Clinical Medicine (MSc, PgDip, PgCert) MSc

About the course

The MSc. Clinical Medicine has been designed to meet the needs of overseas doctors from a variety of clinical backgrounds and varying seniority from early stages of postgraduate development to those wanting to re-evaluate their career choices.

It provides the opportunity for doctors with general post qualification experience to develop their knowledge and expertise by studying specialist modules as part of a broader master's programme that aims to enhance career development and increase promotion opportunities.

In recent years, changes in postgraduate medical training has emphasised the need for medical practice based on more effective teamwork, a multi-disciplinary approach and flexible training pathways tailored to meet service and personal development needs. This makes formal career development for doctors increasingly important and is not readily available in the overseas markets that this programme is targeting.

In the current climate, doctors need to develop new attributes including the ability to foster clinical innovation, and have improved clinical, strategic and professional skills to improve health outcomes and provide safe and effective practice (Good Medical Practice 2008).

This programme has been specifically designed to facilitate development of these advanced skills and to improve confidence of practitioners who need to enhance their diagnostic and clinical decision making skills (Turner 2007)

Support for students and their learning

Students are supported by; 

• A postgraduate programme tutor
• Guided student-centred learning through the use of Studynet
• A state of the art medical simulation centre 
• A student centre providing advice on finance, legal issues, university regulations etc 
• Student representation on programmer committees 
• A designated programme administrator
• An extensive Learning Resources Centre, incorporating IT facilities, free access to health databases and extensive digital and print collections of medical and healthcare books and journals 
• Office of the Dean of Students, incorporating chaplaincy, counselling and nursery provision 
• Medical Centre 
• A faulty based disabled student co-ordinator
• An equal opportunities officer
• The Student's Union
• An international office overseas student centre
• Overseas orientation

Master of Science in Clinical Medicine

Mode of study Full-time

Entry point Semester A

Compulsory Modules

Module Title

• Improving Clinical Practice-Diagnosis and Decision Making
• Evidence Based Practice(Classroom learning and Distance learning)
• Health Disciplines Project
• Service Improvement Project

Optional Modules

Module Titles

• Medical Emergencies and Human Error-Managing Risk and Improving Services
• Diagnostic Dilemmas in Child Health and Medical Practice
• Challenges in Child Development, Recognition, Diagnosis and Care
• Chronic Skin Conditions 
• Clinical practice in action (additional fee of £500)
• Therapeutics of Skin Disease
• Skin Integrity and Tissue Repair
• Enhanced Skin Integrity Skills
• Contemporary Mental Health Interventions
• Developing Skills and Competencies in Psychiatric Practice
• Foundation Skills in Psychiatric Practice
• Leadership in Practice
• Business Skills for Clinicians
• Health and Medical Education in the Workplace
• Health and Medical Simulation-Delivery and Design

The award of an MSc requires 180 credit points passed at level M; 90 credits will be taken from compulsory modules. Students will take 90 credits from optional modules

Why choose this course?

This new programme specification (PS) is designed for prospective students, enrolled students, academic staff and potential employers. It provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the intended learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the teaching, learning and assessment methods, learning outcomes and content for each module can be found in Definitive Module Documents (DMDs) and Module Guides.

The programme has been devised in accordance with the University's general educational aims of programmes of study as set out in UPR TL01.

Additionally this programme aims to:

• Develop and enhance the existing knowledge, skills and expertise of doctors with general post qualification experience in order to practice differently and more confidently
• To explore different ways of providing safe and effective clinical practice and effective patient management

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years
• Part Time,
• Full Time, 15 Months
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years
• Full Time,

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Teaching methods

Knowledge and Understanding of:

A1-key factors that promote good medical practice

A2-healthcare in relation to local, national and international policies, protocols and clinical guidelines

A3-the role of risk management in relation to promoting patient safety in clinical medicine, organisational role and inter-professional working

Teaching/learning methods & strategies

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding (A1-A3) is through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group teaching, guided on-line study and self directed learning.

Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of coursework (including essay, portfolio and project work) OSCE clinical simulation assessment and presentations with supporting material

Intellectual skills - able to:

B1-critically evaluate and synthesize the literature supporting and underpinning best medical practice

B2-Make and defend sound clinical decisions where the available knowledge is incomplete, inconsistent or controversial

B3-critically evaluate personal performance and the performance of others in order to enhance professional practice, team working and patient safety

B4-effectively identify explore and integrate theoretical and practice related issues in medical practice

B5-critically evaluate research/evidence in the field of medicine and its application to practice with a view to the generation of new research questions/professional perspectives/educational approaches -

Teaching/learning methods & strategies

Intellectual skills are developed through the methods and strategies outlined in Section A above. Critical analysis and problem solving skills are further developed through small group work, tutorial support and formative assessment. B2 and B3 will be taught through simulation which is recorded and the subject of multisource feedback Throughout, the learner is encouraged to develop intellectual skills further by independent study

Assessment

Intellectual skills are assessed through a combination of coursework (including essay, portfolio and project work) OSCE clinical simulation assessment and presentations with supporting material

Practical skills - able to:

C1-demonstrate the ability to deal creatively with complex clinical situations

C2-Make sound professional judgments and show originality in tackling and solving clinical problems

C3-demonstrate ethically sound practice in relation to personal performance and professional practice

Teaching/learning methods & strategies

Practical skills are developed through the feedback on clinical simulation sessions, through role play, case studies and guided class discussion

Assessment

Practical skills are assessed through clinical simulation 

Transferable skills - able to:

D1-Critically evaluate personal strengths and limitations to develop a realistic career plan that will support long term career ambitions

D2-demonstrate a high level of interpersonal and communication skills

D3-reflect on, identify and solve intellectual and professional problems using the full range of learning and professional resources available

D4-provide insightful guidance to colleagues on professional issues in order to improve practice

D5-demonstrate a high level of IT skills and aptitude in the use of electronic and state of the art computerized equipment -

Teaching/learning methods & strategies

Transferable skills are developed through the methods and strategies outlined in A, B and C above.

Throughout, the learner is encouraged to develop transferable skills by maintaining a record of evidence and completing a personal development plan.

Assessment

Transferable skills are assessed through the methods and strategies outlined in A, B and C above. 

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

Optional

• Challenges in Child Development, Recognition, Diagnosis and Care

  The module will equip students with a broad range of knowledge and understanding of aspects of the development of children and young people, including factors which enhance and impede normal development. Disorders of child development will be focused upon, for example communication disorders; and behavioural problems such as ADHD; and nutritional issues such as faltering growth and obesity. Students will be facilitated to analyse common disorders of childhood occurring in practice, such as behavioural and eating problems; in addition to issues associated with the transition of young people to adulthood for example, emotional distress/ somatic illness/ risk taking and self harm behaviour/ eating disorders. The role in and leadership within the multidisciplinary team in diagnosis, assessment, diagnosis and referral will be explored in relation to students working environment. The relationship of parenting to growth and development will be explored. The centrality of effective communication with children, young people and their families and/or carers. Safeguarding children and young people will be explored with reference to its effect on normal development.

• Chronic Skin Conditions

  This module enables health professionals to develop enhanced knowledge and practical skills to improve the quality of clinical care for people with chronic skin disorders. It is suitable for Practitioners with a Special Interest in dermatology (PwSI) who want to consolidate their diagnostic skills and examine the best available evidence to support treatment of commonly occurring chronic dermatological conditions for example eczema, psoriasis. This course focuses on managing the delivery of appropriate dermatology care in the primary and secondary care setting and promoting health and self help for patients with skin conditions.

• Clinical Practice in Action

  The module is designed to introduce medical practitioners from overseas to the UK context of health care. The module will allow this exposure during observational clinical placements and will provide support in the development of student s skills in reflective practice in order to enhance learning from the placements. Students will be encouraged through the use of a learning log to explore key factors in the decision making process in the management of patients. The module will also explore the principles team and inter professional working and their application in effective medical practice. The module will be delivered through lectures, group work, seminars and will include six days of observational medical placement in a local healthcare setting

• Core Competencies in Medical Practice

  Development of general medical language skills, including how to conduct an examination, dealing with difficult situations, explaining, reassuring and listening. Use of role play and simulation, DVD's (life of a junior doctor, documentaries), reading journals to support a range of topics within the medical context to provoke discussion and develop debating skills. Developing vocabulary and colloquial expressions. How to communicate with patients and medical colleagues. Taking notes, taking histories, scanning case histories, telephoning colleagues, writing case examinations, discussing drugs and treatment, presentation skills. Reading medical journals and developing critical synthesis supporting the development of a professional and academic portfolio. Assistance with mastering the Harvard Referencing System, awareness of key academic regulations such as plagiarism.

• Evidence Based Practice - Distance Learning

  Students will construct a research question and search strategy, conduct systematic searches of on-line databases, internet and other sources of information; appraise the evidence base of health and social care practice and interventions through the use of a range of tools; apply and critically explore, through discussion and debate, the contextual factors which influence application of evidence to practice.

• Evidence Based Practice - Classroom Based

  Students will construct a research question and search strategy, conduct systematic searches of on-line databases, internet and other sources of information; appraise the evidence base of health and social care practice and interventions through the use of a range of tools; apply and critically explore, through discussion and debate, the contextual factors which influence application of evidence to practice.

• Health and Medical Simulation - Design and Delivery

  The module content will focus on the evidence base and practical delivery of simulation as an educational and training tool in order to enhance patient safety and improve services. Students will have the opportunity to design, deliver and evaluate simulated sessions based on scenarios written according to the learning needs of participants, and accross a range of situations which will involve neonatal, paediatric and adult subjects. Students will also be enabled to understand the real world planning and resourcing of simulation facilities. Students will be familiarised with a range of simulation modalities; and models including some input on programming. Students will also develop a range of skills including the facilitation of interpersonal and team working, briefing and de-briefing, and assessment of competencies.

• Healthcare Disciplines Project

  The module is designed to enable students to engage in independent study and apply further skills to undertake a comprehensive investigation which will be of value to the student's area of work. The project will be an analysis of an issue related to their professional discipline which will require the student to explore critically the relevant literature and conduct a systematic investigation into a practice or professional issue developing new insights and perspectives related to the topic of choice. Students may use a current or prospective approach.

• Improving Clinical Practice - Diagnosis and Decision Making

  The module is designed to extend and enhance practitioner s knowledge and personal and professional effectiveness in relation to the assessment and effective diagnosis of a range of patients presenting in practice. The module will enable the exploration of the decision making process in the effective diagnosis and management of patients and the management of risk as a contribution to effective medical practice. It will also explore the principles of using clinical research to underpin decision making and enhance patient experience. The module will be delivered through lectures, group work, seminars and simulation activities where students will be encouraged to critically explore systematic and collaborative approaches to care delivery and consider their impact on the delivery of medical care within the wider organisation

• Leadership in Practice

  This course will enable the student to understand the multi-faceted nature of leadership. It will encourage the practitioner to recognise their approach to leadership, how leadership is undertaken within their work setting and the multiple factors that shape prevailing leadership styles and the impact of this on colleagues, team working and for clients. Within the course, particular attention will be given to the practitioner as leader within contemporary organisations. This course will equip the practitioner to recognise and develop their leadership potential so that they can develop new insights new ways of working and promote change and sustained development within their work setting.

• Medical Emergencies and Human Error- Managing Risk, Improving Services

  The module is designed to extend and enhance practitioner s knowledge and skills relating to the assessment and management of a range of patients presenting with a medical emergency. The module will enable the development of an advanced understanding of the philosophies and theories which underpin the risk management process and its application to a medical emergency situation. Students will also develop an awareness of the impact of risk management on services and on organisational learning. The module will be delivered through lectures, group work, seminars and simulation activities where students will be encouraged to explore the process of risk management in relation to the medical emergency situation and consider its impact on the delivery of emergency care within the wider organisation

• Specialist Masterclasses in Cardiology

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,250 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,500 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply