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 
• Two intakes per year: September and January  
• Credits may be awarded for prior learning (APCL)

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 relevent 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.

ENTRY CRITERIA

A degree in a healthcare discipline (or equivalent) & have a recognised professional qualification

plus 

The equivalent of 2 years post-qualifying experience (excluding internship) and 1 year in a substantive speciality post in dermatology

and 

Current clinical experience of a minimum of 1 year full time or equivalent in a clinical setting with access to patients with chronic skin conditions. 

References will be required to confirm specialist experience.

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. 

Course Description

Topics covered include: the burden of skin disease, diagnostic techniques, skin histopathology, disorders of skin and mucous membranes, environmental and lifestyle factors, immunology and biology, cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease, inflammatory skin conditions, microbiology of the skin, pigmented skin diseases, skin cancer, surgical intervention, evidence based practice, information retrieval and critical analysis, research methods, practical skills, psychological  impact of skin disease, patient education and optimal service delivery.

A practical skills theme runs throughout the programme. This is supported by significant clinical teaching and assessment.

Modular Structure 

The award of a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology requires 180credit points passed at level 7. 30 credits will be taken from the specialist compulsory module and a minimum 60credits from optional specialist modules. A maximum of 30credits can be taken from Modules of Common Interest (optioonal) with the remaining 60 credits taken from compulsory modules of Common Interest.

Specialist compulsory modules (30 credits each)

• Therapeutics Skin Conditions

Optional specialist modules (30 credits each)

• Mind and Skin
• Long Term Skin Conditions
• Recognition and Management of Skin Lesions (requires professional registration in the UK) 
• Skin Surgery skills (requires professional registration in the UK)

Optional modules common interest (30 credits each)

• Leadership in Practice
• Health Technology and Innovation

     Compulsory core modules (30 credits each)

• Evidence Based Practice
• Service Development Service

Teaching, Resources and Facilities

All specialist dermatology teaching is usually offered 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.