MSc Clinical Dermatology
Cardiff, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 32,200 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for overseas and home
Introduction
The MSc in Clinical Dermatology is designed specifically for doctors with a special interest in dermatology after gaining at least one year of general medical experience.
It aims to give a firm grounding in the fundamentals of clinical and scientific dermatology, with priority given to clinical instruction but also an emphasis on the scientific content of dermatology.
It is particularly suitable for overseas medical graduates but is also appropriate as an additional course to contribute to any dermatology specialist training programme.
Teaching is delivered face-to-face at the Welsh Institute of Dermatology at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Why Study this Course
Designed for doctors with at least one year of general medical experience, this MSc offers a structured education in dermatology and gives a firm grounding in the fundamentals of clinical and scientific dermatology. It gives priority to clinical instruction, but also emphasises the scientific content of dermatology.
Taught by World-Renowned Experts
Our interprofessional, international evidence-based approach is delivered by a faculty of experts.
Clinical Exposure
Supplement your understanding by observing clinics with experts, clerking patients in the day treatment unit, and presenting findings to tutors.
Practical Workshops
Develop your skills in practical aspects including suturing, doppler assessment and dermoscopy. Attend regular regional CPD meetings.
Interactive Learning
Multiple modes of teaching to suit all styles of learning including lectures, small groups, workshops and tutorials.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
We are committed to investing up to a total of £500,000 in this high-value competitive scholarship scheme to support UK students who are planning to start an eligible Master’s programme in 2024/25.
Each Scholarship is worth £3,000 and will be awarded a tuition fee discount.
Eligibility
UK students are eligible to apply for the Scholarship. You normally need to have achieved at least a 2.1 or equivalent in your first degree to be eligible. You need to submit an application to study at Cardiff University and be made an offer to study before your fee status can be confirmed.
Curriculum
The MSc is a full-time course, consisting of two stages.
Teaching Stage
This lasts for eight months and consists of six 20-credit modules, totalling 120 credits, at Level 7. You will be required to attend daily teaching sessions (Monday-Friday, and some Saturdays).
A practical skills module runs throughout the duration of this stage. This is supported by significant patient interaction. You will be allocated to the Dermatology Day Treatment Unit for a 1 – 2 week period to gain valuable practical clinical experience.
You will be required to attend regular general outpatient dermatology clinics in Cardiff and the surrounding area. There are also day visits to other dermatology centres in Wales.
You may leave the course after successfully completing 60 credits with a Postgraduate Certificate, or after successfully completing 120 credits with a Postgraduate Diploma.
Dissertation Stage
This lasts for a further four months, to a total of one academic year, and will include a dissertation of 60 credits at Level 7, to achieve a combined total of 180 credits to complete the MSc programme.
The dissertation is based on a literature review, and normally, there are not more than 20,000 words supported by such other material that may be considered appropriate to the subject. It is worth 60 credits and is weighted 50% for the purpose of calculating your final mark.
Topic areas could include (but are not limited to): clinical immunology, cosmetic dermatology, cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases, diagnostic techniques, disorders of skin and mucous membranes, environmental factors, evidence-based medicine, immunology and biology, inflammatory dermatology, microbiology of the skin, photobiology, pigmented skin diseases, practical skills, research methods, skin cancer, skin histopathology, surgical intervention, tropical skin diseases.
Core Modules for Year One
- Introduction to Dermatology: Evidence-based Dermatology, Immunology and Biology of the Skin
- Disorders Presenting in the Skin and Mucous Membranes
- Environment and the Skin
- Practical Skills
- Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Diseases
- Skin Cancer and Surgical Interventions in Dermatology
- Dissertation: Clinical Dermatology
How will I be Assessed?
The course is assessed through a combination of written work, presentations, objective structured questions, mini-clinical exams and a dissertation.
Students are not required to be called for a viva voce examination.
Program Outcome
What Skills will I Practise and Develop?
The course will provide you with the opportunity to gain a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’.
Through the programme, you will have the opportunity to develop IT and practical medical skills and will be presented with a number of opportunities to extend your communication and analytical skills.
By fully engaging in this course, you should also be able to:
- Critically appraise dermatology literature and evaluate the integration of evidence-based medicine in patient management
- Interpret the histopathology of a wide range of dermatological conditions with specific reference to current developments in the area
- Investigate, conceptualise and solve diagnostic problems integrating the history and clinical features of a wide range of dermatological conditions, including problematic situations involving many interacting factors
- Critically appraise management plans and develop broad autonomy and judgement for a wide variety of dermatological conditions
- Critically evaluate actions, methods and results and their short and long-term implications
- Take responsibility for diagnostic and management decisions in clinical dermatology, persuading/influencing colleagues as to appropriate clinical care using sound scientific principles and the best available evidence
- Plan and organise a literature review in a coherent and scientific manner on a specific topic in dermatology
- Design and undertake research, development or strategic activities to inform the theory and practice of dermatology, determining and using appropriate methodologies and approaches
- Feel confident in treating and managing patients with skin disease
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
This programme is particularly suitable for qualified doctors who wish to pursue a specialist career in dermatology.
The programme can be a stepping stone towards a career as a clinical academic, consultant dermatologist or private practitioner.
This master's program enables you to demonstrate you are taking the opportunity to develop your abilities in critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, finding and using evidence and dealing with complex issues. The programme is not a substitute for a formal specialty training programme but studying at this level should help successful students demonstrate numerous academic skills that should be highly regarded in relation to their career development and progression. In particular, the programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the application of evidence-based medicine and the potential enhancement of services and governance frameworks. As such, it should provide evidence of commitment and potential that may assist you in relation to taking on greater responsibilities or perhaps seeking research, scholarship, or leadership roles.
Program delivery
How will I be taught?
The course is delivered via:
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Self-directed learning
- Journal clubs
- Clinical attachments
All course tutors are doctors, other healthcare professionals, and scientists, who collectively have a wealth of experience and skills in dermatology. To take advantage of this valuable resource, the course promotes collaborative small-group work with an emphasis on a problem-based approach to the study of dermatology. Didactic methods such as the lecture format are also utilised in the programme. There is an emphasis on clinical teaching in the form of demonstrations in clinics, in the Dermatology Day Care Treatment Centre, in clinical workshops and interactive clinical tutorials.