About

Research overview

Clinical trials are complex research projects that answer important questions for the health and wellbeing of people across the world.

The Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit is a UKCRC-registered CTU with expertise in the core competencies required for the design and conduct of high-quality, high-impact trials. We undertake large, multi-centre clinical trials, nationally and internationally.

Ensuring trials are conducted to a high-standard and in an efficient manner is important. We also undertake methodological studies relating to the design and conduct of high-quality, efficient clinical trials, either as stand-alone projects or embedded within clinical trials (for example studies within a trial (SWATs)).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Qualification

PhD

MPhil

Degree

2.1 (or equivalent) degree in a relevant subject and two references including at least one academic reference.

2.2 (or equivalent) degree in a relevant subject and two references including at least one academic reference.

Additional information

If you have contacted a supervisor and they have informally agreed to supervise you, please provide us with a personal statement as part of the online application form. This should cover your reasons for applying, why you are interested in the programme, your previous subject and work experience and your future aspirations.

If you have not contacted a supervisor before completing the online application form, please submit a personal statement and a research proposal.

If you have contacted a supervisor and they have informally agreed to supervise you, please provide us with a personal statement as part of the online application form. This should cover your reasons for applying, why you are interested in the programme, your previous subject and work experience and your future aspirations.

If you have not contacted a supervisor before completing the online application form, please submit a personal statement and a research proposal.

Qualification	PhD	MPhil
Degree	2.1 (or equivalent) degree in a relevant subject and two references including at least one academic reference.	2.2 (or equivalent) degree in a relevant subject and two references including at least one academic reference.
International and EU equivalents	We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.	We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
IELTS	7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any element.	7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any element.
English language requirements	As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.	As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.
Additional information	If you have contacted a supervisor and they have informally agreed to supervise you, please provide us with a personal statement as part of the online application form. This should cover your reasons for applying, why you are interested in the programme, your previous subject and work experience and your future aspirations. If you have not contacted a supervisor before completing the online application form, please submit a personal statement and a research proposal.	If you have contacted a supervisor and they have informally agreed to supervise you, please provide us with a personal statement as part of the online application form. This should cover your reasons for applying, why you are interested in the programme, your previous subject and work experience and your future aspirations. If you have not contacted a supervisor before completing the online application form, please submit a personal statement and a research proposal.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any element. IELTS:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language requirements:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Career

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

90% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £39,564.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

74,944 / year(s)

Clinical Trials Research PhD/MPhil