By the end of the course, participants should:

• understand when and why randomised controlled trials are necessary
• understand and evaluate methods to minimise bias in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials
• be aware of different designs for randomised trials and their use
• be aware what information is required to estimate the size of a trial
• be able to participate in the design of a randomised clinical trial
• understand how an economic evaluation can be embedded into a clinical trial
• understand how using qualitative methodologies can complement a clinical trial
• understand the importance of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) throughout the lifecycle of a trial
• understand when and which approvals and regulations are needed in clinical trials
• have an understanding of a clinical trial protocol and other trial documentation
• have an understanding of factors to consider when undertaking a multi-centre clinical trial
• be aware of trial safety and requirements for clinical trials involving medicinal products
• have an understanding of risk assessment, data collection and monitoring of trial data
• know how to report and interpret results from a randomised clinical trial

The course is intended for anyone seeking an introductory course on randomised controlled trials, and who is likely to be involved in the design, conduct and management, analysis, reporting or review of clinical trials.

The course will comprise of lectures, workshops and discussion.

Exact timings and further details will be provided nearer the time, though days will usually start around 09.00 and end at 16.30.

All sessions on the course will be led by experienced trialists and staff from Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit.

Please see a full list of the course tutors here.

Early Bird rate: If you book on or before 12th April 2024, you will be entitled to the Early Bird rate, cost as follows: 

£325 for 5 days - Person residing in a low and middle income country, as defined by DAC list, at the time of registration. 
£520 for 5 days – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine student or staff member 
£585 for 5 days – University of Nottingham student or staff member (NOT School of Medicine) 
£585 for 5 days – NHS employee 
£650 for 5 days – anyone who does not fall into any of the categories above 

 

Standard rate: Any bookings made after 12th April 2024 will be charged as follows: 

£425 for 5 days - Person residing in a low and middle income country, as defined by DAC list, at the time of registration. 
£680 for 5 days – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine student or staff member 
£765 for 5 days – University of Nottingham student or staff member (NOT School of Medicine) 
£765 for 5 days – NHS employee 
£850 for 5 days – anyone who does not fall into any of the categories above 

In line with the University of Nottingham's commitment to sustainability, we are no longer routinely printing our course materials (e.g. slides, handouts).  Instead, you will be provided with a link at least 7 days before the course start date to a Microsoft Teams site where all materials can be accessed.  We appreciate that everyone has different learning styles and people like to record their own notes in different ways, e.g. notebook, tablet, laptop, on the slides.  If you would prefer to receive paper copies, in a lever arch file, of all course materials at the start of the course, please let us know at least 3 weeks before the course start date and we will be happy to provide these for you.

You will receive a certificate of attendance at the end of the course.

Light refreshments will be provided in the morning before the course begins and for morning and afternoon breaks.  A hot buffet lunch will also be provided.  Free parking is available on-site.

Please visit the booking page when registrations are open.  Upon registration you will receive an automated response confirming your place. The course administrator will be in touch via email a few weeks before the course start date, detailing the course programme and further details eg how to find the venue etc.  Please direct any queries to ctu@nottingham.ac.uk

If you are no longer able to attend

You can postpone your place to the next available course.  Please note this may be up to 12 months in the future.

If you do not want to postpone your place, you should cancel at your earliest convenience.  If you cancel more than 14 calendar days before the start of the course, you are eligible for a full refund for course fees.  Refunds after this time are not possible.

Course cancellations

In the unlikely event that the a course has to be cancelled, we will make a decision 4 weeks before the start of the course.  In this instance you will be contacted by email.  Participants will be offered transfer of their course fees to the next available course, which could be up to 12 months in the future, or a full refund.  Our liability is limited to course fees only - we will not refund any travel or accommodation expenses incurred.  We recommend participants have adequate cover to reclaim any travel or accommodation expenses. 

For further information please contact ctu@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 8231600.