The MSc Skin Lesion Management Programme has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners with a special interest in skin lesions whilst benefiting from shared, inter-professional learning.  Please note that a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate are also available as named awards and information on the requirements are further down the page.

The increasing incidence and prevalence of skin cancer has transformed dermatology specialist practice in the last twenty years. More than half of all dermatology specialist practice now relates to the diagnosis, management and surgical excision of skin lesions. This programme builds upon the success of existing modules currently available in the MSc Clinical Dermatology programme that relate to the diagnosis and management of skin lesions. In the last 5 years, within dermatology there has been an increasing specialisation with health care professionals choosing either to work with people with long term skin conditions or people with skin lesions and skin cancer.

The MSc Skin Lesion Management offers students a range of modules that appeal to healthcare professionals who want to develop a deeper understanding of the diagnosis, management and surgical excision of skin lesions, particularly skin cancers. This is currently the only award of its kind in the UK developed to meet the specific needs of the multi-professional workforce managing people with skin cancer in response to clear national drivers. 

This programme allows flexibility to study related specialist content to broaden student’s clinical expertise which is invaluable in today’s competitive workplace and brings a richness to the overall programme from an inter-professional and intra-professional perspective.

Depending on the choice of award the programme consists of the following compulsory, specialist and optional modules:

Post Graduate Certificate Skin Lesion Management (60 Credits, two from the three modules required):

Practical Dermoscopy (30 credits), Recognition and Management of Skin Lesions (30 credits), or Skin Surgery Skills (30 Credits)

Post Graduate Diploma Skin Lesion Management (120 Credits required):

Practical Dermosocpy (30 credits, compulsory) AND Recognition and Management of Skin Lesions (30 credits, compulsory)

AND Evidence Based Practice (30 credits, compulsory)

AND one of the following:

Skin Surgery Skills (30 credits)

Mind and Skin (30 credits)

Health Technology and Innovation (30 credits)

Learning Outcomes:

This programme aims to:

• Develop methods of inquiry and skills required to research and advance skin lesion management 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 skin lesion management. 
• Develop a systematic advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of specialist skin lesion  practice in the context of multi-professional and inter-professional working in the contemporary healthcare setting.

Assessment:

The MSc Skin Lesion Management is assessed using a variety of assessment strategies including:  written assignments, presentations, exams, projects and clinical performance. Students are encouraged 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.