Cardiology and Stroke MSc

About the course

The MSc Cardiology and Stroke programme is lead by a medical lead for cardiology and stroke medicine who are both senior doctors and offers the opportunity to study all aspects of clinical cardiology including expert assessment and management of a range of cardiac conditions, cardiac interventions, interpretation and practical skills. Stroke content includes hyper acute stroke, thrombolysis, interpretation of CT and MRI, TIA management, maximising stroke care, rehabilitation and long term The programme can be regarded as vital training for the early stages of cardiology or stroke specialist training with clear learning objectives.

View the MSc Cardiology and Stroke leaflet

Is this for me?

We welcome interest from junior doctors with career intentions in stroke or cardiology, general practitioners with special interest as well as acute medicine or emergency medicine physicians who want to enhance their understanding of stroke or cardiology. We also welcome interest from clinical nurse specialists and other healthcare professionals working in cardiology and stroke or emergency or acute medicine.

How is the programme structured?

The MSc Cardiology and Stroke is a modular programme. Some of the modules are compulsory and some are optional. Learning may be shared in some core modules with healthcare professionals on other clinical programmes in Postgraduate Medicine.

What will I gain?

The programme leads to the award of MSc Cardiology and Stroke, Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and Stroke, Postgraduate Certificate in Cardiology or Postgraduate Certificate in Stroke depending on the number of modules you choose to study

Why choose this course?

https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/41612/MSc-Cardiology-and-Stroke.pdfAbout the Course

The MSc Cardiology and Stroke programme has been developed in response to the local and national emergence of specialist ‘Stroke’ and ‘Heart Attack’ centres. The implementation of the national service frameworks and the development of national strategies and clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, initial management and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease have advanced the quality of patient care. The technological and therapeutic advances in the treatment of cardiovascular illness places an increasing demand upon practitioners to develop knowledge, skills and clinical decision-making.

Simulation, (both high and low fidelity) is increasingly popular and a highly sought after method in learning and teaching practice, throughout the NHS and private health care sector and internationally. UH has state of the art simulation facilities including cardiovascular specific simulators, a rack record and the expertise in simulation education.

The MSc. Cardiology and Stroke aims to provide students with the requisite clinical assessment, decision-making skills and management for a range of cardiology conditions and stroke including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions.

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Part Time, 3 Years
• Full Time, 15 Months
• Full Time,

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Teaching methods

Applied Clinical Assessment and Investigation in Cardiology and Stroke

This module aims to facilitate a critical understanding of the use of appropriate diagnostic tools to complement effective treatment and develop patient management plans. It also promotes a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the presentation, pathophysiology and management of cardiac disease / stroke to help enable the assessment process. The module aims to promote an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the clinical management of arrhythmia including atrial fibrillation and others commonly encountered. The evidence base and contemporary literature will be examined regarding effective assessment and the use of investigations in cardiology / stroke medicine.

Decision Making in Cardiology and Stroke

This module will focus on the development of high level, appropriate clinical decision –making skills and effective, timely management of stroke / cardiology related conditions in order to provide a comprehensive care management strategy to patients. Students will have the opportunity to practice their clinical decision-making skills, which may include the use of advanced patient simulators and surrogate patients. The module aims to promote an understanding of and application of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) relevant to stroke / cardiology. Students will be familiarised with the use of a range of technical equipment (e.g. cardiac ultrasound, radiological imaging, pacing devices, defibrillators).

Specialist Masterclasses in Cardiology

This module will follow national and international recommendations and guidelines for the treatment of coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, syncope, hypertension, mitral and aortic valve disease, and coronary revascularization Cardiac investigations, primary and secondary prevention, managing risk, awareness raising, providing information, guidance & support. Urgent response. Management of angina, atrial fibrillation, valve disease, revascularisation, syncope, cardiac rehabilitation, secondary prevention, long-term care and support, assessment and review, return to work, end of life care. This module is available to access for students who are remote from the university.

Specialist Masterclasses in Stroke

This module will follow the Stroke Specific Educational Framework in its focus upon prevention, first contact, treatment & rehab and long-term support and review. The module will focus on prevention, managing risk, awareness raising, providing information, guidance & support and urgent response. The module will also focus on the management of trans-ischaemic attacks / stroke, high-quality specialist rehabilitation, seamless transfer of care, long-term care and support, assessment and review, return to work, and end of life care. This module is available to access for students who are remote from the university.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

Optional

• Applied Clinical Assessment & Investigation in Cardiology and Stroke

• 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.

• Decision Making & Management in Cardiology and Stroke

• 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.

• Expert Witness

  This module will prepare students to become expert witnesses within their professional fields. The module provides opportunities to participate in related activities within a court setting and will be taught by appropriately qualified personnel from within the field of law. Students will be supported through their learning using experiential techniques within a court room setting

• Health and Medical Education in the Workplace

  Students will develop their understanding of the nature and process of learning through examination of some of the major theories of learning and related concepts. They will draw upon this understanding to analyse experiences in a workplace context, examining the interrelationship between forms of learning and individual and contextual factors in a given setting. Key concepts and theories examined will include competence-based education and training, experiential learning, informal learning, action learning, cognitive apprenticeship, constructivism, situated learning. Students will develop their understanding of how learning may be supported through a variety of approaches and in a range of contexts. Supporting professional and work-related learning through approaches such as training, tutoring, coaching, mentoring and work shadowing will be examined, and appropriate methods for evaluating these approaches considered. Professional and work-related learning at different levels and in a range of contexts will be explored, including peer learning, workplace training, team leadership, performance management.

• 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.

• 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

• Service Improvement Project

  This module is designed to build on learning opportunities through a service improvement initiative and promote a practice development in a chosen field. Students will be required to discuss the rationale for the choice of service improvement underpinned by available evidence-based literature, negotiate with managers on specific target outcomes that can be evaluated and contribute to service provision and include critical analysis for the implications of setting up a new initiative.

• Specialist Masterclasses in Cardiology

• Specialist Masterclasses in Stroke

• Work Based Learning in Health and Medical Practice

  The provision of healthcare in contemporary practice demands that health care professionals engage in continuing professional development and lifelong learning. These needs have been identified within the political agenda for health care, not only to meet professional body requirements but also to meet the agenda for continuous quality improvement within the NHS. This module will enable students to engage in continuing professional development thatis of particular interest to them. It will also facilitate an understanding of current best practice and strategies for continued enhancement of this aspect of practice within their organisation.

• Work Based Study:Professional Issues Related to Healthcare Practice

  Choosing an appropriate practice-relevant issue to study. Management of a report (time management). Structuring a report. Critical appraisal techniques. Skills required for the utilisation of relevant and current theories and frameworks. Skills to develop a comprehensive, coherent, analytical report.

Fees & funding

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

View detailed information about tuition fees

Additional course costs

Find out more about the Chancellor's International Scholarship

Scholarships

• Chancellor's International Scholarship

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

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