Masters Degrees (Medical Writing)

Do you have a passion and talent for writing? Want to develop your confidence and ability as a writer and dream of being published?

Our MA in Creative Writing at Northumbria offers you the opportunity to explore your writing craft at an advanced level. You’ll gain a solid grounding in the techniques and skills of writing fiction, learn how to critique your own work and experiment with your writing voice.

A combination of core and option modules gives you the chance to develop your critical and analytical thinking. This course builds on your passion for creative writing, enhancing your career prospects as you develop a portfolio that reflects a broad range of genres.

You’ll graduate as a critical thinker with skills that will help you make a big difference in your chosen area of work and creative practice.

This course can also be taken part time, for more information, please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/creative-writing-dtpcwr6/

Learn From The Best

Creative Writing at Northumbria enjoys international recognition for the quality of teaching and research, and our publications in Creative Writing and English Studies are ranked 15th in the country for their quality, by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

Our Creative Writing team is made up of award-winning novelist and poets, who are major figures in their field. Furthermore, through our partnership with New Writing North, the foremost literary promotion agency in the north of England, we give you opportunities to meet and learn from agents, publishers, and writers from across the country.

Teaching And Assessment

We aim to challenge you, to offer new insights and ways of thinking, while providing a firm grounding in creative writing techniques. You’re encouraged to experiment with and develop your own writing voice while being aware of the demands of the writing industry.

Workshops, seminars, critiquing sessions and small groups led by writers and editors provide an intellectually stimulating environment within which you can develop confidence in literary forms and techniques.

You’ll produce a portfolio of creative writing, including an accompanying commentary for assessment for each module. This is a substantial body of work that demonstrates your ability to develop your own writing voice and edit your own work.

You will build up your skills through core and option modules assessed by formative (non-graded) and summative (graded) assignments. A virtual learning platform (Blackboard) offers you space to share ideas, engage with interactive tasks and access online resources including reading lists.

Module Overview
EF0126 - E.S.A.P. in FADSS Level 7 (Optional, 0 Credits)
EL7010 - Approaches to Writing (Optional, 30 Credits)
EL7011 - Creativity (Core, 30 Credits)
EL7012 - Experiments in Form (Optional, 30 Credits)
EL7020 - Professional Practice: Writing in an Industry Context (Core, 30 Credits)
EL7023 - Writing Research 1 (Optional, 30 Credits)
EL7024 - Writing Portfolio (Core, 60 Credits)
EL7025 - Writing Research 2 (Optional, 30 Credits)

Learning Environment

Humanities at Northumbria is composed of three subject teams: History, Literature & Creative Writing, and English Language & Linguistics, and is also developing strengths in the fields of American Studies and Heritage Studies.

The Humanities department is made up of a community of learners all the way through from first year undergraduate to final year PhD level. All Humanities staff are engaged in research and actively create the knowledge that is taught in the department. Our Creative Writing team are all published and highly acclaimed for their work.

Creative Writing students, as part of Northumbria’s Humanities department, have access to the new Institute for Humanities which houses a range of specialist research resources. You’ll also get the chance to work with a range of cultural partners including New Writing North, who provide unique opportunities for creative writers.

The research of the Institute brings together the disciplines of Art History, American Studies, Creative Writing, English Language and Linguistics, English Literature, History and Media Studies.

Research-Rich Learning

We are recognised for world-leading research in all our Humanities’ disciplines. Our staff have attracted major funding from Research Councils UK as well as the British Academy, Leverhulme Trust and Nuffield Foundation.

Northumbria is rated in the UK top 15 for the quality of its English Literature, Language and Creative Writing publications. You can explore some of the key themes here.

The Creative Writing team work across a range of genres and their interests encompass everything from identity, displacement and narratives of cultural difference to astronomy and visual perception, and how we represent animals in language.

You will join a lively community that regularly gives public readings and, through our association with the regional writing agency New Writing North, is formally involved with the Durham Book Festival and the Northern Writers' Awards.

Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to engage with the activities of the Institute for Humanities, which is home to five international journals and which regularly hosts an exciting range of seminars, symposia and conferences on topics as varied as Memory, Heritage and Identity; Transnationalism and Societal Change; Digital Humanities; Medical Humanities; and American Studies.

Give Your Career An Edge

Employability, in the form of critical and creative skills, presentation skills and reflective and evaluative abilities, is embedded into your course. You will be able to demonstrate that you are self-motivated, show initiative and personal responsibility, and possess a thirst for independent learning.

During your course, you’ll be in constant contact with a range of professionals working in the arts and creative industries, helping you to build up networks and gain relevant experience.

All modules play a crucial role in developing the advanced skills and attributes necessary for employment, including effective time and workload management, oral and written communication, teamwork and creative analysis of complex problems. The core module, Professional Practice, is designed to give you insight into the world of literary publishing.

You will graduate with a qualification which may enhance your promotion prospects in professions such as the literary industries, partnerships and agencies, marketing and advertising.

Your Future

Given the postgraduate nature of this course the tutors (all published writers themselves) will be looking for signs of the ability to write at a professional level.

MA graduates have achieved notable success. Dan Smith publishes novels for adults and younger readers, most recently Boy X. Celia Bryce is an acclaimed novelist whose book Anthem for Jackson Dawes was nominated for the Carnegie Medal in 2014.

Helen Laws is a highly successful TV scriptwriter who originated 32 Brinkburn Street for BBC TV and has written for Casualty, Eastenders, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Shameless and Doctors. She says the MA taught her the importance of story and gave her the confidence to keep trying.

There are also opportunities for you to advance your studies further with advice in writing PhD and funding applications available.

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Diploma MSc is an award-winning provider of online medical education for Postgraduate Diploma and Masters courses. We are now pleased to add the Medical Education Postgraduate Diploma and Masters online courses to our growing range. Our Medical Education courses are offered in conjunction with our partner, the University of South Wales, who have developed a strong reputation for delivering innovative learning.

Delivered over one year, the online part time distance learning Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education course is specially developed for busy healthcare professionals who may be expected to teach. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises of 6 modules, each of 6 weeks duration. The course aims to enable graduates to develop a critical knowledge and understanding, and application of medical education.

Our medical education courses will appeal to Doctors, GPs, Healthcare Professionals and those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Pharmacists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience. Students may apply for the MSc in Medical Education as a two-year course, firstly completing the Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), followed by the MSc (60 credits).

Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education

Delivered over one year, the online part time distance learning Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education course is specially developed for busy healthcare professionals who may be expected to teach. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises of 6 modules, each of 6 weeks duration. The course aims to enable graduates to develop a critical knowledge and understanding, and application of medical education.

On completion of the Medical Education Diploma, you will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of specific issues at the forefront of theory and practice in medical education.
- critically evaluate medical education theories and principles to inform educational practice.
- demonstrate awareness of advanced knowledge in educational methods and practice
- display a critical understanding of the intricacies of adult pedagogy.

Course Structure

Our 1 year course consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - The practice of medical education
Module 2 - Assessment
Module 3 - Evaluation
Module 4 - Media
Module 5 - Leadership
Module 6 - Curriculum

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 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%

Teaching Methods

Each module has the same format. Using an online platform and one tutor per 10-15 students, the self-directed distance learning is guided by tutor stimulated discussion based on clinically rich case scenarios. Group projects are undertaken alongside independent projects. Reflective practice is recorded in a reflective portfolio to help students consider how the learning can be translated into everyday work and practice. Teaching starts with 1 day of introductory lectures. Students may attend these lectures in the UK (Glyntaff campus, University of South Wales). The lecture series are delivered by the faculty and tutors, they are a pre-course organiser, giving students the tools required to undertake the online course such as:

Scientific writing.
Levels of evidence.
Harvard referencing.
Reflective writing.

The lectures series give an opportunity to meet face to face with tutors/other students prior to the online course.

MSc Medical Education

The MSc in Medical Education course offers progression from the Postgraduate Diploma for individuals who are interested in developing a critical knowledge and understanding and application of medical education.

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

The MSc Medical Education 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 in-depth knowledge and understanding of specific issues at the forefront of theory and practice in medical education.
- a critical understanding of medical education theories and principles to inform educational practice.
- an advanced knowledge of educational methods and practice.
- a critical understanding of the intricacies of adult pedagogy.

Course Structure

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Medical Education.
Professional Project: Medical Education.

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.

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Medical Imaging is an essential component of modern medicine, playing a key role in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease. The Medical Imaging MSc covers:

• the basic physics involved in the different imaging techniques
• image formation, pattern recognition and applications in the field of radiology
• current issues in a modern UK NHS radiology department.

Whilst not a clinical skills course, the teaching of the technical aspects of imaging techniques is firmly grounded and in their clinical usage. Many of our lecturers are at the forefront of research in their field and bring insights from emerging imaging techniques.

This programme is designed for recent graduates preparing for a career in medical imaging, professionals already working in the field, and medical students wishing to intercalate.

More Information

You can study this subject at a MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate level.

You may transfer from your original programme to another one, provided that you do this before you have completed the programme and before an award has been made. Part-time study is also an option. 

You’ll become familiar with the range of clinical imaging techniques.

By the end of the programme you should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physical and mathematical aspects of image formation of several techniques;
• Identify the anatomical and physiological properties of tissue associated with image formation and contrast for several techniques;
• Analyse and compare the technical performance of various modalities;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the clinical applications of each technique, the variables involved and how they can be compared;
• Apply IT in literature searching, analysis and display of data, and report writing to enhance life-long learning in medical imaging;
• Demonstrate enhancement of their professional skills in communication, problem-solving, learning effectively and quickly, and effective self-management;
• Critically evaluate relevant published work, demonstrating an understanding of the underpinning principles of statistics, project design and data analysis.

Course structure

PGCert

Compulsory modules:

• Medical Imaging Core Skills 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Medical Imaging PGCert in the course catalogue

PGDip

Compulsory modules :

• Principles for Medical Imaging Interpretation 15 credits
• Medical Imaging Core Skills 15 credits
• Digital Radiography and X-ray Computed Tomography 15 credits
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging 15 credits
• Ultrasound Imaging 15 credits
• Radionuclide Imaging 15 credits
• Medical Image Analysis 15 credits
• Research Methods 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Medical Imaging PGDip in the course catalogue

MSc

You’ll study modules worth 180 credits. If you study this programme part time you will study fewer modules in each year.

Compulsory modules:

• Principles for Medical Imaging Interpretation 15 credits
• Medical Imaging Core Skills 15 credits
• Digital Radiography and X-ray Computed Tomography 15 credits
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging 15 credits
• Ultrasound Imaging 15 credits
• Radionuclide Imaging 15 credits
• Medical Image Analysis 15 credits
• Research Methods 15 credits
• Research Project 60 credits 

As an MSc student, you undertake a research project in the field of Medical Imaging. New research topics are available each year and include projects in MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray and their clinical application. You'll be asked to state your preferred research project. Before projects are allocated, you are encouraged to meet potential supervisors and discuss the research work.

Learning and teaching

All modules (except for your research project) are taught through traditional lectures, tutorials, practicals and computer based sessions. We also employ blended learning, combining online learning with other teaching methods.

You’ll be taught about the underpinning science of the various imaging modalities, and we cover a range of clinical applications demonstrating the use of medical imaging in modern medicine. Many of the lecturers are at the forefront of research in their particular field and will bring insights from current clinical imaging practice and developments of new and emerging imaging techniques.

Assessment

The taught modules are assessed by coursework and unseen written examinations. Exams are held during the University exam periods in January and May.

The research project is assessed in separate stages, where you submit a 1,000-word essay (20%), a 5,000-word journal-style research article (70%) and make an oral presentation (10%).

Career opportunities

Past graduates have gone on to enter careers in medical imaging or related disciplines, such as radiology and radiography. Often students are already working in the area, and use the skills and knowledge gained in the programme to enhance their careers. Students have gone on to take lecturer or research positions, and have also chosen to take post graduate research degrees (such as a PhD). As a intercalated degree for medical students the programme is useful for students considering radiology or many other medical specialties.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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The increasing impact of genetics in healthcare and the development of newer sophisticated technologies requires contributions from research scientists, clinical laboratory scientists and clinicians to investigate the causes of, and therefore permit optimal management for, diseases for which alterations in the genome, either at the DNA sequence level or epigenetic level, play a significant role. Collaboration between staff from the University of Glasgow and the NHS West of Scotland Genetics Service enables the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics to provide a state-of-the-art view of the application of modern genetic and genomic technologies in medical genetics research and diagnostics, and in delivery of a high quality genetics service to patients, as well as in design of targeted therapies.

Why this programme

◾This is a fully up-to-date Medical Genetics degree delivered by dedicated, multi-award-winning teaching and clinical staff of the University, with considerable input from hospital-based Regional Genetics Service clinicians and clinical scientists.
◾The full spectrum of genetic services is represented, from patient and family counselling to diagnostic testing of individuals and screening of entire populations for genetic conditions: eg the NHS prenatal and newborn screening programmes.
◾The MSc Medical Genetics Course is based on the south side of the River Clyde in the brand new (2015) purpose built Teaching & Learning Centre, at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals (we are located 4 miles from the main University Campus). The Centre also houses state of the art educational resources, including a purpose built teaching laboratory, computing facilities and a well equipped library. The West of Scotland Genetic Services are also based here at the Queen Elizabeth Campus allowing students to learn directly from NHS staff about the latest developments to this service.
◾The Medical Genetics MSc Teaching Staff have won the 2014 UK-wide Prospects Postgraduate Awards for the category of Best Postgraduate Teaching Team (Science, Technology & Engineering). These awards recognise and reward excellence and good practice in postgraduate education.
◾The close collaboration between university and hospital staff ensures that the Medical Genetics MSc provides a completely up-to-date representation of the practice of medical genetics and you will have the opportunity to observe during clinics and visit the diagnostic laboratories at the new Southern General Hospital laboratory medicine building.
◾The Medical Genetics degree explores the effects of mutations and variants as well as the current techniques used in NHS genetics laboratory diagnostics and recent developments in diagnostics (including microarray analysis and the use of massively parallel [“next-generation”] sequencing).
◾New developments in medical genetics are incorporated into the lectures and interactive teaching sessions very soon after they are presented at international meetings or published, and you will gain hands-on experience and guidance in using software and online resources for genetic diagnosis and for the evaluation of pathogenesis of DNA sequence variants.
◾You will develop your skills in problem solving, experimental design, evaluation and interpretation of experimental data, literature searches, scientific writing, oral presentations, poster presentations and team working.
◾This MSc programme will lay the academic foundations on which some students may build in pursuing research at PhD level in genetics or related areas of biomedical science or by moving into related careers in diagnostic services.
◾The widely used textbook “Essential Medical Genetics” is co-authored by a member of the core teaching team, Professor Edward Tobias.
◾For doctors: The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Training Board (JRCPTB) in the UK recognises the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics (which was established in 1984) as counting for six months of the higher specialist training in Clinical Genetics.
◾The Medical Council of Hong Kong recognises the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics from University of Glasgow in it's list of Quotable Qualifications.

Programme structure

Genetic Disease: from the Laboratory to the Clinic

This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Regional Genetics Service to give students a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Medical Genetics and Genomics which will allow them to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals and families with genetic disease. The link from genotype to phenotype, will be explored, with consideration of how this knowledge might contribute to new therapeutic approaches.

Case Investigations in Medical Genetics and Genomics

Students will work in groups to investigate complex clinical case scenarios: decide appropriate testing, analyse results from genetic tests, reach diagnoses where appropriate and, with reference to the literature, generate a concise and critical group report.

Clinical Genomics

Students will take this course OR Omic Technologies for Biomedical Sciences OR Frontiers in Cancer Science.

This course will provide an overview of the clinical applications of genomic approaches to human disorders, particularly in relation to clinical genetics, discussion the methods and capabilities of the new technologies. Tuition and hands-on experience in data analysis will be provided, including the interpretation of next generation sequencing reports.

Omic technologies for the Biomedical Sciences: from Genomics to Metabolomics

Students will take this course OR Clinical Genomics OR Frontiers in Cancer Science.

Visit the website for further information

Career prospects

Research: About half of our graduates enter a research career and most of these graduates undertake and complete PhDs; the MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics facilitates acquisition of skills relevant to a career in research in many different bio-molecular disciplines.

Diagnostics: Some of our graduates enter careers with clinical genetic diagnostic services, particularly in molecular genetics and cytogenetics.

Clinical genetics: Those of our graduates with a prior medical / nursing training often utilise their new skills in careers as clinical geneticists or genetic counsellors.

Other: Although the focus of teaching is on using the available technologies for the purpose of genetic diagnostics, many of these technologies are used in diverse areas of biomedical science research and in forensic DNA analysis. Some of our numerous graduates, who are now employed in many countries around the world, have entered careers in industry, scientific publishing, education and medicine.

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This course is designed to advance and enhance a career in Clinical Research in the pharmaceutical industry, health service, contract research organisations, regulatory authorities, data management organisations and in medical writing.

It aims to provide the postgraduate students with an enhanced level of knowledge, understanding and skills in clinical research. It presents an overview of clinical trial processes and the regulations for bringing in a new chemical entity, and it provides an enhanced level of knowledge and understanding of therapeutic areas and their treatments in relation to clinical trials, drug registrations and drug safety.

The course is designed to increase the knowledge and skills of the student not only in Clinical Research but also in a diverse range of therapeutic areas. This allows the individual to move confidently between these therapeutic areas and therefore increase their potential value to employers. In the dissertation year, students are encouraged to carry out projects which have direct value to their employer and this potentiates the worth of their studies.

Distinctive features

• Lecturers from Pharmaceutical Industry provide an up-to-date development in Clinical Research
• Clinical Research trainers deliver a variety of teaching methods
• The therapeutic modules widen the skills of the student in an array of medical settings
• The diversity of employment backgrounds of participants affords an ideal environment for networking with other clinical research personnel.

Structure

The programme is studied over 3 calendar years of part-time study and is in a modular format. 

Taught modules are undertaken in the first two years, two in each year. Participants who successfully complete these modules may either receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Clinical Research as an exit award, or progress on to carry out an individual project in the third year for the MSc qualification.

Initial PgDip topics covered in the first two years include:

Clinical Research
Drug Development
Therapeutics of the Respiratory and Central Nervous Systems
Advanced Clinical Research
Regulatory Affairs
Complementary Therapeutics
Pharmacovigilance
Cardiovascular and Immunological Diseases and Oncology

The MSc is attained through completion of a dissertation in Year 3.

Teaching

The course will be taught through a series of lectures and workshops, coursework assignments and course journal preparations aimed at developing transferable skills in critical analysis.

Self-directed study forms an important part of the course, and you will be directed in study skills and guided in the areas for study. You will be expected to manage your own time to undertake significant independent study during the dissertation phase in particular.

 Students are expected to attend all timetabled sessions and are also expected to engage in independent study. Course materials are delivered in our Virtual Learning environment (Learning Central). 

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed both formatively and summatively by written examinations and by performance in course work, practice based course-work assignments, project work and dissertation.

Project work including the design of clinical report forms and other practice based assignments and case studies are assessed from written reports with feedback.  Statistical skills are acquired via didactive methods and tested using practice-based scenarios, likewise in relation to medicines safety and the detection of fraud in clinical research.  Critical appraisal skills are acquired throughout the programme through the interpretation and analysis of published clinical research data.  Production of the dissertation requires a substantive literature review and leads to enhanced written and presentational skills, the dissertation being examined by thesis.

Career Prospects

The course is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to advance and enhance a career in Clinical Research in the pharmaceutical industry, Health service, contract research organisations, regulatory authorities, data management organisations and in medical writing.

Successful students on this programme will have an advanced standing both clinically and academically, taking them to the forefront of the profession, and enhancing their personal and professional development.

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The course trains students from a variety of academic backgrounds to work as statisticians in various sectors including higher education, research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, central government and national health services. It provides training in the theory and practice of statistics with special reference to clinical trials, epidemiology and clinical or laboratory research.

The PSI Andrew Hewett Prize is founded in memory of Andrew Hewett, an alumnus of the School and awarded by the PSI (Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry) to the best student on the course.

Duration: one year full-time or part-time over two years. Modes of study explained.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/ms_progspec.pdf)

Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/medical-statistics

For the MSc Medical Statistics it is preferred that students should normally have obtained a mathematically-based first degree which includes some statistics. Graduates from other fields who have quantitative skills and some familiarity with statistical ideas may also apply.

Any student who does not meet the minimum entry requirement above but who has relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application.

Intercalating this course

(https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/ways-study/intercalating-study-masters-degree)

Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.

Why intercalate with us?:

Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:

- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)

- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)

- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)

- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)

Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.

Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.

Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.

MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.

Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to:

- select appropriate study designs to address questions of medical relevance

- select and apply appropriate statistical techniques for managing common types of medical data

- use various software packages for statistical analysis and data management

- interpret the results of statistical analyses and critically evaluate the use of statistics in the medical literature

- communicate effectively with statisticians and the wider medical community, in writing and orally through presentation of results of statistical analyses

- explore current and anticipated developments in medical statistics

Structure

Term 1:

All students take five compulsory modules:

- Foundations of Medical Statistics

- Introduction to Statistical Computing (Stata/SAS/R)

- Clinical Trials

- Basic Epidemiology

- Robust Statistical Methods

Terms 2 and 3:

Students take a total of five modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which can only be taken after consultation with the course director.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:

Generalised Linear Models (compulsory)

- Slot 2:

Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (compulsory)

- Slot 3:

Analysis of Hierarchical & Other Dependent Data*

Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases

Modelling & the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases

Social Epidemiology

- Slot 4:

Survival Analysis and Bayesian Statistics (compulsory)

- Slot 5:

Advanced Statistical Modelling*

Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*

Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/module-specifications

Project Report

During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project, for submission by early September. This usually consists of analysing a set of data and writing a report, but methodological research can also be undertaken.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msms.html#sixth

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Study the ethical and legal issues that arise in medical and healthcare practice, and produce a significant piece of independent research work in your Major Project.

Overview

Medical law and ethics is a fascinating field of study as advances in research and new technologies shift the boundaries of medicine. New health issues are continually emerging and patient rights are increasingly taking centre stage. Complex medico-legal dilemmas are arising in healthcare practice and in the relationships between patients and healthcare professionals. You’ll find that many of the issues we cover on this course are highly topical.

Over the course of two years, you’ll explore the moral problems faced by medical and healthcare professionals, learn about issues that may raise legal liability in these areas, and reflect upon the legal, social and ethical context in which healthcare law is situated.

Our optional modules will allow you to tailor the course to your own particular interests. You’ll be able to explore these in greater depth in your Major Project, by undertaking a significant piece of independent research in your chosen topic.

You’ll benefit from working with students from medical, healthcare and legal backgrounds who will bring different experiences and viewpoints to the subject.

Delivered in short, intensive blocks of teaching, this part-time course is accessible to busy medical and legal professionals. It's taught jointly by staff from by Anglia Law School and our Faculty of Medical Science, reflecting its inter-professional ethos.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/part-time/medical-law-and-ethics

Careers

If you’re working in the medical or healthcare fields and want to move into a more senior position, our course will help to enhance your CV. By developing specialist academic expertise in the field of medical law you’ll broaden your knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical context in which you work.

Our course will also provide a sound basis for continuing your studies at PhD level, particularly if you have a law degree.

Modules & assessment

Year one, core modules:
Applied Ethics in the Medical and Healthcare Context
Medical and Healthcare Law

Year two, core modules:
Major Project

Year two, optional modules:
Integrated Governance and Compliance Frameworks in Healthcare Communities
Legal and Ethical Issues Throughout Life
Medical Law and Ethics in the Care of Older People

Assessment

You’ll show your understanding of the modules through written coursework. Meanwhile, the Major Project will let you draw on your own professional background and/or personal interests to produce an original, extended piece of writing.

Where you'll study

Whether you aim to work in the creative industries or the social sciences, the legal profession or public service, the Faculty of Arts, Law & Social Sciences will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for professional life.

Our lively, diverse community and ambitious academic environment will broaden your horizons and help you develop your full potential - many of our courses give you the chance to learn another language, study abroad or undertake work placements as you study.

If you’re interested in art, music, drama or film, check out our packed programme of events. Together with our partners in the creative and cultural industries, we’re always working to enrich the cultural life of the university and the wider community.

Our research is groundbreaking and internationally recognised, with real social impact. We support the Cultures of the Digital Economy Research Institute (CoDE), whose projects include interactive music apps and documenting lifesaving childbirth procedures, as well as nine international research clusters, such as the Centre for Children's Book Studies and the Labour History Research Unit.

In the Research Excellence Framework 2014, six of our subject areas were awarded world-leading status: Law; Art and Design; English Language and Literature, Communication, Cultural and Media Studies; History; Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts.

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The Pharmacology and Drug Discovery MSc course has been designed to react to the increasing demand for suitably trained professional pharmacologists. This is essential to speed up the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into commercially-ready medical biotechnology and drugs that can be used to diagnose and treat patients.

The Pharmacology and Drug Discovery course also encompasses an emerging area of science that is known as ‘Translational Medicine’ and needs a new breed of Pharmacologist who can apply basic science knowledge and skills to experimental study design, management and data analysis, and who understands the legislation and other regulatory procedures surrounding disease treatment.

The course will also cover relevant biotechnical innovations associated with pharmacology and drug discovery, as well as both classical clinical trial design and health-outcomes research.

Our course is designed to provide such specialists by applying basic and clinical science to topics including diagnosis, understanding and treatment of disease, supported by our excellent staff, research expertise and laboratory facilities.

The MSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Professional Experience, is an extended full-time Masters programme with a substantive professional experience component. Within the professional experience modules, students have the option of undertaking an internship with a host organisation or, alternatively, campus-based professional experience.

Internships are subject to a competitive application and selection process and the host organisation may include the University. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and this will depend on what is being offered and agreed with the host organisation. Students who do not wish to undertake an internship or are not successful in securing an internship will undertake campus-based professional experience, which will deliver similar learning outcomes through supervised projects and activities designed to offer students the opportunity to integrate theory with an understanding of professional practice.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

-Strong links with the pharmaceutical industry
-Emphasis on vocational skills development
-Excellent preparation for a wide range of careers in extensive and varied health industry
-Hands-on experience of a wide range of research methods in well-equipped laboratories
-Innovative curriculum combining basic and clinical sciences
-High levels of employability on graduation

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The pharmacology and drug discovery postgraduate programme is composed of a combination of modules depending on whether you undertake the PgDip or Masters programme of study and includes the following:
-Research methods and project
-Pharmaceutical discoveries
-Advanced pharmacology and drug discovery and development
-Genomes and DNA technology
-Biotechnology in the diagnosis of disease
-Current topics in biotechnology and drug discovery

The course is designed for a national and international audience.

Additionally, the understanding gained from these modules will be demonstrated and applied in either the University-based project (12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, on course HLST088), or the professional experience modules, giving students the option of undertaking an internship with a host organisation or, alternatively, campus-based professional experience.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

The PgDip/MSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery programme is specifically designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required for a career within the Pharmacology and drug development arena and there are many opportunities, both the UK and internationally.

A large number of Pharmacologists are employed by companies in the pharmaceutical industry, where they are involved in discovering and developing drugs and carrying out clinical trials. Pharmacologists may also work for contract research organisations (CROs) or academic departments within universities on research projects.

There are also opportunities within government laboratories (including environmental agencies), charity-funded research organisations, such as the Medical Research Council (MRC), and with other research institutes. The scientific knowledge and skills students will acquire during the course can also be a useful basis for a career in teaching; technical and scientific writing (such as medical writing or writing for the media); clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services, regulatory affairs or sales and marketing.

A wide range of job opportunities exist, including:
-Clinical research manager
-Clinical scientist
-Human resources manager
-Patent attorney
-Pharmacologist
-Project manager/director
-Public relations officer
-Regulatory affairs associate
-Research scientist
-Sales representative
-Medical writer

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

Centre for Global Engagement logoTo prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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Medical Life Sciences is an English-taught two-year Master’s programme in molecular disease research and bridges the gap between the sciences and medical studies. You will get to know clinical research from scratch; you will learn how to investigate diseases/disease mechanisms both in ancient and contemporary populations, how to translate research results into prevention, diagnosis and therapies of diseases.
From the basics of medical science to lab experiments for the Master’s thesis, individual scientific training takes first priority. Experimental work in state-of-the-art research labs is essential in Medical Life Sciences; clinical internships, data analysis, lectures, seminars and electives complement the Medical Life Sciences curriculum.
Evolutionary biology will train you in thinking from cause to consequence. Molecular paleopathology and ancient DNA research tell you a lot about disease through human history. These insights help to fight disease today, which is why evolutionary medicine is becoming a cutting-edge research field. Whether you want to focus on ancient populations and paleopathology or on specific disease indications nowadays, here you get the tools and skills to do both.
To lay the foundation for working in medical research, Medical Life Sciences includes courses on clinical manifestations of diseases, molecular pathology and immunology. Hands-on courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical cell biology, medical statistics, and human genetics broaden your knowledge and make the interfaces between medicine and the sciences visible. You will learn how to acquire knowledge, verify and use it.. That biomedicine has many facets to discover is the great thing that keeps students fascinated and well-equipped for finding a job in academia or the industry.

Focus Areas

From the second semester, you additionally specialise in one of the following focus areas:

INFLAMMATION takes you deep into the molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammatory diseases, the causal network between inflammatory processes and disease, genetics and environment. New research results for prevention, diagnosis and therapy will be presented and discussed. An internship in specialised clinics helps to see how “bed to bench side”, i.e. translational medicine, works.

EVOLUTIONARY MEDICINE looks at how interrelations between humans and their environment have led to current disease susceptibility. Why do we suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity? Is our lifestyle making us sick? Why are certain genetic variants maintained in populations despite their disease risk? Evolutionary medicine focuses on bridging the gap between evolutionary biology and medicine by considering the evolutionary origins of common diseases to help find new biomedical approaches for preventing and treating them.

ONCOLOGY delves deep into molecular research on malignant diseases, the interplay of genetics and environment, cell biology of tumours, and many other aspects. You will achieve a better understanding of unresolved problems and opportunities of current research approaches.

LONGEVITY focuses on molecular mechanisms that seem to counteract the detrimental effect of ageing. The disease resilience and metabolic stability of extraordinarily fit people well over 90 years of age are of special interest. This research is complemented by experiments on model organisms. You will also look at the molecular pathways of ageing, and which role genes and the environment play. How the intricate web of counteracting effects triggering ageing and/or longevity works stands as the central focus of this area.

Scientists and clinicians will make you familiar with these topics in lectures and seminars. You will discuss different research approaches, perspectives and the latest developments in medical research. Lab practicals in state-of-the-art research labs, a lab project, and the experimental Master's thesis will provide ample opportunity to be involved in real-time research projects.

Electives

To widen your perspective, you choose one of three electives designed to complement the focus areas. The schedules are designed so that you can take part in more than one elective if places are available. Tracing Disease through Time looks at disease etiology by analysing biomolecules, diets and pathogens in archaeological specimens. You may opt for Epidemiology to immerse yourself in epidemiological approaches with special emphasis on cardiovascular diseases, one of the greatest health threats in modern societies. Another option is Molecular Imaging, which gives you insight into the world of high-tech imaging in medical research.

Additional electives such as Neurology, Tissue Engineering or Epithelial Barrier Functions and Soft Skills courses such as Project Management, Career Orientation and English Scientific Writing are integrated into the curriculum.

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The new MA in Medical History and Humanities is run jointly between the Departments of History and English. The curriculum is directly informed by cutting-edge international research and scholarship that spans the fields of medical history, literature, sociology, philosophy, health sciences and policy. Students will have the opportunity to explore historical, literary, social and cultural understandings of illness and health, general well-being, public health and the history of medicine, as well as the links between history, the humanities and policy.

The MA brings together students and colleagues working across different disciplines, periods and geographical regions to offer a distinctively international and inter-disciplinary perspective on medical history and humanities. It draws on existing expertise in both departments, including the Wellcome Trust-supported Centre for Global Health Histories, which is the WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Health Histories and is based in the Humanities Research Centre. This allows our students and post-doctoral scholars to benefit from established connections with the scholarly networks associated to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Histories Initiative, as well as medical history and humanities programmes worldwide, including countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Singapore, France, Chile, South Africa and the USA.

Programme of Study

The programme consists of four taught modules (20 credits each) and a dissertation of up to 20,000 words (100 credits). For students registered for full-time study they are organised across the academic year as follows:

Autumn Term (October-December)
All students take the core module, ‘Critical Studies in History, Humanities & Wider Interdisciplinarity’. The module, taught by weekly seminar, introduces students to the key concepts, methods and debates in medical history and humanities. It is taught by a variety of different staff members to allow students to engage with these questions from different disciplinary perspectives. In addition, students select an option module from a long list of possible areas in medical history and humanities and beyond.
-Core Module: Critical Studies in History, Humanities & Wider Interdisciplinarity
-Option Module 1
-Research Training (taught content)

Spring Term (January-March)
Students choose two optional modules. They can choose from a long list of modules in the areas of medical history and humanities but they may also follow up other research interests.
-Option Module 2
-Option Module 3
-Research Training (independent writing of dissertation proposal

Summer Term and Summer Vacation (April-September)
During the Summer Term and over the Vacation, all students will write a research dissertation of up to 20,000 words on a subject of their own choosing and under the supervision of a member of staff, and submitted at the end of the academic year. Students receive advice about topics, research skills and instruction in bibliography, plus additional specialist advice and guidance from a supervisor.

Part-time Students
Students registered for part-time study over two years take the Medical History and Humanities core module in their first autumn term plus an option in the Spring Term of their first year. This is followed by two more option modules in their second Autumn and Spring Terms respectively, with the planning, research, and writing of their dissertation spread over the two years of their registration.

Internships

The MA programme provides unique insights into health and medical policy (the Centre for Global Health Histories at York is the WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Health Histories). Students will have the opportunity to better understand the links between health and social and economic development, as well as cross-cultural policy-making, in certain optional modules. If they wish, they can also develop applications with the help of the course convenors at the end of their MA studies to take up an internship that will support select World Health Organization departments based around the world (this is dependent on WHO requirements at the point of application).

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Your programme of study

If you want to develop your career in academic research within a medical environment and you need the research methodology to do this, Medical Research Skills will enable you to provide wide ranging research techniques to not only improve and widen your career and employability, but make a name for yourself within your chosen field of expertise. You can also undertake medical research toward spin-out innovation as a direct result of your research within a university environment after graduating. The PG Cert is and ideal start to ensuring you are equipped with plenty of research breadth and ideal if you are studying within Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Moray and possibly in most of Scotland to fit around your medical work. The course is available over 24 months part time.  

You learn by self directed learning and practical classes using real life examples to ensure multidisciplinary learning, exposure to leading academics and clinical experts to provide rigour in your research, and insight into actual situations in a clinical environment. You get opportunities to network and attend seminars and events run by the medical school.

This programme will provide training in generic research skills within a clinical context. The rationale is to equip Aberdeen AFP doctors with fundamental research skills that will enable them to pursue a clinical academic career. Clinical academia is a strongly competitive environment. Thus the need for doctors to have a keen and active interest, along with the appropriate research training and portfolio, has never been greater. The University of Aberdeen College of Life Sciences and Medicine recognises this and is offering this unique opportunity to further develop your clinical academic profile and standing.

Courses listed for the programme

Year 1

Research Skills

Year 2

Research Skills and Scientific Writing

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

Why study at Aberdeen?

• This is the first programme of its kind in the UK to provide generic research skills in a clinical context
• You will be taught by renowned researchers with full medical and research careers in one of the top 10 medical schools in the UK
• You gain access to valuable research networks and opportunities whilst you learn

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Part Time
• 24 months
• September start

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

Your Accommodation

• Catered Accommodation
• Self-Catering     

Campus Facilities

• University of Aberdeen: A Global Community
• University of Aberdeen: We are international
• Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies
• Sport
• Societies
• Review

Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs

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Overview
Advances in molecular biology have enabled major developments in biotechnology which in turn has lead to huge advances in medicine, molecular biology and industry. Students choosing this MSc degree will enjoy a comprehensive course that covers the key aspects of practical and theoretical medically-related molecular biology, developing advanced skills in this area.

Description
The course is composed of a modular 120-credit taught component and a 60-credit research project and dissertation. The taught component covers a broad range of medical molecular topics and techniques and includes thorough laboratory training. The course is run in conjuncture with our School of Medicine to ensure that students gain a broad view of modern molecular biology and laboratory techniques.

Overseas Students
A two-year course aimed at students from non-European Union countries who come to the UK requiring pre-MSc level training in English language and basic pre-MSc molecular biology. The first year of this course will bring students up to a level where they will be capable of studying for a full MSc degree and it will develop English language skills to the minimum level required for MSc level learning. Year one will be run in conjunction with ELCOS (English Language Courses for Overseas Students). Students can obtain the minimal English certification for MSc entry.

Module list (1st year of English-life sciences modules)
The English language content and life sciences teaching are integrated to enable students to undertake MSc level life-sciences modules through the medium of English

Life-sciences for none native English speakers - 50 credits
Academic Writing & Grammar
Speaking & Listening
Ad.Vocabulary Use & Reading
Near Native English 1
Near Native English 2

Modules list: (for first year of 1 year course and 2nd year of 2 year course)

Semester 1
Molecular and Medical Techniques
Techniques of molecular biology and biotechnology
Medical microbes viruses and parasites
Development, cancer and the human body
Genomes and Genetics
IT skills for medical and molecular research

Semester2
Project preparation course
Medical Biotechnology
Cellular causes of disease
Biomarkers in autoimmunity

Summer term
Research Project (Experimental research into a medical/molecular or genetics research topic)

Aims and Objectives
* Provide an excellent grounding in laboratory techniques and a critical approach to research planning and implementation.
* Develop understanding of molecular biology and the molecular basis of disease.
* Develop transferable skills, including their ability to work as a member of a team, and communicate in scientific writing and speech.
* Provide the opportunity for students to gain and enhance skills required by research organisations and biotechnology companies.
*Provide the ability to attain a level required to carry out research for a higher degree (PhD) in medical molecular and related areas.

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Why study this course?

- Support for developing a portfolio career
- Ideal for stepping-up as a leader, educator or researcher

The MSc in Medical Leadership, Education and Research is designed to put you, as a doctor, at the centre of shaping your career. It is a practical and supportive leadership course for doctors. A framework is provided which enables you to develop your own area of interest and supports you with implementing an improvement project, in addition to learning about teaching and research. It will enable you to become a more able clinician, more patient-centred and more able to influence service delivery for patient benefit.

*formerly known as the MSc in Medical Leadership and Advanced Professional Skills

- Run in partnership with both Primary and Secondary Care Medics from Health Education England in the East Midlands
- Creates a forum for discussion across medical specialties
- Part-time and uses a mix of study days and distance-learning to enable you to work whilst studying
- Flexible options to undertake a postgraduate certificate / diploma or MSc. Extensive tutor support and feedback on your assessments
- Reciprocal arrangement with the Postgraduate Medical Education Certificate if you wish to qualify as a trainer

Attendance dates

All the study days are Wednesdays and are from 10am until 5pm. There are 7 attendance days in the first year, 7 in the second and 3 in the third.

Course modules

The modules build up your skills in leadership, research, teaching and quality improvement in a blended manner as you develop and progress through the programme.

Leadership - personal development skills of mastery, reflection, time and stress management, vision, active listening, communication skills, leadership theory, strategy development, managing change and presentation skills.

Research - analytical thinking, literature searching, interviewing skills, critical appraisal of research papers, qualitative research and analysis skills, quantitative research and analysis skills, research ethics, research presentation skills, conducting a research project, writing for a dissertation and publication skills.

Teaching - developing your own PDP and portfolio, reflection, communication, learning theory, mentoring and educational assessment.

Service Improvement - communication and competency mapping, stakeholder and patient engagement, health policy, designing, evaluating and conducting a Quality Improvement project using QI tools.

Teaching and assessment

The course is taught by a mix of attendance at the university and distance learning.

Attendance is required at six study days in year 1, five in year 2 and three in year 3. Students are also expected to commit to 6 hours a week self-study plus their 2 hours work time allocated for CPD a week, during semester times (2 x 18 week semesters per year).

Industry links and professional accreditation

Doctors who complete the PG Diploma in Medical Leadership, Education and Research maybe exempted from part of PG Certificate in Medical Education to qualify as a trainer.

How to apply

Please e-mail the course leader Dr Josie Solomon - [email protected] and the admissions administrator Katy Wright [email protected]. We will then guide you through the following process:

a) Complete an online application
b) Obtain a reference from your line manager at work, in e-mail format from a work e-mail address, that states that your organization will support you in undertaking the course by allowing you study leave to attend the compulsory study days at the University (as specified above) and confirming that you are employed in a patient-facing role as a doctor.
c) Scan copies of your GMC registration details and all degree certificates
d) Provide details of how you will be funded - either a declaration that you are self-funding or confirmation from your employer that they will fund the course.

Please complete your on-line application form (a) as soon as possible as places are limited.

Please send the other documents (b, c and d) by e-mail to [email protected] and clearly mark the subject of your e-mail as MLAPS or MSc in Medical Leadership and Advanced Professional Skills.

Contact details

For further information please contact:
Dr Josie Solomon, course leader
E: [email protected]
T: 0116 207 8128

Katy Wright admissions team
E: [email protected]

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Sunderland is the only university in the north of England to offer an Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) that is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Course overview

Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is designed for those who are qualified pharmacists outside the European Economic Area and who are now looking to become registered pharmacists in the UK.

Our course is one of a small number of courses that are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Their accreditation is based on quality reviews that ensure Sunderland is meeting the required standards.

Completing the OSPAP postgraduate diploma allows for entry to the next stages of registering as a pharmacist in the UK: firstly, 52 weeks of supervised training in employment; secondly, a registration assessment.

Once all these stages are successfully completed, and assuming you have the necessary visa and work permit, you would be in a position to apply for roles as a practising pharmacist in the UK. There is virtually no unemployment of registered pharmacists in the UK.

You can also apply to undertake a Masters research project in addition to your postgraduate diploma. Pharmacy is a particular area of strength at the University of Sunderland and our Department has been teaching the subject since 1921.

Course content

The content of this course reflects the accreditation requirements of the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Modules on the course include:
-Pharmacy, Law, Ethics and Practice (60 Credits)
-Clinical Therapeutics (60 Credits)
-Research Methods for Pharmaceutical Practice and Masters Research Project (60 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, debate sessions, online learning packages, tutorials and seminars.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. Assessment methods include end-of-year examinations, practical assessments as well as assignments throughout the year.

Facilities & location

This course is based in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts multi-disciplinary laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.

Facilities for Pharmaceutics
We have pharmaceutical-related equipment for wet granulation, spray drying, capsule filling, tablet making, mixing inhalation, film coating and freeze drying.

As well as standard pharmacopoeial test methods, such as dissolution testing, friability and disintegration, we also offer highly sophisticated test methods. These include rheometry, thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy), tests for powder flow, laser diffraction, photon correlation spectroscopy, image analysis and laser confocal microscopy.

Facilities for Medicinal Chemistry
Our state-of-the-art spectroscopic facility allows us to confirm the structures of new molecules that could be potential pharmaceutical products and to investigate the structures of potential medicinal substances that have been isolated from plants.

We are equipped with Liquid Chromatography-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy (LCNMR/MS) platforms; this is an exceptional facility for a university. We also have low and high resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis equipment.

Our facilities allow you to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and infra-red spectroscopy, which are of great importance in determining both ionic/metal content of pharmaceuticals and simple chemical structures.

You will also gain experience of revolutionary protein and DNA separation techniques, as well as Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography for separating unknown chemical mixtures.

Facilities for Pharmacology
Our highly technical apparatus will give you first-hand experience of the principles of drug action and the effects of drugs on pharmacological and cellular models. As a result, you gain a better understanding of the effects of drugs on specific receptors located throughout the human body and related physiological effects.

Simulation technology
You’ll have the opportunity to apply your training in a realistic setting with our two advanced simulation technology ‘SimMan’ models.
Each of our £57,000 SimMan mannequins has blood pressure, a pulse and other realistic physiological behaviour. The models can be pre-programmed with various medical scenarios, so you can demonstrate your pharmacological expertise in a realistic yet safe setting. Our academic team is also actively working with the SimMan manufacturers to develop new pharmacy simulations.

Pharmacy Practice
One of the most important skills of pharmacists is to communicate their expertise in a manner that the public can understand and accept.

The University has invested in a purpose-built model pharmacy complete with consultation suite. This allows you to develop skills in helping patients take the correct medicine in the right way, with optional video recording of your interaction with patients for the purposes of analysis and improvement.

In addition, we can accurately simulate hospital-based scenarios in a fully equipped ward environment where medical, nursing and pharmacy students can share learning.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on pharmaceutical and biomedical science, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

Some of the most important sources for your studies include:
-Embase, which is a complex database covering drug research, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, clinical and experimental human medicine, health policy and management, public health, occupational health, environmental health, drug dependence and abuse, psychiatry, forensic medicine and biomedical engineering/instrumentation
-PubMed, which contains life science journals, online books and abstracts that cover fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care
-Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
-Web of Science, which covers a broad range of science areas

Learning Environment
Sunderland Pharmacy School has a rich heritage in scientific studies and our degree courses are extremely well respected in the industry. We are fully plugged into relevant medical and pharmaceutical industry bodies, with strong links and an exchange of ideas and people. Our vibrant learning environment helps ensure a steady stream of well-trained pharmacists whose most important concern is patient-centred pharmaceutical care.

Employment & careers

On completing this course you can register and practise in the UK as a qualified pharmacist. An entry-level pharmacist usually starts within Band 5 of the NHS pay rates (up to around £28,000). Advanced pharmacists, consultants, team managers and managers of pharmaceutical services are rated as Bands 8-9 and can earn up to £99,000. Currently there is virtually no unemployment of qualified pharmacists. Typical starting salaries for community pharmacists range from £21,000 to £35,000 depending on location, conditions of employment and experience.

Most pharmacists work in the following areas:
Community pharmacy: this involves working in pharmacies on high streets or in large stores. You will dispense prescriptions, deal with minor ailments, advise on the use of medicines and liaise with other health professionals.

Hospital pharmacy: this involves the purchasing, dispensing, quality testing and supply of medicines used in hospitals.

Primary care: this involves working in General Practice surgeries, either as an employee of the Practice or the Primary Care Trust. Roles include Medicines Management Pharmacists, who are responsible for prescribing budgets and the development of prescribing directives.

Secondary care: this involves working in hospitals to supply medicines, manage clinics, provide drug information and prescribe medicines.

Industrial pharmacists are involved in areas such as Research & Development, Quality Assurance and product registration.
Research degrees can be undertaken in many aspects of pharmacy. Sunderland Pharmacy School offers excellent facilities and a wide range of research expertise.

You can also work in areas of the pharmaceutical industry, medical writing and in education. By completing a Masters project in addition to your OSPAP postgraduate diploma it will enhance opportunities in academic roles or further study towards a PhD.

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Developments in medical research coupled with advances in technologies mean the boundaries of medicine are constantly changing. This innovative practice-based distance learning course has been designed to meet the distinct needs of healthcare professionals, legal practitioners and other professionals who are required to provide advice on medico-legal issues.

Combining a practical approach with an in-depth study of Medical Law you will develop legal knowledge, legal application and critical analysis skills as well as the professional and reflective skills necessary for practice.

The linked structure of the course gives you maximum flexibility in your studies. The PG Cert is the first stage award; you can either exit at this stage or progress to the PG Dip and LLM.

Please note, optional module choices will be grouped and will run in designated blocks, meaning some module combinations will not be possible. Although every effort is made to ensure that these modules are offered, there may be occasions, for example due to staff sabbaticals, where a module may not be offered or module running order may change.

Learn From The Best

When you choose Northumbria’s Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Law you will learn from inspirational academics that have a real passion for their subject.

You will develop your intellectual skills through modules that have has been designed with input from the sector and shaped by internationally excellent research to ensure the content is up-to-date and relevant. Lecturers have research expertise and practice-based experience in the areas of clinical negligence and consent, confidentiality, mental health, expert evidence, and employment.

The course is delivered by Northumbria Law School, three times winners of the prestigious “Best Law School” accolade, awarded by the Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards.

Teaching And Assessment

In response to specific requests from healthcare professionals, the core modules of Clinical Negligence, Treatment: Consent and Patients’ Rights and Legal Research are designed to develop your skills and align your knowledge of medical law to current practice in the sector. Optional modules give you the opportunity to focus in on areas of the law that are most relevant to your career aspirations. All modules are taught from a practical viewpoint, enabling you to understand and apply the relevant law.

As a distance learning course, we focus heavily on reflective practice, placing you at the centre of the learning process. Assessment, both formative and summative, forms an integral part of the learning experience. Formative assessment includes self-test questions, group discussion, informal peer assessment and non-assessed exercises. The main summative assessment method is individual assignment to encourage a deep learning and a critical approach to learning.

Module Outline
LW7003 - Legal Research (Core, 20 Credits)
LW7021 - Clinical Negligence (Core, 20 Credits)
LW7022 - Treatment: Consent and Patients' Rights (Core, 20 Credits)

Learning Environment

Technology Enhanced Learning (‘TEL’) is an integral part of this innovative distance learning course. The eLearning portal provides access to detailed learning materials including lecture materials, study notes, discussion boards, virtual classrooms, self-evaluative tasks and opportunities to engage with your tutor and fellow students.

We offer optional study days in the Law School to help distance learning students get the best out of the course. Panopto software will be used to record teaching activity taking place on study days and the footage will be made available online.

Research-Rich Learning

Research is embedded throughout the course, and you will encounter all quadrants of research rich learning: research-tutored, research-led, research-based, and research-orientated. Starting with Legal Research, you will be exposed to a variety of research-informed experiences within subject modules.

Law School research focuses on the areas of Law and Society, Legal Education and Professional Skills, and the Centre for Evidence and Criminal Justice Studies. These internationally recognised groups act as a focus for research activity across the Law School, and their work feeds into taught courses to ensure the course content is informed by research developments in the sector.

Give Your Career An Edge

As well as enhancing your understanding of medical law, the Postgraduate Certificate enables you to apply the skills, knowledge, understanding and research from this course to common problems you are likely to experience in a working environment. Combining research-informed learning with a practical focus on medical law, you will develop skills in commercial awareness; clear and concise writing; informed decision-making; using feedback to improve performance; and resilience in combining distance learning study with job commitments.

You also have access to specialist careers support within the Law School, including employer engagement sessions.

Your Future

The course is relevant to a range of professions and whether lawyer, medic or manager, the Postgraduate Certificate will equip you with expert knowledge and theory in your chosen field along with critical, analytical, research and wider transferable skills. You will be able to recognise uncertainty in the law, to produce and present reasoned arguments, to offer creative solutions to complex legal and ethical issues, and ultimately, to take the next step in your chosen field.

The nature of the course means that, on completion, the majority of graduates progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Law.

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