Randomised Controlled Trials Course: a guide to design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and report

This course provides a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for the evaluation of healthcare interventions. It will include talks and practicals to give examples and guidance on the methodology of trials using a problem-based learning approach. 

Before booking, please contact rct.course@csm.ox.ac.uk for the application form. Applications will be reviewed by the course instructors before a place is offered. 

Course leader: Jonathan Cook

Course Link: https://www.ndorms.ox.ac.uk/study/courses/randomised-controlled-trial-course

Course Description

RCT Course 2026: 7-11 SEPTEMBER 2026

This annual course provides a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for evaluating healthcare interventions. You will learn from an interdisciplinary faculty of clinicians, statisticians, and trial managers, all with a wealth of RCT experience. The course uses a problem-based learning approach, including lectures and small-group practical sessions, and grounds all learning in practical experience and examples from the literature.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Clarify the fundamental principles and practice of RCTs
• Present the optimal methodology to use in RCTs
• Examine the critical issues involved in planning, conducting and completing a successful trial
• Provide a basic understanding of the statistics used to plan and analyse RCTs
• Teach critical appraisal skills and practice appraising RCT papers

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

If you are planning or actively involved in trials, or are interested in furthering your knowledge of trial methodology, this course is for you. It is ideal for those early in their career or those looking for a refresher course, as it provides an overview of all elements of an RCT. We welcome applications from clinical and non-clinical researchers and other professionals allied to medicine.

Details

Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026.

A typical day runs from 9am to 5:30pm, with a course dinner on the Thursday evening and a 2pm finish on the Friday after lunch.

Venue: The course will be held at Merton College, University of Oxford, a historic college located in Oxford's city centre.

Course fees: £1850, discounted to £1700 if payment is made by 17:00 (GMT+1) 30 April 2026. Fees must be paid in full before your place on the course is confirmed. Fees include daily lunch and refreshments, a course dinner (Thursday evening), and a comprehensive delegate’s pack including all course materials.

Discounts available for a limited number of NDORMS staff and students, if payment is made internally.

Accommodation: Bed and breakfast accommodation is available at Merton College for £137 per night (not included in course fees).

REGISTRATION

Please contact rct.course@csm.ox.ac.uk for access to the course application form and await a place offer before making payment