DERMATOLOGY
PgDip / MSc
Dermatology is an increasingly popular clinical entity amongst medical trainees and nurses worldwide and is ranked the most satisfying medical specialities to practise.
Programme Overview
The PgDip and MSc in Dermatology is an online course designed for busy clinicians and for those individuals who want to upgrade their knowledge and obtain a stronghold in their clinical practice.
It carries great weightage both professionally and in personal clinical practice too and is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions.
The PgDip and MSc are flexible, part-time dermatology programmes run in conjunction with The University of South Wales (USW).
Awarded by The University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is one of Britain’s most exciting and ambitious universities. Innovative, thriving and sustainable, it works to build better futures for students, communities and partners, economically, socially and culturally.
Key Facts
Postgraduate Diploma
| Awarding University | University of South Wales |
| Commitment | Part-time |
| Format | 100% Online |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Class Size | 15 – 20 |
| Application Deadline | 30th August 2024 |
| Course start date | 2nd September 2024 |
| Total Fees | £5,520 |
Master's
| Awarding University | University of South Wales |
| Commitment | Part-time |
| Format | 100% Online |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Class Size | 15 – 20 |
| Application Deadline | 30th August 2024 |
| Course start date | 2nd September 2024 |
| Total Fees | £9,920 |
Why study with Learna?
Learna has over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary – study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
The faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years, and a Master’s in 2 years.
40% of alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying.
Fees
PgDip |
MSc |
£5,520 |
£9,920 |
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course
Who is the course for?
Our PgDip and MSc Dermatology are applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions.
How will I learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted through our interactive online learning platform, log in daily whenever and wherever you want. No fixed timetable empowers you to study when it suits you.
These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.
Curriculum
Our online Dermatology in Clinical Practice Postgraduate Diploma allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.
The Dermatology in Clinical Practice MSc is a two-year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma. The second year of the Dermatology MSc course starts with an initial 10-week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500-word proposal and a 10,500-word professional project (dissertation).
Year 1 (PgDip & Msc)
Module 1: Dermatology in Clinical Practice Overview
Module Aims
To develop a critical understanding of the description of dermatological conditions, referral pathways, imaging and management.
Module Content
- The language of dermatology
- Therapeutics
- Drug eruptions
- Vasculitis
- Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease
- Guidance, teledermatology and the multi-disciplinary team
Learning Outcomes
- Resolve diagnostic conundrums and institute appropriate management strategies in relation to systemic disease, side effects of drugs and vasculitides.
- Demonstrate acuity in using health care resources for the benefit of the patient in such areas as the role of the multidisciplinary team, referral pathways and evidence-based, guidance in dermatological conditions.
Module 2: Lumps, Bumps and Skin Cancer
Module Aims
To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin lesions in the context of guidance.
Module Content
- Skin lumps and bumps
- Benign skin lesions
- Non-melanoma skin cancer
- Melanocytic Naevi
- Melonoma
- Surgical Approach to Skin Disease
Learning Outcomes
- Differentially diagnose a wide variety of skin lesions.
- Differentiate between benign and malignant lesions and an understanding of the appropriate referral pathway and treatment guidance.
- Critical appraisal of the evidence relating to the management of skin lumps and bumps.
Module 3: Lesions at Specific Sites
Module Aims
To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for dermatoses at specific areas of the body.
Module Content
- Facial rashes
- Nails
- Scalp and hair
- Perineal dermatoses
- Flexural dermatoses
- Palmar and plantar dermatoses
Learning Outcomes
- A critical understanding of the predilection for common dermatoses at various sites of the body.
- An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to regional dermatoses.
- An ability to formulate an appropriate management plan for site specific dermatoses utilising evidence.
Module 4: Inflammatory Dermatoses
Module Aims
To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for inflammatory dermatoses.
Module Content
- Differential diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses
- Atopic eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Urticaria
- Bullous eruptions
Learning Outcomes
- A critical understanding of the evidence relating to common inflammatory skin conditions.
- An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to inflammatory dermatoses.
- An ability to formulate an evidence-based management plan for common inflammatory dermatoses.
Module 5: Skin Infections
Module Aims
To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin infections in the context of guidance.
Module Content
- Differential diagnosis of skin infections
- Cellulitis and ulceration
- Infestation
- Infection related to systemic illness
- Photodermatoses
Learning Outcomes
- A critical awareness of the evidence basis for the identification and management of common skin infections/infestations/photodermatoses.
- An ability to develop and decipher a differential diagnosis for skin infections/infestations/photodermatoses.
- A critical awareness of the appropriate management strategy and referral pathways for infections/infestations and photodermatoses.
Module 6: Dermatology in Specific Populations
Module Aims
To develop an ability to identify common skin disorders in particular subgroups of the population and to understand the specific treatment pathways
Module Content
- Infant skin
- Acne and adolescent skin problems
- Pigmented skin
- Elderly skin
- Anti-aging
- Cosmetic treatments
Learning Outcomes
- A critical awareness of the evidence basis relating to the identification and treatment of common skin disorders in various populations.
- An ability to develop and decipher a differential diagnosis for common skin diseases affecting specific populations.
- A critical awareness of the appropriate management strategy and referral pathways for individuals from sub-groups of the population.
Year 2 (MSc)
Module 1: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal
Module Aims
To help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies in pain management research, thus developing leadership skills.
Module Content
- Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
- Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier Curves, Forrest Plots and Meta-analyses.
- Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk, number needed to treat.
- Basic statistical tests and their applications including t-Tests, ANOVA, Chi-Square.
- Methodologies as applied to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary pain management research.
- Principles of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
- Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
- Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse and interpret research in pain management.
- Compare and contrast the different research methods in healthcare with an emphasis on pain management.
Module 2: Professional Project
Module Aims
- Develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
- Critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
- Develop skills in independent research and study.
- Develop skills relevant to scientific publications.
Module Content
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
Learning Outcomes
- Produce an extensive piece of literature, which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements for change.
- Incorporated knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Assessment Methods
Postgraduate Diploma
The Dermatology in Clinical Practice online course places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of real life scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based practice. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The six modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course – ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
Master’s
The Dermatology in Clinical Practice MSc course places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The first seven modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice.
For the final module of the course you will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,500 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 10,500 word professional project.
To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.
Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course – ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
Year 1 (PgDip & MSc)
Academic Forum - 40%
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
Module Assignment - 20%
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
Reflective Journal - 10%
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
Case-Based Examination - 30%
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 ‘Single Best Answer’ questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Year 2 (MSc)
Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal
This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.
Professional Project Proposal
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Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.
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Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.
Professional Project
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry Requirements
Since our PgDip and MSc in Dermatology is conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact us on info@illuminaremedicaleducation.com for more information on the qualifications that are accepted.