Candidates

Degree apprenticeships are primarily targeted at 18 to 19-year-old college leavers as an alternative to doing a conventional degree, particularly for those deterred from studying a traditional, full-time, course due to their association with high tuition fees and potential student debt. However, the qualification is suitable for anyone, including mature students.

How it works

Hands In

If you have decided that a Clinical Trials Specialist apprenticeship is a great opportunity, providing a career pathway into the pharmaceutical industry, you will need to find and apply to an employer with open apprenticeship places.

Information on employers currently offering apprenticeship places or those with positions ‘open to expressions of interest’ can be found on our Opportunities page. You may also register your interest on our Contacts page for advance notice, updates and information on developments.

What qualifications will I need?

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Typically candidates will hold Level 3 qualifications providing the appropriate number of UCAS points for entry into higher education (HE) as defined by individual employers/HE providers. The candidate will also hold A levels/B-Tech qualifications in at least one science-related subject. The candidate should also have:

  • A professional demeanour and ability to act independently and work as part of a diverse team;
  • Excellent attention to detail;
  • Experience with using Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Power Point and Excel);
  • An ability to coordinate, prioritize and complete multiple tasks;
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication abilities interpersonal skills;
  • Proactive approach to problem solving;
  • An interest in travel to attend periodic meetings.

What is a Clinical Trials Specialist?

LibraryThe Clinical Trials Specialist plays a key role in the pharmaceutical industry, intimately involved in the operational delivery of clinical trials. As a gateway role for young people wanting to gain entry into the industry, this position opens opportunities to work in almost every aspect of the pharmaceutical discovery process. Functions and responsibilities associated with the role include:

  • Maintaining the trial master file (TMF) or the electronic TMF and study site records;
  • Acting as an internal expert on study related documents, procedures and templates;
  • Collation, filing, routing coordination of third-party provider documents for inclusion in the TMF/eTMF;
  • Initiate contract/budget requests, coordination and management of contract approvals, and tracking the ongoing status of your study;
  • Schedule team meetings and prepare agendas and minutes of complex clinical meetings  and assist clinical operations team with study management;
  • Conduct basic data quality oversight activities associated with Contract Research Organisations and clinical service vendors;
  • Assist in the organization of advisory boards and investigator meetings. Track approvals and completion of required documents.

What skills and knowledge will I develop?

WritingThe apprenticeship will see you working shoulder-to-shoulder with highly experienced members of the pharmaceutical industry eager to progress your development. As an integral part of the course, the apprentice will also participate in unique leadership activities and interventions.

It is in the interest of your employer to concentrate on you developing quickly as an effective member of their team which, when combined with the theory and work-based experience, will make a real difference in your development as an individual as well as the contribution you will make to the business.

Why study this degree apprenticeship course?

Unlike more traditional degree pathways, this course will see you working immediately in one of the UK’s premier industries while you study for a BSc (Hons). During your studies your employer will pay you a monthly wage; both your employer and the UK Government will cover the cost of your study. This opportunity is truly unique as it both equips you with a degree that is identical to those awarded following conventional university studies and avoids the investment in student fees normally associated with studentship in higher education. You will be paid for you service by your employer while obtaining a free education and an unparalleled introduction into the pharmaceutical industry.

What qualifications will I receive?

GraduatesThe programme will be assessed in a variety of different ways.  There will regular assessments of the skills you are being trained in, reflective portfolios, business case studies and learning contracts.  Group-based problem solving activities will also form part of the training and will be assessed from both a process and output perspective.

At the end of your course you will receive a BSc (Hons) degree including but not limited to biological science in physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, pharmacy or biochemistry from your university of study. Once you have been awarded the degree you will be assessed on performance as a Clinical Trials Specialist before they awarded the completion of your apprenticeship. By integrating academic theory with practical work experience, it is expected that you will become more confident as you develop new organisational and interpersonal skills, becoming an asset in a variety of roles in your employer’s organisation.

Where do I study?

Degree apprenticeships like the CTS are only available in vocational subjects that require a high level of academic achievement. Degree apprenticeships are created by partnerships between employers and universities or colleges. Due to their success, as the scope for degree apprenticeships expands so does the range of universities and employers offering opportunities. The CTS apprenticeship courses are currently being offered by (enter names here). As part of the process your employer may define where you conduct your studies.

How do I apply?

Man in suit leaning against wall.Unlike traditional degrees, there is no fixed learning cycle for degree apprenticeships. The majority of organisations plan for recruitment to start early in the year for an August/September start date; however larger companies may advertise positions as and when they become available. You can track our posting of positions on this website or on the websites of specific employers, education provers or UCAS websites.