Before your course begins, there are some important systems and ways of communicating that you need to know about. Here is what to expect and how to stay informed.

Moodle (Virtual Learning Environment)
Our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle, is available once you are registered for your modules and once Moodle opens on Thursday 1st October 2026.

Communication
[email protected] is the first place to go with all your questions and for information.

We use the Moodle > Student Zone forums for general information and messages.

You can contact your tutors and fellow students through the module Moodle forums.

Please check these regularly and take part in the discussions.

We encourage you to stay engaged throughout your course: reach out to [email protected], take part in the discussion forums, connect with your tutors and coursemates, and attend online sessions.

There are also WhatsApp groups where you can chat with your peers (these are not run or managed by the School).

The Clinical Trials programme has at least two Student Representatives each year, as well as a Student Representatives' Council VP for Distance Learning.

Useful Contacts
Please use [email protected] as your first point of contact. If we can't answer your query ourselves, we'll direct you to the right place.

Please plan your studies carefully and ensure you are registered for all modules you actively wish to study that academic year, including any resits. This ensures access to the latest version of the study materials and the assessment submission systems (Formative Assignments, Assessed Assignments, Exams, Report).

Your study materials and reading lists for each module are available online via Moodle. You can access these materials at any time while signed in to Moodle through your module link, and you can also download them so you can view them offline.

This means you'll be able to access your study materials throughout the academic year, and even after the Moodle pages close at the end of the year.

To download them, go to the relevant module, find the Study Materials section, and click the Download Study Materials icon. Then choose Save As to save the zip file to your computer or an external storage device.

Core modules:

• CTM101 Fundamentals of Clinical Trials
• CTM102 Basic Statistics for Clinical Trials
• CTM103 Clinical Trials in Practice
• CTM104 Reporting and Reviewing Clinical Trials
   

The two compulsory Clinical Trials modules are:

• CTM201 Protocol Development and
• CTM210 the Integrating Module.

It is recommended that these are taken in the final year of study.

Elective modules:

The elective advanced Clinical Trials modules are:

• CTM202 Trial Designs
• CTM203 Project Management and Research Coordination
• CTM204 Regulatory Affairs, Good Clinical Practice and Ethics
• CTM205 Data Management
• CTM206 Data Monitoring and Interim Analyses
• CTM208 Further Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials
   

Awards:

• PG Certificate: complete 4 core modules.
• PG Diploma: complete 4 core modules + 4 elective modules.
• MSc: complete 4 core modules + 5 elective modules + 2 compulsory modules.

Assessment varies by module and may include exams and assignments:

• Exam only (CTM101, 104)
• Assessed Assignment (AA) only (CTM103, 203, 205)
• AA and Exam (CTM102, 202, 204, 208)
• AA and group work (CTM201 and 206)
• An extended "Integrating Report" (CTM210)

Please refer to your Student Handbook and the Programme Regulations for specific assessment details for each module.

All modules also offer a Tutor Marked Formative Assignment (TMFA), which does not count towards your grade, along with further opportunities for self-assessment through questions and answers you can work through on your own (Self Assessed Formative Assignments and Self Assessed Time Limited Assessments). Details of the TMFA, SAFA and AA are given below.

Tutor Marked Formative Assignments (TMFA): Although the TMFA does not count towards your module grade, we strongly encourage you to complete it. It gives you a chance to engage with the study materials, check your progress, and receive valuable tutorial feedback on your work.

TMFAs must be submitted by 14th February for CTM102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 208, and by 31st March for CTM101, 104. Grades and feedback will be provided one month later.

Self Assessed Formative Assignments (SAFA): A second formative assignment (for all modules except CTM201) is available for self-assessment, and some modules use this as the basis for discussion in a live webinar. Details will be sent to you during the autumn term.

Assessed Assignment (AA): CTM102, CTM103, and all elective modules (CTM201–CTM208) include assessment through one or two compulsory AAs. Indicative AA submission dates for each module are below:

• April: CTM102, 202, 204, 206 (AA1), 208
• May: CTM103, 201, 203, 205, 206 (AA2)

Assignments are submitted electronically through the Assignment Management System (AMS). The Student Handbook gives full details of how to submit assignments for marking, and when to expect feedback.

LSHTM uses plagiarism detection software to identify possible cases of plagiarism in assessments submitted for marking. What counts as plagiarism, and how to avoid it, is explained in the School's Academic Writing Handbook and will also be covered in student induction sessions.

The first time you log in to the AMS, you will be asked to agree to a statement confirming that you will comply with the School's policies and procedures on academic misconduct. A link to these policies is available on the CT Student Zone. You must agree to these policies before you can submit any assignments.

Plagiarism detection software (Turnitin) is used. You must follow LSHTM policies and AI guidance.

LSHTM statement on using AI in assessments

You will need to re-register for any modules where you need to re-sit either the Assessed Assignment or the Exam to ensure you receive access to updated materials for the new academic year and are able to submit assessments.

Please note that re-sit grades will be capped at 2 (see the Academic Manual).