Clinical Dermatology Online PGDip

Program Overview

The Clinical Dermatology Online PGDip is a part-time postgraduate diploma that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to confidently manage a wide range of skin conditions in general practice. Delivered through interactive online tutorials, clinical teaching days, and access to a wealth of learning resources, this program enhances career prospects for medical professionals seeking to improve their skills in diagnosing and managing skin problems. Graduates emerge with the ability to confidently manage various skin conditions as primary care practitioners.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Clinical Dermatology Online PGDip

This part-time postgraduate diploma delves into the core aspects of dermatology from a primary care perspective. Live, interactive online tutorials and clinical teaching days with patient-based cases and discussion are designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage various skin conditions. Weekly audio-visual materials and webinars help you gain confidence and expertise in dealing with skin problems in everyday practice.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently manage a wide range of skin conditions in general practice.
• Enable graduates to effectively diagnose and manage skin diseases using current best practice and evidence-based guidelines.
• Develop graduates' confidence and competence in identifying and dealing with skin cancers and other common skin problems.
• Enhance graduates' critical thinking and problem-solving skills in dermatological scenarios.
• Provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in dermatology and the ability to integrate these into their clinical practice.

Overall Description:

This unique program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, delivered through interactive online sessions, clinical teaching days, and access to a wealth of learning resources. Graduates emerge with the ability to confidently manage various skin conditions as primary care practitioners.

Outline:

Program Content:

• The program covers the core curriculum of dermatology, encompassing:
• Common skin conditions and presentations
• Red and spotty faces, inflammatory conditions, allergies
• Dermoscopy
• Skin problems in different skin ages
• Genital dermatology
• Skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and actinic keratoses
• Skin and systemic disease
• Practical dermatology

Structure:

• The program runs for two semesters, spanning two years total for part-time study.
• Part-time students can choose to complete the program in one year if desired.
• Learning takes place through:
• Regular interactive online tutorials (4 hours per week)
• Clinical teaching days (six per year) featuring live lectures and pre-recorded videos, followed by a hybrid session involving online and external students
• Weekly online multiple choice quizzes based on that week's taught material
• A 1,500-word written report based on the Cutaneous Neoplasia module
• A final four-hour written examination

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Continuous assessment: Regular weekly online multiple choice quizzes test your understanding of the taught material.
• Written report: A 1,500-word report assesses your knowledge and critical thinking skills applied to a specific area of dermatology (Cutaneous Neoplasia in this case).

Assessment Criteria:

• All assessments aim to evaluate your:
• Understanding of theoretical concepts in dermatology
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Communication skills in presenting and reporting medical findings

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The program leverages a blend of online and face-to-face teaching approaches:
• Interactive online tutorials: These four-hour weekly sessions provide opportunities for active engagement with instructors and fellow students, fostering critical thinking and discussion-based learning.
• Clinical teaching days: Conducted twice per semester, these days offer interactive lectures, video presentations, and hands-on clinical practice to solidify your understanding and develop practical skills.
• Clinical cases and discussions: Patient-based cases are analyzed to provide context and practical relevance to the theoretical knowledge acquired.
• Online learning resources: Access to online video lectures, webinars, and other materials enables flexible learning and revision outside scheduled sessions.

Faculty:

• The program is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced dermatologists with expertise in various areas of the field.
• Dr. Rebeca Goiriz leads the program and coordinates other faculty members.
• Dr. Virginia Hubbard specializes in managing inflammatory and Papulosquamous Disorders with extensive experience in teaching dermatology to diverse audiences.
• Professor Victoria Jolliffe has a distinguished profile in Hair Disorders and has pioneered blended e-learning in dermatology, receiving national recognition for her teaching innovation.
• Dr. Malvina Cunningham holds expertise in medical dermatology and connective tissue diseases, bringing valuable insights to the program.
• Dr. Mansi Adams possesses extensive experience in clinical and surgical aspects of dermatology.
• Dr. Shefali Rajpopat offers specialized knowledge in skin cancer and acne management.

Unique Approaches:

• The program stands out through its blended learning approach, merging interactive online sessions with hands-on clinical practice days.
• This hybrid format caters to the needs of medical professionals seeking flexibility while allowing them to build practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
• Regular interaction with experienced dermatologists provides valuable mentorship and fosters deeper understanding of the subject.
• The program utilizes various learning resources, including multimedia materials and case studies, creating a rich and engaging learning environment.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Upon completion of the PGDip Clinical Dermatology, graduates are well-positioned to pursue several career paths:
• General Medical Practitioners: With enhanced competence in dermatology, graduates can confidently manage common skin conditions encountered in their day-to-day practice.
• Extended Roles in Primary Care: Graduates can specialize in specific areas like allergy and immunology, dermatology, sexual health, or rheumatology within primary care settings.

Opportunities and Outcomes:

• Graduates acquire a comprehensive understanding of dermatology and the ability to confidently manage a wide range of skin diseases within their practice.
• The program enhances career prospects for medical professionals seeking to improve their skills in diagnosing and managing skin problems.
• Graduates gain valuable knowledge and skills that can lead to leadership roles within primary care, potentially influencing policy development and guiding future generations of healthcare professionals.
• The program's online delivery allows professionals to continue working while studying, making it accessible to a wider audience and promoting continued professional development.

Professional Development:

• The program is designed to empower graduates to confidently tackle the challenges of everyday dermatology within primary care.
• Participants gain expertise in diagnosing and managing various skin conditions, ranging from common ailments to more complex scenarios.
• With this strengthened knowledge base, graduates can manage dermatological cases more independently, enhancing patient care.
• For students remaining working as primary care practitioners, the knowledge and skills gained in the program can also be used in extended roles or as a specialty of interest within general practice.
• The program has been shortlisted for the prestigious British Medical Association ‘Dermatology Team of the Year’ award due to its innovative blended global e-learning approach.

Home: £11,000 Overseas: £15,000EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years.