Diploma/MSc in Clinical Dermatology
Q & A
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The Diploma/MSc in Clinical Dermatology (MScCD) 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 end of September and has a duration of 12 months. The programme of study consists of three academic terms with the University vacations 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:
- Clinical Instruction
- Pathology of the skin
- Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry of the Skin
- Clinical Immunology of the Skin
- 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:
- Departmental Meetings
- General Medical Meetings
- Visits to other centres
The dissertation segment of the course is a full-time partially taught programme. During this period students actively participate in all major departmental meetings and all local and regional dermatology society activities held at the School of Medicine, Cardiff University. Students are also encouraged to attend the weekly Grand Rounds of the University Hospital of Wales.
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 in May over four days and consist of clinical and written segments, conducted by both internal and external examiners.
Following the examinations, you will then be required to complete an assessed Dissertation. The Diploma/MSc in Clinical Dermatology is awarded to those candidates who have reached a satisfactory standard in the dissertation. A distinction may be awarded, at the examiners' discretion, to candidates who have achieved a high level of performance in both the formal examination and the dissertation.
Q: Do I have to pay the course fees in full when I commence the course?
A: No, the fees can be paid in installments. This is to be arranged with the finance office when you register for the course. The certificate 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 provides 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. An IELTS score of 7.0 (across all sub-tests) is required.
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 fulfill 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/MSc 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: What happens if I fail the course?
A: You will have an opportunity the following year to retake the examinations.
Q: How do I apply for this course?
A: Complete the online application form. If you have any further questions regarding our courses, please contact the department.
Tel: +44 (0) 29 2074 4155/2247E-mail: dermpostgrad@cardiff.ac.uk
PDF of Prospectus
Contact us: Tel: +44 (0) 29 2074 2247
Fax: +44 (0) 29 2074 4312
E-mail: dermpostgrad@cardiff.ac.uk