Program Overview

Advanced and Specialist Healthcare (Applied Dental Professional Practice) MSc

The Advanced and Specialist Healthcare (Applied Dental Professional Practice) MSc is a flexible, part-time, work-related programme designed specifically for registered dental care professionals, including dentists, therapists, hygienists, and nurses. This programme offers opportunities for Accreditation of Prior Experiential and/or Certificated Learning or Credit Transfer.

Programme Overview

• Duration: 3 years part-time
• Location: Medway
• Start Date: Autumn term
• Study Mode: Part-time, distance learning

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold one of the following:

• An existing professional qualification with registration to the General Dental Council
• A professional qualification in a related field, for example, dental practice management, dental public health, or dental health promotion studies
• International students: Please see the University's International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information

English Language Entry Requirements

This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR. Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on the University's English Language requirements webpage.

Course Structure

The programme is structured into three stages:

1. Stage 1 - Year 1 (PG Certificate): Core modules include Evidence-Based Practice and Professional Standard Setting for Professional Practice.
2. Stage 2 - Year 2 (PG Diploma): Core modules include Research Skills and an optional module.
3. Stage 3 - Year 3 (MSc): A core module, Work-related Project and Dissertation.

Modules

• WKBL813 - Evidence-Based Practice (30 credits)
• WKBL838 - Professional Standard Setting for Professional Practice (30 credits)
• WKBL882 - Research Skills (30 credits)
• Optional modules (subject to student numbers): Inter-professional Working, Delivery of Education in Professional Practice, Dentistry in a Contemporary Context, Developing Practice through Mentorship and Coaching, Advancing Dental Professional Practice
• WKBL816 - Work-related Project and Dissertation (60 credits)

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is structured around a series of extended taught weekends at the Medway campus. Assessment is through oral presentations, written assignments, portfolio assessments, and action learning sets. In Stage 3, students complete a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Career Support

The programme is designed to enhance career progression and foster intellectual and professional development and practice. Students are successfully using this programme to develop clinical, educational, and policy-making career pathways in the dental sector at local, regional, and national levels.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fees:
  • UK: £3,400
  • EU: TBC
  • International: TBC
• Additional Costs: Regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection is required. General additional costs, such as student accommodation and living costs, can be found on the University's website.

Research Areas

Current research areas include experiential learning, reflective practice, communities of practice, dental education, professionalisation, and primary dental care.

About the University

The University of Kent is a leading research university, ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025. It offers a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting, and musical achievement. The University is committed to supporting student success, with access to student support and wellbeing services, and a focus on employability and career development.