Clinical Trials Specialist Degree Apprenticeship

Clinical Trials Specialist

Degree Level (4-6)

ABOUT

A Clinical Trials Specialist works in both public and private research organisations, generally in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.
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Events

Join us on the 29th of October for a remote information session to find out more! 

Register to receive your Microsoft Teams invite - https://forms.office.com/e/B3tCVZPZ8D


Interesting in kick starting your career in Clinical Trials with the University of Kent and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust? Join us on the 9th of November to find out more. Email recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk for more information. 

Programme Overview

Our Clinical Trials Specialist degree apprenticeship (Level 6) works in collaboration with Clinical Professionals Ltd and aims to advance the skills of those in the field and attract new staff. It is suitable for people who work as part of a team focused on the delivery and execution of Phase I-IV clinical trials.

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals working in multidisciplinary teams within private or public clinical research organisations in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. Typically office-based, apprentices may also travel to various sites, such as hospitals, pharmacology units, and General Practitioners, to conduct monitoring activities.

Typical Roles

Potential roles for apprentices include:

  • Clinical Trials Assistant
  • Clinical Trials Administrator
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Study Coordinator with development to Clinical Project Manager

Core Programme Pillars

Clinical trials are centred around testing the safety and efficacy of new drugs and medical devices, and the programme is built around three core pillars:

Basic Biology

Understanding health sciences, the building blocks of life, and genetic or environmental changes affecting human health.

Regulatory Landscape

Navigating the approval and auditing processes, participant protection, pharmacovigilance, and licensing.

Economic and Business

Covering health economics, the business environment, and project management.

Benefits of the programme

At Kent, we have an experienced team with a wealth of expertise in apprenticeships in health and science. We provide advice and support on all aspects of the process, from advertising the vacancy and funding, to workplace monitoring and end-point assessment requirements.

Innovative Learning Approach

Our award-winning blended learning method, combining e-learning and block teaching, allows apprentices to thrive in the workplace while gaining a degree.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure that learners acquire the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviour defined by the Clinical Trials Specialist standards, published by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

Fees and funding 

The cost of the programme is £26,000 per apprentice and this can be paid for from the Apprenticeship levy or by government co-investment funding. There is also the cost of accommodation and travel for Summer Schools. This should be funded by the employer and is not payable from apprenticeship levy or government funding. 

Qualification   

Upon successful completion, the apprentice will have achieved a BSc (Hons) Applied Science (Clinical Trials Specialist).

Duration and commitment   

There is a 54-month delivery with 6 months for End-Point Assessment (EPA).

Entry requirements   

At least five GCSE passes (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above. They are also required to have achieved at least two subjects at A Level (or equivalent), including Chemistry / Biology. Alternatively, applicants must have completed a Level 3 Laboratory Technical Apprenticeship in a relevant science discipline. 

Applicants who do not meet these criteria but have relevant workplace experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Start dates 

We offer start dates in September, October, January, and May for this programme. The cut-off for applications is normally one month prior to the start of the course.  

MODULES

  • 3 Day Residential
  • Cell Biology
  • Introductory Chemistry for Biologist
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Good Clinical Practice, Regulations and Ethics Committees
  • Human Physiology and Disease
  • Metabolism and Enzymology 

  • Data Management and Statistics
  • Critical Thinking
  • Applied Microbiology
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Documentation Management, Quality Management Systems and Biological Sample Management
  • Project Management and Decision Making

  • Finance and Corporate Governance
  • Health Economics
  • Company-based Research Project
  • 3 out of 7 Optional Modules from the below:
  • Nanomedicine
  • Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Advanced Immunology and Microbiology
  • Advanced Therapeutic Agents
  • Oncology and Haematological Malignancies
  • Advanced CV and Respiratory Disease

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Discover how Amy Kirkby transitioned from A levels to a Degree Apprenticeship. 

As the first in her cohort to complete the End-point Assessment for the Clinical Trials Specialist apprenticeship, Amy shares her experiences and insights, highlighting the benefits and challenges of combining work with academic study. 

Related Kent programme

NEXT STEPS

Employers and Employees

Our team is here to help you apply for the apprenticeship programme, whether you’re ready to join or need guidance on the process. We’re ready to assist you in getting started. Feel free to contact us for support.

Students and Prospective Apprentices

Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about Kent programmes, need help selecting the right apprenticeship or require information on funding, timelines and more, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

We're always here to help you navigate through the process.