Dermatology in Clinical Practice MSc (University of Buckingham)

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Dermatology is an increasingly popular clinical entity amongst medical trainees and nurses worldwide. This is particularly so in primary care settings, where skin disease is the greatest disease prompting consultation in children and the second biggest problem amongst adults.

The number of potential dermatological diagnosis has been estimated at 3000 and each can present in several ways. Although a substantial number of these cases involve chronic disease, many can be treated or cured. This means that increasing your knowledge through our flexible, 100% online MSc in clinical dermatology can add significant value to your patients, especially given the social stigmas surrounding skin disease. The programme is run in conjunction with the University of Buckingham, which houses a medical school accredited by the General Medical Council in May 2019.

MSc Dermatology (The University of Buckingham)

Next intake: 2024 MarchKey Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
8th March 2024
Course start date
11th March 2024 (view full module dates)
Format
100% Online
Total Fees
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The GMC has high standards and an exceptionally rigorous process for accreditation giving confidence that doctors trained in a GMC accredited medical school will hold the skills and experience needed to meet the high standards that patients expect.

The GMC has commended the University of Buckingham, for its ‘excellent professional, academic and pastoral support that extends throughout the University and clinical learning environments’. Achieving this MSc in Dermatology from the University of Buckingham will improve your knowledge, skills, clinical outcomes and career prospects. Our Masters in Dermatology online course satisfies the growing international demand for dermatology courses. Having specialist knowledge in dermatology is an increasingly important asset for medical personnel. Our dermatology courses are designed to help healthcare professionals specialise in their career and aid the need for more dermatology professionals. As well, our courses represent cost-effective learning and provide students the opportunity to maximise their return on investment.

The Dermatology in Clinical Practice MSc is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions.

On completion of this dermatology course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of evidence-based dermatology.
  • Develop life-long learning, critical appraisal and advanced problem-solving skills that can be applied to dermatology in clinical practice.
  • Critically evaluate the delivery of dermatology care.
  • Lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of dermatology practice.
  • Build leadership skills within multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts within dermatology practice.
  • Extend knowledge of research methods and their application to practice in dermatology.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

  • A better understanding of skin disorders which are common in the community.
  • Upskill in the diagnosis and management of dermatological disorders.
  • Improved knowledge which is an essential complement to clinical practice.
  • You are better equipped to undertake teledermatology, an increasingly important element of practice.


Next intake: 2024 March Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Format
100% Online
Duration
24 months
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
8th March 2024
Course start date
11th March 2024 (view full module dates)
Total Fees

Why Study a Dermatology (The University of Buckingham) Master's with Learna

We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.

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40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.

Who is this course for?

The Dermatology in Clinical Practice MSc is 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

The Dermatology in Clinical Practice MSc is a two year course, consisting of seven 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 1,000 word proposal and 11,000 word professional project (dissertation).

Year 1

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 (MDT)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically apply knowledge and understanding of dermatology in clinical practice to the care of patients.
  2. Critically evaluate dermatology literature and evidence-based guidance for dermatological conditions.
  3. Critically appraise appropriate management strategies in relation to systemic disease, side effects of drugs, and vasculitides.

Module Aims
To describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin lesions in the context of guidance.

Module Content

  • Skin lumps and bumps
  • Benign skin lesions
  • Melanoma and pigmented lesions
  • Non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Basic skin surgery
  • Cryotherapy

Learning Outcomes

  1. Differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.
  2. Critically appraise the evidence base related to the management of skin lumps and bumps.
  3. Critically analyse and diagnose a wide variety of skin lesions and their referral and treatment guidance.

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

  1. Critically analyse the predilection for common dermatoses at various sites of the body.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to regional dermatoses.
  3. Demonstrate skills to formulate an evidence-based management plan for site-specific dermatoses.

Module Aims
To 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

  1. Critically appraise the evidence base relating to common inflammatory skin conditions.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to inflammatory dermatoses.
  3. Demonstrate skills to formulate an evidence-based management plan for common inflammatory dermatoses.

Module Aims
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
  • Tropical dermatoses
  • Infection related to systemic illness
  • Photodermatoses

Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically appraise the evidence base for the identification and management of common skin infections, infestations, and photodermatoses.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to differentially diagnose, refer and manage skin infections, infestations, and photodermatoses.
  3. Exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in managing complex dermatological cases.

Module Aims

  • To develop an ability to identify common skin disorders in particular subgroups of the population and to understand the specific treatment pathways.
  • Gain an understanding of the wider factors and global perspectives affecting dermatology.

Module Content

  • Infant skin
  • Acne and adolescent skin problems
  • Pigmented skin
  • Elderly skin
  • Anti-aging
  • Cosmetic treatments

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the variety of the complex factors that affect the causes, perception of, and management of a variety of dermatological conditions.
  • Demonstrate ability to differentially diagnose, refer and manage common skin diseases affecting specific populations.
  • Exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in managing skin conditions in a variety of sub-groups within the population.

Year 2

Module Aims

  • To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.
  • The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.

Module Content

  • Quantitative Studies
  • Statistical Analysis Interpretation
  • Interpreting the Evidence
  • Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
  • Qualitative Studies
  • Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesizing the Evidence
    Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
  • Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review

Learning Outcomes
Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:

  • Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
  • Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
  • Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
  • Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
  • Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
  • Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
    Secondary data analysis

Assessment Methods

The first 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.

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 1,000 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 11,000 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

  • 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.

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.

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.
  • 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

This module runs over a 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.

  • Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.

  • 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.

  • 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 dermatology courses are 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 (with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.

If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.

Course Fees

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for March 2024:
£10,637
Application deadline - TBC

Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.

DateInstalmentsUp-Front Payments
Deposit£1042£10,637
1st May 2024£1039
1st July 2024£1039
1st September 2024£1039
1st November 2024£1039
1st January 2025£1039
1st March 2025£735
1st May 2025£733
1st July 2025£733
1st September 2025£733
1st November 2025£733
1st January 2026£733

† Deposits are non-refundable

†† Prices are subject to review following each intake

Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.

*Subject to eligibility criteria.

lendwise

Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.

A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*

*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.

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