cardiff

Home

Courses & Teaching

Quality of Life & DLQI

Research

Clinical Activities

Genetic Screening for Skin Disease

Staff List

Contact

• Courses & Teaching Overview
• Diploma in Practical Dermatology
• MSc in Practical Dermatology
• Diploma in Clinical Dermatology
• Overview
• Q&A
• Apply Here
• Apply Online
• MSc in Clinical Dermatology
• MPhil and PhD degree courses
• Short Courses
• Staff List
• Contact

Q: Who is the course designed for?

A: The Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (DCD) course is designed for medical practitioners, who wish to specialise in dermatology, who have completed at least two years general medical experience. The course is suitable for overseas medical graduates in particular but, is also appropriate as an additional course to contribute to any dermatology specialist training programme.

Q: How is the course structured?

A: The course is a full time taught programme lasting one academic year. This commences at the beginning of October and has a duration of 9 months. The programme of study consists of three academic terms with the University vacations of 3 - 4 weeks during December/January and during March/April.

The course is designed to give a firm grounding in the fundamentals of modern British dermatology. It gives priority to clinical instruction, but also emphasises the scientific content of dermatology. The course covers the following areas (please click on the following links):

• Clinical Instruction
• Pathology of the skin
• Anatomy, Physology and Biochemsity of the Skin
• Clinical Imunology of the Skin CLINICAL
• Photobiology
• Principles of treatment of Skin Disease & Pharmacology of the Skin
• Socio-Economic Psychological Consequences of the Skin Disease
• Surgical Principles and the Skin
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Tropical Dermatology
• Genito-Urinary Dermatology
• Contact Dermatitis
• Journal Analysis

In addition to the above, you will be required to attend the following (please click on the following links):

• Departmental Meetings
• General Medical Meetings
• Visits to other centres

Q: What other topics are covered on this course?

A:

• Skin histopathology.
• Clinical immunology as applied to dermatology.
• Microbiology of the skin.
• Photobiology.
• Skin surgical techniques.
• Newer diagnostic techniques.
• Research methods in dermatology.
• Cosmetic dermatology.
• The relationships between the skin and internal disorders.
• Socio-economic and psychological consequences of skin disease.
• Pharmacology and the skin, and principles of treatment of skin disease.
• Tropical dermatology.
• Cutaneous aspects of sexually transmitted disease.
• Contact dermatitis.

Q: Who lectures on this course?

A: Over 35 visiting lecturers, including many very eminent and internationally known British dermatologists, come to the department as visiting lecturers on the course. There are more than 75 different lecturers who teach on the course.

Q: Do you encourage collaborative learning?

A: In recognition of the value of learning from fellow students and other colleagues a number of group activities to encourage a more interactive and problem based approach to learning have been included in the programme. To encourage effective communication with your fellow colleagues, we arrange a communication course for you to attend.

Q: How is the course material accessed?

A: The entire course is managed through a modern interactive website which makes communication between students and administrators much more efficient. Many course resources including handouts and the course timetable are available through this site.

Q: How will I be supported during my studies?

A: You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of the course. The personal tutors are responsible for providing support with advice, guidance and support on non-academic issues affecting your welfare. Your personal tutor will also monitor your academic progress, providing feedback and academic advice relating to your course.

Q: How is the course assessed?

A: In course assessment is carried out during the course in which group activities, a short clinical review and clinical performance is assessed. The examinations are at the end of course in June. The last week of the course is devoted to four days of examinations. The examination consists of clinical and written segments and is conducted by both internal and external examiners.

Q: How much does this course cost?

A: The current course fees are £13,500 (UK pounds sterling). The course fees may increase slightly each year. Candidates are required to pay a non-returnable deposit (subject to the discretion of the College Authorities) of £1,500 (UK pounds sterling), payable immediately on acceptance of a place offered. Places on the course cannot be secured until deposits are received. The same fees are payable by all students, whatever their place of residence. We do not offer any financial assistance or scholarships to students.

Q: Do I have to pay the course fees in full when I commence the course?

A: No, the fees can be paid in instalments. This is to be arranged with the finance office when you register for the course. The Diploma can only be awarded if all fees relating to the course and examination have been paid in full, prior to the examination.

Q: What accommodation is available?

A: The University provide single accommodation only. If you are bringing your family you must look for suitable private rented accommodation. Details of University residences can be found via our website www.cardiff.ac.uk/residences

Q: Do I need to take an English Language test?

A: Students whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of their proficiency in the English language. Click here for details of the English Language requirements.

Q: How do I arrange a visa?

A: When you have accepted and confirmed your place at Cardiff University, you will be issued with a letter to present to the visa office. It is your responsibility to arrange your own visa. Your deposit will not be refunded if you have not arranged your visa before the course commences.

Q: Can I become a dermatologist from taking this course?

A: In order to practice dermatology as a consultant in the UK it is necessary to fulfil the requirements the General Medical Council has for being entered onto the Specialist Register for Dermatology. This requires having completed a full training programme or equivalent overseas. The full training programme involves 4 years as a SpR in Dermatology. Having the Diploma in Clinical Dermatology is not of direct relevance to this, what matters is whether or not the doctor fulfils the training criteria as specified by the GMC.

Q: How do I apply for this course?

A: This course is popular and we receive more applications than we have places to offer. All applications are carefully considered by the selection committee. There is a limit on the total number of students accepted each year in order to maintain high standards of personal teaching. It is therefore essential to apply well in advance, as time is needed for receiving referee reports and for the selection process. Applicants are required to produce evidence of their qualifications and general suitability. It is in your interest to reply promptly to any communication received concerning your application.

Q: I am eligible to undertake the MSC course as a repeat DCD student?

A: Unfortunately, you must pass the DCD exam on the first attempt in order to be eligible for the MSC course.

PDF of Prospectus

For an application pack or further information on our courses please contact:

Nicola Dowden / David Taylor
Postgraduate Courses Coordinator
Department of Dermatology
Cardiff University
3rd Floor Glamorgan House
Heath Park
Cardiff, Wales, UK
CF14 4XN

Tel: +44 (0) 29 2074 6405 / 2247
Fax: +44 (0) 29 2074 4312

E-mail: dermpostgrad@cardiff.ac.uk