Endocrinology MSc
Endocrinology is perceived by many as an esoteric subject dealing with rarities. However, it's less well appreciated that endocrine knowledge is important to the generalist as endocrine disease is a common presenting problem in primary care.
All allied health professionals are exposed to patients with endocrine-related disorders. Our MSc endocrinology course aims to create professionals who can independently access information and use the information to improve understanding of endocrine care. It will prepare students to take a leadership role in the global context of endocrinology.
Next intake: 2022 MarchKey Facts
This practical and clinically-focused course is designed to be relevant to all health professionals who have exposure to people with endocrine related disorders and is particularly relevant to specialist registrars, endocrine nurses and those Primary Care Physicians with a specialist interest in endocrinology.
On completion of the MSc in Endocrinology, students will have:
- A greater confidence and understanding of the management of patients with endocrine disorders through case studies and discussion.
- Improved critical analysis of published data and data interpretation.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Accreditors and Endorsers
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate diploma has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Atul Kalhan
Current Post: Consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Wales and honorary consultant endocrinologist at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
Prizes:
- European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society...
Next intake: 2022 March Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Atul Kalhan
Current Post: Consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Wales and honorary consultant endocrinologist at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
Prizes:
- European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS; Granada, Spain March 2009)
- UK & Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (UKINETS; London, December 2008)
- British Endocrine Society (BES; Harrogate and Birmingham April 2009 and 2011 respectively) annual meetings.
Publications:
Editor of Best of Five MCQs for the Endocrinology and Diabetes SCE, published by Oxford University Press in February 2015, which remains one of the most widely read books by diabetes and endocrinology trainees in the UK.
I enjoy teaching (and learning about) endocrinology; the University of South Wales course provides me with an excellent opportunity to interact with keen and enthusiastic postgraduate students all across the globe. In my spare time, I de-stress and connect with my surroundings by running; I reckon that having completed one marathon and 10 half-marathons over the last 8 years qualifies me as a runner.
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Why Study 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.
Value for money
Distance learning allows us to work with the worldwide industry-leading professionals.
Get a PgDip from £3,900 or an MSc from £7,500 - the most affordable courses of their kind in the UK.
Pay in instalments.
Boost your career
Get a postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Learning environment
Learn 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.
15:1 student tutor ratio. We have a 92% student satisfaction rate.
Who is this course for?
This practical and clinically-focused course is designed to be relevant to all health professionals who have exposure to people with endocrine related disorders and is particularly relevant to specialist registrars, endocrine nurses and those primary care physicians with a specialist interest in endocrinology.
How Will I Learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted entirely online through self-directed distance learning. You’ll receive guidance throughout your course with tutor-stimulated academic discussions, which are based on clinically-rich case scenarios.
These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.
Curriculum
Our online Endocrinology 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.Year 1
Exploring the physiological principles of the hypothalamic pituitary axes and common disorders affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Applying an understanding of the physiology of the thyroid and its hormones to critical awareness of the diagnosis and management of disorders of the thyroid.
Facilitating an improved understanding of the physiology and patho-physiology of the adrenal glands in relation to endocrine disorders of the adrenal glands.
Demonstrating critical clinical decision-making skills in relation to the management of a variety of conditions affecting the adrenal glands.
Gaining an in-depth understanding of the presentation, investigation, diagnosis and management of reproductive endocrine disorders.
Gaining an in-depth understanding of the presentation, investigation, diagnosis and management of endocrine-related cancers.
Year 2
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 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.
Assessment Methods
The Endocrinology 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
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Your tutor 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 consists of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry requirements
Since our 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 overall score of 6.0 (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 our admissions team on [email protected] for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department [email protected] to find out more.
Course Fees
Fee payments may be made via the following options:
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit payable on acceptance† | £750 | £750 |
| 1st May 2022 | £750 | £7,650 |
| 1st July 2022 | £750 | |
| 1st September 2022 | £750 | |
| 1st November 2022 | £750 | |
| 1st January 2023 | £750 | |
| 1st March 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st May 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st September 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2024 | £650 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
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We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
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