-face teaching, discussion time and leadership training. The examination will also take place during this week.

  A shorter optional residential period will also take place in Trinity Term in year two. This will allow discussion about dissertation content, practical guidance on statistical content and an opportunity for face-to-face discussion between the student and dissertation supervisor.

  More info on the MSc in Clinical Trials can be found on the University of Oxford and Oxford Population Health websites.
• The ESPR Grant & Eligibility Requirements

  Amount: £18,932 per grant recipient (for two academic years).

  Purpose: To support skilled and qualified health professionals with a background in Paediatrics who want to take part in the MSc in Clinical Trials programme at the University of Oxford, UK.

  Eligibility Requirements: At the time of submission applicants must:

  • be ESPR members or intending to join the society;
  • meet the entry requirements for the MSc in Clinical Trials as stated on the University of Oxford website.
• How to apply

  The set of documents you should send with your application to this course comprises the following:

  Official transcript(s):

  • Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation. More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

  CV/résumé:
  Full instructions and link to standard CV creation form

  • A CV/résumé is compulsory for all applications. You will need to upload a standardised CV to the graduate application form as part of your application. This standardised CV should be generated using the online form that requests certain information that you will likely have included on your CV. Once you have completed the form, you will have 15 minutes to download your CV as a PDF document.
  • This PDF document will be in the same format for all applicants and you should not modify the document before you upload it, or submit your CV in a different format.
  • Full instructions and a link to the standard CV creation form are provided on the Medical Sciences Division website. The instructions page contains links to example clinical and non-clinical CVs, with details of what to include and suggested answer formats.

  • If you require help or advice while generating your CV using the online form, please contact the Medical Sciences Graduate School for assistance (graduate.school@medsci.ox.ac.uk).

  Statement of purpose/personal statement:
  A maximum of 1,000 words

  • Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.
  • If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
  • This will be assessed for:
    • your reasons for applying;
    • your ability to present a coherent case in proficient English;
    • your commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course;
    • your preliminary knowledge of the subject area and research techniques; and

    • awareness of key issues in clinical trials.

  References/letters of recommendation:
  Three overall, academic and/or professional

  • Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
  • Your references will support:
    • your intellectual ability;
    • your academic achievement;
    • your motivation and interest in the course and subject area; and
    • your ability to work effectively both in a group and independently.

   

  Once you have read the Oxford University Application Guide, you can start your application here.
  

  Please note: the 2022 grant round has been closed for applications.
• Meet the awardees of the ESPR Grant for an MSc in Clinical Trials

  

  Dr Norma Mugwagwa is a medical doctor and public health specialist with keen interest in clinical research. She has 5 years research experience as a sub-investigator on multinational HIV prevention clincial trials and lately COVID-19 vaccine trials. Studying towards the M.Sc. in Clincial Trials at the University of Oxford will bring her closer to achieving her goal of becoming a renowned global researcher and help contribute to the control, prevention and treatment of HIV, TB, and new emerging infectious diseases through research.

   

  

  Dr Osamagbe Asemota obtained her medical degree at the University of Benin in Nigeria and is a West African Postgraduate College Paediatric fellow. She works at the Teaching Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria as a clinical consultant and researcher. A desire to improve health status of the Nigerian child particularly the inclusion of children in treatment trials spurred her to apply for a masters in clinical trials. The ESPR educational grant affords the opportunity to fulfil her educational aspirations and be part of a community that seeks to advance the wellbeing of children through research; one of her main career commitments.

The ESPR offers many benefits to its junior members. These include dedicated grants, special membership rates, a mentoring programme and the possibility to come up with own initiatives.

Contact the ESPR secretariat at office@espr.eu if you would like to find out more about opportunities for young investigators within the ESPR.