For International/Overseas Students, please click on the link below:-

https://www.herts.ac.uk/international/new-international-students/international-apply-now/make-an-application

The MSc Clinical Dermatology has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners with a special interest in skin disease whilst benefiting from shared, inter-professional learning. This dermatology programme is unique in that it recruits both UK/EU and International doctors and allied health professionals to this specialist masters degree and provides a range of taught postgraduate dermatology modules. Places are limited, so early application is recommended. The MSc Clinical Dermatology is aimed at practitioners wanting to undertake further specialist training and develop career aspirations in dermatology and skin integrity. This postgraduate course offers a structured academic programme in clinical dermatology with an emphasis on the management of chronic skin conditions but does not focus on cosmetic dermatology procedures. Aesthetic practitioners with clinical experience in dermatology who wish to increase their knowledge of chronic skin disease are welcome.

Learning Outcomes:

• develop methods of inquiry and skills required to research and advance dermatology practice using an in-depth current and relevant evidence base.
• provide knowledge and understanding to foster the further development of critical, contemporary, evidence based and patient-centred practice in dermatology.
• develop a systematic advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of specialist dermatology to practice in the context of multi-professional and inter-professional working in the contemporary healthcare setting.

The programme is offered in full time (12 months) and part time modes (2-5 years), and leads to the award of MSc Clinical Dermatology, or the following interim awards Postgraduate Diploma Clinical Dermatology, Postgraduate Certificate Clinical Dermatology or any specialist dermatology module can be studied on an individual basis. 

The part-time pathway is for UK & EU practitioners and is designed to be studied alongside full-time employment or international students who are studying/residing in the UK on an appropriate visa due to significant commitment to study.

The full-time pathway is reserved for either UK & EU practitioners who are not currently employed for more than 2 days per week due to a significant commitment to study or International students studying in the UK with a Tier 4 Student Visa. Modules are taught throughout the academic year. Students are required to attend all timetabled teaching sessions which are arranged into study blocks usually of 2 – 3 days duration which provides flexibility for part time students to fit study commitments into their busy professional lives.  Part time students are expected to study approximately ten hours per week in order to successfully complete this programme, full time students significantly more.

Course Structure:

The MSc Clinical Dermatology consists of six modules (30 credits each) of 12 weeks duration covering the core dermatological curriculum delivered using a mix of face-to-face teaching and online learning at the School of Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, UK. 

Key features:

• Part-time and Full Time mode of delivery
• Flexible programme of study
• A choice of specialist modules
• Flexible delivery modes (technology enhanced learning)
• Shared multidisciplinary learning
• A range of exit options: MSc, PGD,PGC
• Lectures from respected subject specialists 
• Clinical skills teaching and focus on practice
• Mix of home & international students provides a global perspective 
• Approachable tutors providing a high level of student support
• Clinically relevant assessment strategies
• Start dates September, January or May
• Credits may be awarded for prior learning (APCL)

Award Titles:

MSc Clinical Dermatology 180 credits

Postgraduate Diploma Clinical Dermatology 120 credits

Postgraduate Certificate Clinical Dermatology 60 credits

Who should apply?

Clinicians wishing to develop expertise and gain experience in dermatology and skin disease including hospital doctors, family practitioners, aesthetic practitioners, specialist nurses and pharmacists. 

Students will be allowed time for vacation over Christmas, Easter and August. The majority of students are self-funded, though some obtain awards from their respective Governments, scholarships and employers.

*Disclaimer: this programme is designed and intended for educational purposes only. Completion of the course and possession of the MSc does not endorse the practitioner to consider themselves a specialist in dermatology. The current British Association of Dermatologists guidelines outline the essential requirements for fulfilling the role of GPwSI in Dermatology and Consultant Dermatologist in the UK. Local guidelines apply to overseas students who should consult with the relevant governing body.

Careers:

The MSc Clinical Dermatology tailor’s knowledge, skills & assessment to the needs of NHS employers and the global healthcare sector to provide a highly relevant curriculum that facilitates the development of specialist practitioners and increases students employability.

The MSc Clinical Dermatology is designed specifically for clinicians with a special interest in dermatology after gaining at least two years of general clinical experience. The programme aims to develop methods of inquiry and skills required to advance dermatology practice using an in-depth current and relevant evidence base. It has an emphasis on clinical skills as well as the scientific, evidence base underpinning contemporary dermatology practice. At the end of the programme, you will feel confident in treating and managing patients with a range of commonly presenting skin disease.

Other students have pursued the career pathway of academic lecturers and specialist dermatology practitioners while some international graduates have gone on to work in private practice and specialist government positions in their own countries. On graduating, students benefit from increased employability and are often promoted to senior leadership positions.

Assessment:

The MSc Clinical Dermatology is assessed using a variety of assessment strategies including:  written assignments, presentations, poster development, short-answer tests, projects and clinical performance (OSCE). Students are expected  to apply coursework to their own clinical practice environments.

Completion of a Quality Improvement Project at the end of the programme provides opportunity to learn more about quality improvement methodology such as data collection, problem definition and diagnosis, generation and selection of potential changes and implementation and evaluation of those changes with support from specialist supervisors. Many students go onto implement their specific project, making changes in dermatology practice, leading teams, and enhancing patient care. 

This programme has the following core/optional modules

7LMS0158: Leadership in Practice

7LMS0172: Recognition and Management of Skin Lesions

7LMS0173: Therapeutics of Skin Conditions

7LMS0175: Mind and Skin

7LMS0176: Health Technology & Innovation

7LMS0251: Evidence Based Practice – Online Learning

7LMS0266: Service Development Project

7LMS2055: Lower Limb Dermatology

7LMS2056: Skin Surgery Skills

7LMS2070: Long Term Skin Conditions