Masters Degrees (Allergy)

This online course enables you to match your educational needs with your professional practice. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed for optimal clinical evaluation of the allergic patient. You will also learn how to manage common allergic conditions, such as eczema, food allergy, asthma and drug allergy.

This course has been developed for clinicians, nurses and other allied health professionals who have a particular interest in clinical allergy. The focus is clinical, drawing on the latest research. The course is suitable for those working in primary or secondary care settings with adults or children. If you commonly see patients with allergic conditions and want to develop your clinical skills in this area, then this course is for you.

You will study our compulsory allergy module alongside a range of optional modules. The allergy module is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and covers:
-Basic immunology for clinical allergy practice
-Clinical evaluation of the allergic patient, including diagnostic options and management approaches
-Anaphylaxis
-Asthma
-Allergic skin disease, including eczema, urticaria and angioedema
-Drug allergy
-Food allergy (both lgE mediated disease and non IgE mediated disease)
-'Hot topics' in allergy

Delivery

The modules are taught online, so you can choose to study anytime, anywhere. This flexibility means that you can fit your studies around your other commitments and develop your online literacy as a transferable skill. You can select from over 30modules in a diverse range of subjects to create your own bespoke course of study.

Alternatively, you can choose to complete the allergy module as a standalone course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The allergy module runs over 14 weeks starting in April 2017. You will cover important areas in the field of allergy, with an emphasis on interaction and case discussion. During the module you will take three online assessments that examine your abilities in:
-Critical appraisal
-Wider understanding of the subject
-Clinical evaluation skills

The format of the allergy module draws on clinical cases and uses a variety of interactive tools to enhance learning.

Accreditation

Our allergy module is of high value to those working in primary care. As such we have been awarded Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) accreditation.

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Summary

Our MSc Allergy was awarded World Allergy Organisation Centre of Excellence status for 2014-2019, the only centre of its kind in the world. Our course is designed to help healthcare professionals, including GPs, hospital-based doctors, nurses and dieticians, gain a greater understanding of allergic diseases and to be able to translate this knowledge into their everyday practice. Our inter-professional approach enables students from different disciplines and professions to interact and learn from each other, an essential facet of successful allergy management teams. We offer a high level of support for hospital-based and distance learning. Available full-and part-time and as a PG Dip and PG Cert.

Modules

Core modules: Foundation of Allergic Disease (all awards); Clinical Research Skills and Dissertation (MSc only)
Optional modules: Food Allergy; Eczema, Urticaria and Anaphylaxis; Allergic Airways Disease; Teaching the Teachers
to Teach; Work-based Learning.

Course Start Date

Full-time October. Part-time students normally start in October, but can start throughout the year

Visit our website for further information...

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This course has been designed to provide you with training in the theoretical and practical aspects of modern immunology, with some emphasis on allergy. It is the only course of its kind in the UK.

It is particularly suitable for graduates in life sciences, biomedical sciences and allied subjects, as well as people who are already employed in related fields who wish to update their knowledge and gain valuable research experience.

This course has been designed to enable students to:

Acquire skills & advanced knowledge in Immunology & Allergy

Appreciate the contribution of immunological mechanisms to a wide range of disease processes, as a basis for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Carry out critical evaluation of newly published scientific papers and develop the ability to report and interpret results.

Study in greater depth one aspect of Immunology & Allergy by conducting a research project and completing a dissertation.

95% of the School of Life Sciences research was deemed to be of international quality according to the Research Excellence Framework 2014.

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This course offers a sound theoretical background to the principles of the mechanisms and management of allergic disease.

It provides rigorous academic training and an introduction to research methods and best practice.

The course combines lectures, tutorials and workshops with online learning, enabling you to work flexibly around other commitments.

You will initially register for the Postgraduate Certificate in Allergy.

This can be awarded in its own right or, on successful completion of this component of the programme, you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to the MSc in Allergy programme, depending on the level and direction of your ambitions.

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This programme is taught as either a classic one-year programme, or delivered through blended e-learning on a two-year part-time basis.

The degree builds on Pfizer Ltd's 'in house' training programme. It teaches how fundamental science is applied to the discovery and development of medicines. The programme was designed and conceived by industry experts in drug discovery and will be delivered and assessed by subject matter experts from both industry and the university.

The course will comprise of 60 credits at certificate level, 60 credits at diploma level and 60 credits at Master's level; and as such intermediate exit awards are available.

For those students based overseas not wishing to participate in a laboratory-based research project at Medway School of Pharmacy the Extended Dissertation module (at Masters level) is compulsory. Please contact the Department for more details.

The aims of the programme are:

- To produce graduates trained in the processes by which fundamental science is linked to the design and development of modern medicines

- To teach students an understanding of the drug discovery process

- To provide students with the experience of critically appraising the research questions and techniques that are routine in the workplace

- To provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a higher degree (PhD).

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/pha/add

Pharmacy

We offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes and courses for pharmacists and other health-care professionals. Our Medway School of Pharmacy is a unique collaboration between the Universities of Greenwich and Kent. We have designed innovative patient focused programmes to address the needs of healthcare professionals. A significant investment in facilities and equipment has allowed us to embark on our objective of establishing an internationally recognised research reputation based on multidisciplinary team work.

What you'll study

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Applied Pharmacology (30 credits)
Translational Biology (30 credits)
Critical Thinking (15 credits)
Experimental Protocol (15 credits)
Project Background and Design (15 credits)
Extended Research Project (60 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

Infectious Disease and Allergy Drug Discovery (15 credits)
Neuroscience and Drug Discovery (15 credits)
Renal and Cardiovascular Drug Discovery (15 credits)

Distance learning
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Applied Pharmacology (30 credits)
Translational Biology (30 credits)
Critical Thinking (15 credits)
Experimental Protocol (15 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Project Background and Design (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 1 course from this list of options.

Infectious Disease and Allergy Drug Discovery (15 credits)
Neuroscience and Drug Discovery (15 credits)
Renal and Cardiovascular Drug Discovery (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 1 course from this list of options.

Extended Research Project (60 credits)
Extended Dissertation (60 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

We appreciate that some students do not perform well in the traditional exam setting and consequently we use a range of assessment techniques. Assessment techniques include: written assignments, reports, portfolio entries, short essays, analysis of case studies, and multiple choice questions.

Professional recognition

On successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply for professional recognition from the Society of Biology.

Career options

This advanced-level academic qualification will provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue and/or further a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a higher degree (PhD).

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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Our course allows you to tailor your study to your educational and professional interests. Designed for busy professionals, this online course offers a flexible, bespoke way for you to develop your career. We offer a range of clinical and research specialities.

Alongside clinical and health sciences modules, you can choose to specialise in:
-Ageing
-Allergy
-Clinical research
-Molecular pathology
-Surgery
-Therapeutics (including drug development)

This innovative course is aimed at those who already have a primary qualification (eg MBBS, BDS, BSc) and are working in health or life sciences field. Our students include:
-Doctors
-Nurses
-Allied health professionals
-Clinical researchers
-Those working in the pharmaceutical industry

The courses are taught online, so you can choose to study anytime and anywhere. This flexibility means that you can fit your studies around your other commitments, plus develop your online literacy as a transferable skill. You don't need to attend anything on campus.

Delivery

The course is taught online, so you can choose to study anytime and anywhere. This flexibility means that you can fit your studies around your other commitments, plus develop your online literacy as a transferable skill.

You can pick from over 30 modules in a diverse range of subjects to create your own bespoke course of study. Subjects include:
-Oncology
-Palliative care
-Ageing
-Clinical research
-Therapeutics (including drug design)
-Allergy
-Surgery

You can choose to complete a single module for continuous professional development (CPD) through to a full masters. You can work at your own pace in your own environment.

In each module you will receive direction and support from your module leader. We will encourage you to get to know your fellow students and support each other in your studies. One of our aims is for you to develop networks and relationships that will continue after graduation.

All of our modules are delivered through Blackboard, our managed learning environment. Blackboard is accessible across a variety of operating systems and browsers. Our materials and supporting reading are accessible across a variety of devices including desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones. You will be given Blackboard email address and an account to use the system.

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Delivered by leading experts at the front-line of research and practice, this programme is the only evidence-based Masters’ degree in Nutritional Medicine in Europe.

It will provide you with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between nutrition and health, and the range and potential of nutritional management to postpone or treat disease.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Nutritional medicine concerns itself with the part that nutrition plays in health, disease, lifecycle and ageing.

The aim of the programme is to inform and educate those to whom the public turns for advice on nutritionally-related aspects of health and disease and those involved in the manufacture of foods and food supplements.

It is appropriate for the in-service training of doctors, dietitians, pharmacists and healthcare workers.

The programme consists of three-day taught periods at the University, preceded by preparatory study, and followed by consolidation and assessment. It will teach you to take a critical and scholarly approach to the theory, practice, literature and research findings within the subject.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied part-time. On successful completion of the programme students may apply for registration as a Nutritionist on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists via the Association for Nutrition. The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
-Principles of Nutritional Science
-Principles of Applied Nutrition and Epidemiology
-Antioxidants, Phytoprotectants and Disease
-Obesity, Diabetes and Eating Disorders
-Diet, the Gut, Food Allergy and Intolerance
-Nutritional Aspects of Pregnancy, Infancy and Childhood
-Nutrition and Ageing
-Lipids and Essential Fatty Acids
-Dietary Minerals in Health and Disease
-Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Support
-Nutrition and Exercise for Health and Sports Performance
-The Brain and Nervous System: Diet and Behaviour
-Research Project

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The aim of the programme is to provide Masters-level learning in Nutritional Science related to health and disease. Students will gain knowledge and skills necessary to investigate, understand and apply the concepts of Nutritional Medicine in relation to current health issues. Specifically, the programme aims:
-To further the students’ knowledge of the mechanisms underlying disorders with nutritional aetiologies at both the biochemical and molecular level
-To develop evidence-based knowledge and practice in students in healthcare roles, private practice or industry who provide nutrition-related care or advice
-To enhance the critical and analytical skills of students through taking a critical and scholarly approach to theory, practice, literature and research findings within the subject resulting in a greaterunderstanding of the range and potential of nutritional management of disease risk
-To provide opportunities for professional development, encourage the acquisition of intellectual scientific, technical and transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning, allowing students to show evidence of their development and support their career progression

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding
-A breadth of knowledge across a broad range of specialised topics (the principles of applied nutritional science are explored)
-The current dietary requirements/guidelines and evidence, related to adequacy of nutritional intakes in various populations
-Epidemiology of nutritional status and related health in the UK and other populations
-The methods and approaches used for the purposes of nutritional assessment
-Human nutrition and metabolism in health and in the pathogenesis of disease
-The specific roles of macro, micro and phytonutrients in health and disease
-The concept of optimal nutrition - the application of nutrition principles to health as well as disease management, prevention or prophylaxis.
-The therapeutic use of nutrition in the management of disease
-Analytical skills to allow interpretation of data or evidence and formulate conclusions

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-Integrate knowledge across a broad range of specialised topics
-Develop a critical, scholarly and evidence based approach to theory and practice in Nutritional Medicine
-Find and critically evaluate scientific literature and other appropriate sources of material
-Critically evaluate research and findings as an evidence base for practice
-Use acquired knowledge and appropriate skills to make professional judgement
-Design research and data analysis to understand or undertake a nutrition research project

Professional practical skills
-Demonstrate competence in commonly used nutrition-research methodology
-Measure food intake and be aware of the pitfalls in such measurements
-Know how to evaluate the nutritional status of individuals
-Develop some ability in helping patients achieve dietary-behaviour change
-Describe food sources of particular nutrients
-Formulate appropriate information on nutrient sources
-Plan a diet for a specific health-related purpose
-Design/plan/undertake an appropriate research project

Key / transferable skills
-Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means
-Work effectively and independently and in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome
-Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to nutritional data
-Assess critically a journal paper or article
-Use judgement to draw conclusions and make recommendations
-Be able to communicate knowledge appropriately to patients

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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MSc Plant Biotechnology

The Plant Biotechnology programme is the combination of different fields of the classical plant sciences (e.g. plant physiology, plant breeding, plant pathology) working with a whole new range of techniques and possibilities opened up by modern molecular biology.

Programme summary

Due to rapid technological developments in the genomics, molecular biology and biotechnology, the use of molecular marker technology has accelerated the selection of new plant varieties with many desirable traits. It also facilitates the design, development and management of transgenic plants. At present, plants are increasingly used to produce valuable proteins and secondary metabolites for food and pharmaceutical purposes. New insights into the molecular basis of plant-insect, plant- pathogen and crop-weed relationships enable the development of disease-resistant plants and strategies for integrated pest management. A fundamental approach is combined with the development of tools and technologies to apply in plant breeding, plant pathology, post-harvest quality control, and the production of renewable resources. Besides covering the technological aspects, Plant Biotechnology also deals with the ethical issues and regulatory aspects, including intellectual property rights.

Specialisations

Functional Plant Genomics
Functional genomics aims at understanding the relationship between an organism's genome and its phenotype. The availability of a wide variety of sequenced plant genomes has revolutionised insight into plant genetics. By combining array technology, proteomics, metabolomics and phenomics with bioinformatics, gene expression can be studied to understand the dynamic properties of plants and other organisms.

Plants for Human and Animal Health
Plants are increasingly being used as a safe and inexpensive alternative for the production of valuable proteins and metabolites for food supplements and pharmaceuticals. This specialisation provides a fundamental understanding of how plants can be used for the production of foreign proteins and metabolites. In addition, biomedical aspects such as immunology and food allergy, as well as nutritional genomics and plant metabolomics, can also be studied.

Molecular Plant Breeding and Pathology
Molecular approaches to analyse and modify qualitative and quantitative traits in crops are highly effective in improving crop yield, food quality, disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. Molecular plant breeding focuses on the application of genomics and QTL-mapping to enable marker assisted selection of a trait of interest (e.g. productivity, quality). Molecular plant pathology aims to provide a greater understanding of plant-insect, plant-pathogen and crop-weed interactions in addition to developing new technologies for integrated plant health management.These technologies include improved molecular detection of pathogens and transgene methods to introduce resistance genes into crops.

Your future career

The main career focus of graduates in Plant Biotechnology is on research and development positions at universities, research institutes, and biotech- or plant breeding companies. Other job opportunities can be found in the fields of policy, consultancy and communication in agribusiness and both governmental and non-governmental organisations. Over 75% of Plant Biotechnology graduates start their (academic) career with a PhD.

Alumnus Behzad Rashidi.
“I obtained my bachelor degree in the field of agricultural engineering, agronomy and plant breeding, at Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. The curiosity and interest for studying plant biotechnology and great reputation of Wageningen University motivated me to follow the master programme Plant Biotechnology. I got a chance to do my internship at State University of New York at Buffalo, working on biofuel production from microalgae. Working with this small unicellular organism made me even more motivated to continue my research after my master. Now I am doing my PhD in the Plant Breeding department of Wageningen University, working on biorefinery of microalgae.”

Related programmes:
MSc Biotechnology
MSc Molecular Life Sciences
MSc Plant Sciences
MSc Nutrition and Health
MSc Bioinformatics
MSc Biology.

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Advanced Paediatrics is a multidisciplinary degree designed for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Content is research and evidence-based and will give students a detailed understanding of research methods and statistics applied to child health, the ability to conduct methodologically robust research projects and advanced knowledge of the management processes in modern NHS Trusts.

KEY BENEFITS

- The content of the Advanced Paediatrics MSc programme reflects the expertise of King's Health Partners staff, who together provide clinical services to one quarter of the population in London, one of the world's most economically and socially diverse cities.

- Working closely together with the Paediatric Academic staff at St Georges Hospital to maximise the input to the programme from the whole of South London.

- The programme provides the opportunity to learn about leadership from some of the country's most inspirational clinical specialists.

- The candidates will undertake a research project supervised by an expert in their field, to complement detailed taught modules in specialist areas including Paediatric Critical Care, Neonatology, Respiratory and Allergy, Cardiology, Hepatology/Renal and Gastroenterology, and a new module of Child Mental Health.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/advanced-paediatrics-msc.aspx

Course details

- Description

This multidisciplinary programme is designed for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. The programme content is research and evidence-based, with the aim of developing students into excellent members of the interprofessional healthcare team. The programme will give students a detailed understanding of research methods and statistics applied to child health, the knowledge of how to conduct methodologically robust research projects. Working with established leaders will advance knowledge of the management processes in modern NHS Trusts.

Students have the option to choose to study for a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or the MSc (180 credits). It is expected that students will take two years to complete the MSc programme.

- Course purpose

This programme is designed for all members of the multidisciplinary team working in Paediatrics, including experienced nurses at Band 6 and higher, Pharmacists and medical trainees who are post MRCPCH, or are experienced clinical fellows with middle grade experience but not full membership. Overseas applicants are encouraged to apply. This programme is suitable for aspiring clinical leaders and researchers in Paediatrics.

- Course format and assessment

Assessment is by essays, presentations, production of a business case and one unseen examination. For MSc students, the programme also requires completion of a research project that includes a thesis of 10 -15,000 words.

Career prospects

The programme has been running for more than five successful years and the completion rate for our students is over 95%. The National Postgraduate Taught Education Survey (PTES) results for this course are outstanding and amongst the best within the School of Medicine at KCL.

Our students have gone onto further research in funded PhD programmes and all of our students who have applied for National Grid training in a specialty have been successful and the feedback has been outstanding.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

This programme builds on a very successful in-house training programme implemented by a major pharmaceutical company.

It was designed and conceived by pharmaceutical industry experts in drug discovery and will be delivered and assessed by experts in this field at the School of Pharmacy.

The MSc covers how fundamental science is applied to the discovery and development of medicines and the main aims are to:

- provide you with the experience of critically appraising the research questions and techniques that are routine in the pharmaceutical industry workplace

- produce graduates trained in the processes by which fundamental science is linked to the design and development of modern medicines

- provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a PhD.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/736/applied-drug-discovery

Duration: One year full-time (campus based), two years part-time (distance learning)

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Course structure

This programme is taught as either a classic one year full-time programme with attendance required on Mondays and Tuesdays for 48 weeks plus an additional study day off-campus, or delivered through distance e-learning using an interactive virtual learning environment on a two-year part-time basis.

The programme comprises 60 credits at certificate level, 60 credits at diploma level and 60 credits at Master’s level. You may choose to end your study at any one of these stages.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Assessment

Assessment is by 100% coursework; including scientific reports, assignments, essays, a research project and portfolio entries.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- produce graduates trained in the processes by which fundamental science is linked to the design and development of modern medicines

- teach you an understanding of the drug discovery process

- provide you with expanded training in the biological sciences technical skills that underpin the processes of drug discovery

- provide you with the experience of critically appraising the research questions and techniques they use routinely in the workplace

- develop a variety of postgraduate level intellectual and transferable skills

- equip you with lifelong learning skills necessary to keep abreast of developments in drug discovery

- provide you with opportunities for shared multidisciplinary learning in drug discovery

- give you the experience of undertaking an independent research project

- provide expert preparation for students who wish to pursue and/or further a career in drug discovery, or wish to proceed to a higher degree (PhD) in topics related to the drug discovery process

- provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable irrespective of race, background, gender or physical disability from both within the UK and from overseas.

Research areas

- Chemistry and drug delivery

This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

- Biological sciences

This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

- Pharmacy practice

This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career. While the MSc in Applied Drug Discovery produces elite drug discovery personnel, who can pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or academia.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

This programme provides general-level hospital pharmacists – registered with the GPhC and working – with the core skills required to provide holistic pharmaceutical care in the practice setting.

The programme aligns with a nationally agreed pharmacy practitioner development strategy and is the result of a unique collaboration of higher education institutions across London and the south and east of England.

The programme develops your knowledge and skills in clinical pharmacy practice and medicines management. It works on a philosophy of student-centred workplace learning, supported by workbooks and contact days facilitated by experienced pharmacy practitioners. You are expected to take responsibility for managing your learning and achieving the programme objectives. The ethos and culture of the programme is to enhance and develop self-reliance and an adult approach to learning in support of continuing professional development.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/737/general-pharmacy-practice

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Modules

For more about the structure of this course please visit the Medway School of Pharmacy website (http://www.msp.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/cert-gen-pharm-pract/index.html).

Assessment

Assessment is by Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE), multiple-choice questions, assignments, literature review, prescribing audit, change management project, and a competency-based portfolio review.

Programme aims

The PCert and PDip aim to:

- enable you to apply appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to carry out effectively the role of the general pharmacist practitioner within your pharmacy practice base and wider healthcare teams

- enable you to carry out effective consultations with patients respecting their diverse needs and with regard to confidentiality and consent

- enable you to identify, prioritise and resolve complex pharmaceutical care issues

- enable you to apply knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and the clinical use of drugs and therapeutic guidelines to the treatment of common disease states

- enable you to access, gather, interpret, critically evaluate and summarise medicines information

- enable you to monitor the quality of services provided, identify, prioritise and resolve significant medicines management issues and monitor and evaluate outcomes

- enable you to establish population health needs and apply specialist pharmaceutical knowledge to public health issues.

The MSc aims are to:

- investigate a topic in depth

- evaluate current practice or a new service

- publish research and advance knowledge in pharmacy practice

- develop skills you require for the RPS Advanced Pharmacy Framework

- inspire you and others in your workplace to carry out much needed practice research

- support your future career and perhaps to help you explore new career paths.

Research areas

Chemistry and drug delivery
This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

Biological sciences
This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

Pharmacy practice
This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

This programme provides progression for pharmacists towards advanced practitioner status.

Completion of the practice elements of the course leads to the award of the Certificate of Completion of General Pharmacist Training from an accredited training centre.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

This programme, approved by the appropriate professional/regulatory bodies, provides a distance learning option for qualification as a non-medical prescriber.

Eight contact days cover communication and diagnostic skills. Other topics on the syllabus include the legal, policy, professional and ethical aspects of prescribing, plus pharmacology and patient assessment and monitoring.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/740/independent-supplementary-prescribing

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Course structure

You can take the Master’s programme as a stand-alone PCert in Independent/Supplementary Prescribing, or as one pathway into the Medicines Management programme, by studying prescribing as either the first or second year of the Medicines Management PDip.

On successful completion, the School will notify the appropriate professional/regulatory body that you have qualified as an independent/supplementary prescriber.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Assessment

Assessment is by Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), assignments, case-study analysis, multiple-choice questions, short answer paper, narrative based on portfolio entries and attendance at a period of learning in practice.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- prepare pharmacists to practice as supplementary prescribers

- prepare nurses and midwives to practice as supplementary/independent prescribers

- develop the knowledge and skills required by an allied health professional to practice as a supplementary prescriber

- meet the standards set by the respective professional or regulatory body as required within the legislative framework.

Research areas

Chemistry and drug delivery
This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

Biological sciences
This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

Pharmacy practice
This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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This course will be held at the Medway Campus

- https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway/

The Medway School of Pharmacy’s innovative postgraduate distance-learning programme in Medicines Management equips healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to medicines management services and to individual drug therapy decisions.

The programme emphasises clinical and costeffective prescribing in the context of holistic consideration of patient needs, and one of its pathways offers you the chance to qualify as an independent/supplementary prescriber.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/738/medicines-management

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Course structure

You can register for the full MSc programme or undertake stand-alone modules. Modules can be put together to form a short course programme. Module length varies from five to 15 credits.

For the PCert, you must complete 60 credits, of which at least 20 must be from core modules. Diploma students must complete 120 credits, of which at least 40 credits must be from core modules. To gain the MSc, you must complete a 60-credit research project, write a dissertation and present the results as a poster.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Assessment

Assessment includes case study analysis, critical appraisal of literature, assignments including short essays, a research project and dissertation.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to medicines management services and to individual drug therapy decisions in primary and secondary care.

- enable you to incorporate your learning directly into your workplace and to rise to the challenges presented by the new, patient-centred NHS.

Research areas

- Chemistry and drug delivery

This group has laboratories with dedicated state-ofthe art drug delivery, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, chromatography and organic synthesis facilities. It brings together researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug design, nanotechnology and materials science, drug delivery and pharmaceutics encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to research. Research covers synthesis and biological evaluation of potential anti-cancer agents, structurebased drug design, QSAR predication of ADMET properties, controlled release, particle engineering, powder technology, pharmaceutical technology, and novel drug delivery systems, with a focus on respiratory drug delivery.

- Biological sciences

This group is housed in recently refurbished laboratories with dedicated state-of-the-art molecular biological, electrophysiological, tissue culture and microscopy facilities. The research is divided into four main themes; infectious diseases and allergy; neuroscience; renal and cardiovascular physiology; and pharmacology. Examples of current work include: investigation of the use of non-pathogenic virus ‘pseudotypes’ to study pathogenic RNA, study of the properties of neuronal potassium channels and their modulation and the development of new therapies for patients that have developed acute kidney injury in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.

- Pharmacy practice

This group conducts research in two areas: public health and medicines optimisation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Work in public health includes studies in physical exercise, alcohol, cardiovascular screening and spirometry testing, plus pharmacovigilance. Studies in medicines optimisation include work in dementia, bipolar disorder and stroke, with an emphasis on the patient perspective.

Careers

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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The need to develop new strategies to combat diseases remains a major global challenge. This programme provides advanced training in the mechanisms underpinning a spectrum of infectious and non-infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and chromosomal abnormalities. You’ll also explore current and emerging diagnostic and treatment strategies.

You’ll learn about the latest molecular, genetic and cellular approaches being used to understand, diagnose and treat human disease, including traditional methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and novel methods involving genome and proteome analysis. You’ll have the opportunity to investigate the role of the immune system in the response to infection and disease, covering topics such as innate and adaptive immunity, allergy and immune evasion.

You’ll study in a faculty ranked 6th in the UK for its research impact in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), and you’ll graduate with the solid base of scientific knowledge and specialist skills valued by employers.

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Respiratory Medicine Courses Online

Diploma MSc is an award-winning provider of online medical education for Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s courses. We are now pleased to add a Postgraduate Diploma and Masters course in Respiratory Medicine to our expanding range of courses. The respiratory medicine courses are offered in conjunction with our partner, the University of South Wales, who have built a strong reputation for delivering innovative learning.

Respiratory disease has a significant impact on the health of the population, and the use of health care resources both in the United Kingdom and in the world. Our respiratory medicine courses will enable more health care professionals to have the required knowledge to treat patients. It will develop problem solving and clinical skills together with preparing students to take a leadership role in Respiratory Medicine.

The course is developed by taking note of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance on Respiratory Medicine, the curriculum subjects of the Specialty Certificate Exam of the Royal College of Physicians and that of the Royal College of General Practitioners (Respiratory) with an emphasis on the management of these conditions in both primary and secondary care in the UK and abroad.

The Postgraduate Diploma and MSc respiratory medicine courses will appeal to Doctors, GPs, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Pharmacists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience.

Diploma in Respiratory Medicine

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine is designed to be practical and clinically focused. Our course will provide an integrated approach to Respiratory Medicine and focus on applying scientific principles to direct patient care. The Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

The course aims to equip graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of Respiratory Medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study. Our course is the only one of its kind that is accessible online and is the fastest route to a PGDip/MSc.

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine has been designed for Doctors, GPs, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Pharmacists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience.

On completion of the course you will demonstrate:

A critical awareness of current issues affecting the care of patients undertaking Respiratory treatments.
An advanced knowledge of Respiratory Medicine and other associated conditions that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations.
An ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of health care systems.
An in-depth understanding of the scope and delivery of Respiratory treatments including horizon scanning of potential new treatments for the wider population.
Course Structure

The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part-time distance learning course. It consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - Respiratory Medicine – Symptoms, Signs and Investigations
Module 2 - Asthma and Allergy
Module 3 - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Module 4 - Thoracic oncology and pleural disease
Module 5 - Respiratory infections; diagnoses and management
Module 6 - Other important respiratory conditions and diseases
Assessment

The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the 6 modules has the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).

Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who:

Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group.
Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module.
Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).
Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
Individual learning portfolio - 10%
Group/individual activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%

MSc in Respiratory Medicine

Entry to the 1 year Msc in Respiratory Medicine will require the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (120 credits) either from the University of South Wales or from another UK University.

Our Respiratory Medicine Masters of Science course has been developed for health professionals who are interested in a leadership role within Respiratory Medicine including GP’s, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, and other suitably qualified and interested individuals.

The MSc Respiratory Medicine course is the only one of its title that is accessible online, and is not offered by any other institution. On completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate:

An applied understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in an appropriate clinical setting.
An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research.
Advanced level critical skills designed to deal with complex problems.
Advanced knowledge and competence in Respiratory Medicine.

Course Structure

Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Respiratory Medicine (compulsory module)
Module 2 - Professional Project: Respiratory Medicine or Independent Prescribing Module
Teaching Methods

Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

MSc teaching methods for this module are similar to the PG Diploma course modules, however, it is run over 12 weeks.

Module 2 - Professional Project

To produce the professional project, students continue to use the online course however much of the work is self-directed.

Students are expected in the first 8 weeks to interact with their tutor on a weekly basis. Students select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (approximately 1500 words).

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