Program Overview

Introduction to Paediatrics and Child Health: Advanced Paediatrics MSc

The Paediatrics and Child Health: Advanced Paediatrics MSc is a postgraduate program offered by the University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. This multidisciplinary one-year Master's degree provides students with the opportunity to build specialist expertise in paediatrics, working alongside renowned experts from UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Program Overview

The program is designed for professionals specializing in paediatrics and child health, particularly suitable for doctors in training and other health professionals working in paediatrics and child health. The course gives students a unique opportunity to gain a deep insight into the key principles and practice of evidence-based paediatrics and child health, while also exploring more specific areas such as acute and chronic paediatrics, molecular and genetic basis of paediatrics, immunisations, safeguarding, nutrition, growth, and physical activity.

Entry Requirements

Medically qualified applicants should have post-qualification experience in paediatrics or child health. Non-medically qualified applicants should have an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and experience of working in hospitals, community child health, or public health services for children and families. The English language level for this program is Level 2.

Course Structure

The program is taken over one full academic year and comprises three compulsory modules and a dissertation, with an additional five optional modules. The compulsory modules are:

• Research Project Report
• Applied Statistics for Health Research I
• Evidence-based Child Health

Optional modules include:

• Respiration Through Life, Health and Disease
• International Child Mental Health
• Epidemiology for Child Health
• Immunisation and Communicable Diseases
• Safeguarding and Children in Society
• Child Public Health
• Nutrition, Growth and Physical Activity
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Clinical Genomics
• Genetic and Rare Diseases
• Specialist Paediatrics I
• Specialist Paediatrics II
• Molecular Biology of Normal Development and Birth Defects
• Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Childhood Cancers
• Adolescent Health Medicine
• Paediatric Critical Care (General)
• Stabilisation and Transport of the Critically Ill Child
• Cardiac Critical Care
• Ethics and Law for Paediatrics and Child Health
• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Health
• Key Principles of Health Economics
• Collecting and Using Data: Essentials of Quantitative Survey Research
• Health Systems in a Global Context
• Regression Modelling

Teaching and Learning

Teaching takes place at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health in close collaboration with experts from GOSH NHS Foundation Trust. Students will be taught subject-specific knowledge via a variety of methods, including lectures, discussion groups, and external reading. Practical and transferable skills will be assimilated via teaching, self-learning, and assessments through the various modules provided by the program.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions, essays, posters, presentations, reflective portfolios, and critical appraisal of the literature. For the full MSc, a research project and dissertation are required.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the program are:

• UK students: ｣16,800 (full-time), ｣8,400 (part-time)
• International students: ｣39,200 (full-time), ｣19,600 (part-time)

The program is also available on a modular (flexible) basis. There are various scholarships available, including the Peter and Loek Wheeler Scholarship, the Michelle Zalkin Scholarship, and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Bursary.

Career Prospects

The program provides an ideal foundation for doctoral research in this field and enhances career prospects in paediatrics and child health. Many graduates have gone on to complete their specialist training, pursuing careers as consultants in paediatrics or senior professionals in related fields, including the NHS, government health departments, ministries of health, and NGOs worldwide.

Conclusion

The Paediatrics and Child Health: Advanced Paediatrics MSc at UCL offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the study of paediatrics and child health, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to succeed in this field. With its strong links to Great Ormond Street Hospital and a wide range of module options, this program is an excellent choice for professionals looking to advance their careers in paediatrics and child health.