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)
1. A degree in a healthcare discipline (or equivalent) & be registered with a professional and statutory body
2. The equivalent of 2 years Full Time post qualifying experience (excluding interniship) including a minimum of 6 months Full Time (or equivalent) in the management and surveillance of a range of benign and malignant skin lesions prior to programme commencement
3. Access and exposure to patients with benign and malignant skin lesions. This will usually be a minimum of 4hours per week throughout the period of study.
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.
This programme aims to:
The programme aims to develop methods of inquiry and skills required to research and advance 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, students will feel confident in treating and managing patients with a range of commonly presenting skin lesions.
Key Features
Course Description
The programme includes emphasis on diagnosing and managing skin lesions in UK clinical dermatology. Topics covered include; management of benign and malignant skin lesions, multi-disciplinary skin cancer team working, skin surgery procedures, practical dermoscopy, evidence-based practice, information retrieval and critical analysis, research methods, practical skills, patient education and optimal service delivery. A practical skills theme runs throughout the programme which is supported by significant clinical teaching and assessment.
Modular Structure
Specialist compulsory modules (30 credits each)
Optional specialist modules (30 credits each)
Optional modules common interest (30 credits each)
Compulsory core modules (30 credits each)
Teaching, Resources and Facilities
Most specialist dermatology teaching is done via face-to-face lectures and is supported by the universities online learning environment. Each module is led by a module tutor who has a particular interest in the topic being studied. We also have close links with other dermatology departments in the region and teaching is supported by a large enthusiastic team of consultant dermatologists and specialist practitioners who are visiting lecturers contributing to this masters programme.
For further information about the programme please contact Kathy Radley Programme Lead - email k.radley@herts.ac.uk