Diploma in Practical Dermatology
Q & A
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The course is open to all doctors who are currently working as general practitioners or clinical assistants in dermatology who wish to gain expertise in the practical management of patients with skin disease.
Q: How is the course delivered?
A: The course is a highly interactive online programme accessed through www.dermatology.org.uk allowing regular, rapid and efficient communication between colleagues, tutors and course administrators, reducing the isolation commonly associated with distance learning.
Q: Do I need to be a computer expert to take part in this course?
A: You don’t need to be an expert, but a basic knowledge of the internet and Microsoft Word is needed. It is a course requirement that participants have access to a computer with an internet connection. At the start of the course, participants are issued with a username and password that allows them to access the secure area of this website, available exclusively to course administrators and course participants. An important reason for using the website is to participate in discussion forums created by course participants on topics of academic or general interest. There is also the opportunity to communicate with other course members in online chat rooms.
Q: What are the main aims of the programme?
A: To provide course participants with a basic understanding of primary care clinical dermatology and to enable GPs to manage dermatological problems in patients presenting to their surgeries.
Q: What does the in-course assessment consist of?
A:
- Written work (four pieces throughout the course): This may be a scenario, practice guideline, patient handout or an essay question of 1500 words.
- Synchronised online tutorials with a dermatologist: Course members are informed of the discussion point at least one week before the meeting.
- Case histories: Course participants are asked to select patients from their own practice to be studied in detail and written up as case histories.
- Regular participation in the online discussion forums.
- Each semester there is one online group assignment (Med-e-Conference).
Q: What topic areas are covered during the course?
A: Module topic Include: Assessment of Dermatological Skin, Acne, Atopic Eczema, Cryosurgery, The Elderly, Flexural Rashes, The Infant Skin, Leg Ulcers, Pigmentary Disorders, Bullous Disorders, Psoriasis, Sex and the Skin, Skin Surgery, Systemic Disease and the Skin, Urticaria, HIV and the Skin, Contact Dermatitis, Drug Eruptions, Facial Rashes, Hair Problems, Nail Problems, Insects and the Skin, The Pregnant Patient, Infections of the Skin, Skin Cancer (Pigmented Lesions, Melanoma, Non-Melanoma), Sun and the Skin, Photodermatoses, PDT, Topical Therapy, Tropical Skin Disease & Vasculitis.
Q: What are the entry requirements for the course?
A: The course is open to all doctors who are currently working as general practitioners or clinical assistants in dermatology. Course participants must see dermatology patients in their work place or be able to show how they will follow up patients in order to complete the case histories. No previous specific experience or training in dermatology is necessary. Good English language skills are essential and it is a course requirement that participants have access to a computer that is connected to the internet.
Q: I have gained sponsorship to fund the cost of the course, is this acceptable?
A: Yes. We will however, require an official letter from the sponsor to confirm this funding arrangement.
Q: What support is there during the course from the department?
A: The team includes Professor Vincent Piguet (Head of Department), Dr Maria Gonzalez (Postgraduate Courses Director), Helen Pugsley, (Lecturer and DPD Course Director), two Learning Technologists and four Postgraduate Course Coordinators. An international team of tutors and examiners provide expertise in assessing and providing feedback concerning the regular assessed work.
Q: What accreditation does the diploma course hold?
A: The course is regarded as the course of choice for GPs with an interest in dermatology.
Accredited by: Hong Kong College of General Practitioners Quality Assurance and Accreditation Committee with Category 6.5:50 credit points;
Accredited by: Royal College of General Practitioners Higher Professional Development Panel;
Approved by: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Quality Assurance and Continuing Professional Development Program with 90 (category 1) total points.
Quotable Status: Hong Kong
Quotable Status: Singapore
Q: When and where are the final examinations?
A: The examinations are held in Cardiff and Hong Kong in June. You are allocated a venue depending on where you are based.
Q: How many study meetings are held during the year?
A: For UK based students, there is one two-day intensive study meetings held in major teaching centres across the country. For international students there is a two-day intensive study meeting held in Hong Kong (during the first semester) at the United Christian Hospital (UCH).
Q: For how long has the course been running?
A: The programme has been running for over 20 years. It delivers high level dermatological teaching covering all subject areas of interest to those in General Practice via a user-friendly e-learning platform.
Q: What is the duration of the course?
A: An academic year i.e. September to June.
Q: When is the closing date for applications?
A: Places on the course are allocated on a first come, first served basis so we recommend that you apply as early as possible before the start date of the course. Demand for places is always high so apply early to avoid disappointment.
Q: How much time do you recommend studying on the course?
A: We recommend a minimum of 10 hours each week. However, this will depend on your current dermatology knowledge.
Q: Will I have access to Cardiff University resources?
A: Yes, when you enroll you are given a Cardiff University username and password. This will allow you to access certain online journals and distance learning materials.
Q: Where can I find out more information about the DPD course?
A:All the information you need about the DPD and other dermatology course at Cardiff University is on this site. However, if you have a specific query, please email or telephone the department using the details on the right of the screen.
Q: Where can I find out more information about the DPD course?
A: If you have any queries about the course please do not hesitate to contact us. To request an application/information pack or further information on the course please contact:
Q: Can I apply online to do the course?
A: Yes, the fastest and easiest way to apply for the course is online; you can apply online via Cardiff University's new online application service. Click here.
PDF of Prospectus
For an application pack or further information on our courses please contact: Tel: +44 (0) 29 2074 2247 / 4155
Fax: +44 (0) 29 2074 4312
E-mail: dermpostgrad@cardiff.ac.uk