MPhil and Ph.D Degrees

Basic structure of a dermatology degree course

The main purpose of this degree course is for the student to undertake and complete a period of high quality research of international standard. In addition, wide firm grounding is given in clinical dermatology and dermatopathology in this major British dermatology department.

1. Research

The facilities for research undertaken are wide and generous. A wide range of laboratory equipment is available and there are technical staff to advise over specialist investigation procedures. Office space for the students is provided and within the College of Medicine there are excellent computer facilities with Internet access. There is a superb and very convenient library with library inter-loan facilities and facilities for undertaking computer literature searches. The subject for research is discussed and decided with Professor Finlay and his colleagues, and there is supervision and direction of research work by an established member of the dermatology department. Access to patients who remain under the care of the staff dermatologists may be arranged for research purposes subject to permission and ethical approval. In most cases more than three days each week are spent on the research topic and degree students are encouraged to undertake additional work in the evenings and at other times.

2. Clinical work

Degree students have regular clinical teaching in dermatology. During these sessions they are with Professor Finlay or one of his consultant colleagues in the general dermatology clinics and have the opportunity of examining patients. There are in addition teaching ward rounds.

3. Other academic activities of the department

These are regular visiting guest lecturers to the department. There is also a regular dermatology journal club to which degree students are expected to contribute. Every week there is a postgraduate educational afternoon and once monthly a larger South Wales meeting. Every week there is a departmental meeting for administrative purposes chaired by Professor Finlay which all degree students and dermatology research staff attend. Degree students are also invited to the weekly general grand rounds.

Application details

Overseas students

We welcome applications from well qualified overseas students. The Diploma in Dermatological Sciences course, the MSc and MPhil courses have been designed particularly with overseas students in mind. The dermatology courses are truly international with students from all areas of the world including the Far East, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Europe, North and South America and Australasia.

Entry qualifications

The basic entry requirement is an initial medical degree of an approved University. Normally at least three years postgraduate general experience is required before entry into the Diploma in Dermatological Sciences course. Usually admittances to and MPhil or PhD degree depends on successfully completing first the Diploma in Dermatological Sciences course, but in exceptional circumstances there may be direct entry to these degrees. Overseas applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Application Procedure

If you would like to make an application for the MPhil or PhD degree course and are happy that you fulfil the requirements, please e-mail directly including a full curriculum vitae.

Early application is advised in order to give time for references to be taken up and for decisions to be reached by the Head of Department and his colleagues.

Course fees

After a student has been accepted on one of the courses, an initial registration fee is payable which is not refundable. The balance of the fees are due and payable at the time of enrolment. Students may only continue the course if all fees are paid. The same fees are payable by all students, whether from overseas or from Britain. Details of current fees are obtainable from Mrs. Joy Hayes.