Endocrinology MSc

The online Endocrinology MSc provides a progression route for graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma. Course Code: QMSP064

Course Overview

Diploma MSc is a collaborative partner of the University of South Wales and on successful completion of this course, you will receive an Endocrinology MSc.

The one year MSc in Endocrinology is available to those who have successfully completed the Endocrinology Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits). This can be from Diploma MSc, the University of South Wales or from another UK university (having completed similar modules).

For those who have not completed the postgraduate diploma, you can apply for the Endocrinology MSc as a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the postgraduate diploma.

The Endocrinology MSc course starts with an initial 12 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 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).

Course Structure

Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

Module Aims

To help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research.
Understand, interpret and apply basic statistics and epidemiological terms.
Understand and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to endocrine research.
Understand and critically appraise the various studies used in clinical and scientific research such as single blind studies, double blind placebo controlled studies and meta-analyses.

Module Content

Basic 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-Squared Tests.
Methodologies used in endocrine research such as insulin tolerance testing, short synacthen testing, OGTT, measures of insulin resistance and GH testing.
Research on issues such as health outcomes and quality of life using bespoke questionnaires such as the SF-36 as well as other modes of assessment.
Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
Establishing patient registers and the value of disease specific registers.
Research into educational principles for both doctor and patient. Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.

Learning Outcomes

Interpret research and critically appraise research methods used in endocrinology.
Display a critical understanding of the clinical implications of research and its impact upon healthcare delivery and service development.
Implement evidence-based medicine in clinical practice.

Module 2 - Professional Project

Module Aims

Develop an ability to critically appraise areas of healthcare practice and delivery.
Critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research, clinical governance and organisational practice.
Display skills in independent research and study.
Display skills relevant to independent production of scientific publications.

Module Content

The professional project must be endocrinology-related and relevant to the person's practice. This project may comprise of:

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.
Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate research in clinical practice and implement improvements.
Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the one year Endocrinology MSc will require successful completion of the Endocrinology Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits). This can be from Diploma MSc, the University of South Wales or another UK university (having completed similar modules). We can discuss this with you during your application.

Individuals who have not completed the postgraduate diploma can apply for the Endocrinology MSc as a two year course consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the postgraduate diploma.

Applicants should be working in a clinical setting, either in the UK or overseas, and have a science degree in a relevant subject. You will also need to submit copies of the following with your application:

Qualification certificates
A maximum of two professional and/or academic references
IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 for each band (or an equivalent qualification)

Teaching Methods

Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

The module runs over a 12 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies used in endocrinology. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the professional project module.

Module 2 - Professional Project

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.

Course Fees

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for March 2020:

£3,900

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for March 2020:
£3,900

Please Note: These are the fees for a single year.

Application deadline - February 10th 2020

Fee payments may be made via the following options:

Date	Up-Front Payments	Instalments
Deposit payable on acceptance†	£650	£650
1^st May 2020	£3,250	£650
1^st July 2020		£650
1^st September 2020		£650
1^st November 2020		£650
1^st January 2021		£650

† Deposits are non-refundable