Our MSc Clinical Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine course is designed for doctors who are pursuing a career in rheumatology or a related subject.
You will cover topics including:
You will also gain an understanding of the principles of clinical research methods, including:
In addition, you will build the knowledge and skills you need to carry out and write up a piece of supervised research.
This course aims to:
We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars and demonstrations.
Find out more about postgraduate teaching and learning at Manchester.
Each unit is separately assessed by a written examination and, where appropriate, by a clinical examination. In addition, as part of the preparation for the research project, a Research Skills teaching day is run each year. Students who complete the units and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.
The course consists of six taught course units. Each course unit runs for six weeks, with the formal teaching elements of lectures, seminars and demonstrations concentrated on Thursdays.
Two course units are run in the first semester of each academic session and are examined in January, and one course unit is run in the second semester of each academic session and is examined in March.
Each course unit is separately assessed by a written examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) where appropriate.
The course also includes sessions on research skills and a supervised research project. Students who complete the course units and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.
Teaching will take place at various locations around Manchester, including:
The University also offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service
Some of our graduates have continued their studies and gone on to complete a PhD at The University of Manchester.
There is a wide variety of possible areas of research from the broad spectrum of musculoskeletal disease. The majority of clinical trainees use their knowledge to augment their clinical training and, as the curriculum aligns with the rheumatology core curriculum, this MSc provides the tools required to pass the Specialty Certificate Examination in Rheumatology .
The MSc qualification can also be a useful tool for international students to carry back to their home country.
The Rheumatology MSc,PG Dip course is a part-time study pathway that will develop your understanding of the scientific basis and clinical practice of Rheumatology. The course develops the capacity to understand and critically evaluate research findings, enhances communication and management skills and fosters a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care. You are encouraged to publish work in peer-reviewed rheumatology journals.
The course covers the clinical and basic knowledge base of rheumatology in a modular structure:
Students also undertake a research project.
Teaching
The Rheumatology MSc/PG Dip is a part-time course with 18 teaching days per annum. There are approximately 126 hours of taught contact with additional hours associated with assignment preparation, working with a supervisor and feedback. You are required to undertake compulsory NHS placements during the course. Additionally, there are revision seminars and workshops arranged, plus one-to-one support from a King's College academic.
You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. The taught component of the course is designed to be an introduction/overview to a large topic area. If you are studying at an MSc level, you will be expected to undertake further reading from a reading list and to have frequent contact with the Programme Director.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Guy’s and Denmark Hill campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the choice of modules offered at the time. Clinical education is arranged in work-based placements in a variety of settings primarily in the Greater London area, although some placements are based further afield in the South East of England.
Course accreditation
MSc pathway follows The Joint Royal College of Physicians Training Board Specialty Training Curriculum.
The majority of students continue to work in the NHS during study and use the programme for career development in the NHS.
This programme enables practitioners to gain a formally recognised standard of competence in their chosen area of Special Interest. It is taught and run by advanced clinicians, allied health professionals and service improvement specialists. It is designed for General Practitioners, Nurse Specialists and other medical professionals working in the specialty clinical environment.
There are four distinct versions of the Diploma, tailored to the following specialisms:
As a part-time diploma, this programme contains a large element of work-based learning. Attendance is only required for a total of eight study days on five separate occasions throughout the 18 months, so is accessible to students nationally.
This well established programme is delivered by The Ridge Training Ltd., as an external partner to the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford. This falls under the collaborative provision regulations, so although the Programmes are taught wholly by The Ridge, quality assurance and assessment are governed by the University of Bradford regulations.
The programme structure is specifically designed to encourage the development of the specialist practitioner role, by encouraging collaborative clinical work-based training between the practitioner and the clinical mentor. The issues of ethics and informed consent are an integrated part of the students’ daily practice, and it is implicit in all the modules that there is conformity to the usual standards and guidelines in these areas.
During the programme the emphasis is on critical thinking, reflective learning and the practice of evidence-based medicine. Students are enabled to directly apply their learning to their current and future roles.
Each module has a number of set learning outcomes, and it is up to you, together with your self-identified local clinical mentor, to identify your learning needs and generate the training plan to fulfil these learning outcomes. You will have a teaching day on the clinical content of each module, after which you will attend at least 14 sessions in suitable clinics of your choice over a period of 6 months (clinical attachment). At the end of this period you will have to demonstrate your competency in managing patients, and an ability to critically reflect on your own practice.
Any module can be selected as a standalone if students do not wish to complete the whole programme. On successful completion of their chosen modules students will be awarded a Certificate. Students who successfully complete all modules gain the Diploma, and will be able to progress to the MSc for Practitioners with Special Interest if they wish. Students who successfully complete the Diploma will have greater breadth of knowledge of cardiology than those who complete the Certificate.
Students will be learning at The Ridge premises, which are located at Cousen Road, Bradford. BD7 3JX.
This is a quality venue, well equipped and an easily accessible location.
Find out more on The Ridge website.
Access:
The Musculoskeletal Medicine with Rheumatology for Practitioners with a Special Interest version of the Diploma is endorsed by the Primary Care Rheumatology Society.
Each module is worth 30 level 7 credits; this nominally equates to 300 hours of work.
120 credits are required to achieve Diploma level.
Certificate level can be achieved by completion of Applied Methodology plus one or two clinical modules.
Cardiology specialism
The British Cardiology Society accredit this programme
There are 3 clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
MSK with Rheumatology
The Primary Care Rheumatology Society (PCR) endorse this programme.
There are 3 clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Gynaecology
There are three clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Diabetes
There are three clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Students can access the extensive Study Support resources provided by the University.
See: Learning Resources
Further support offered by the University include:
Further programme specific support is provided:
Induction takes place on the first day of the teaching programme. Students are guided through an overview of their chosen programme and the Blackboard system, where all the relevant documents are placed.
The programme tutors and the programme co-ordinator are committed to supporting students as they progress. They provide advice and guidance for all students on all aspects of the course both academically, administratively and pastorally.
Students are able to access the programme co-ordinator and tutors via individual contact (face to face, email or telephone).
Students working at the MSc level are expected to liaise on a regular basis with their project supervisor.
We focus on research themes that have a direct impact on the quality of care.
Our research is locally and internationally significant, undertaken in collaboration with NHS and other partners.
The Podiatry MSc is for practising podiatrists wanting to build on their skills and knowledge, advance their professional practice, and earn a further professional and academic qualification.
The course helps you to develop your clinical and communication skills, and broaden your knowledge of podiatry and complementary specialties while earning a formal qualification.
A wide range of optional modules means you can create your own study programme to suit your professional or personal aspirations, and includes the opportunity to blend podiatry with related disciplines.
We are known for our flexible approaches to practice-based learning, with course durations and intensities that can be adapted to your individual needs and outside commitments.
The course is designed to fit around your existing practice hours. Week-long intensive study blocks allow attendance for students based in the UK, EU and internationally.
The University of Brighton developed and awarded the first degrees in podiatry in the UK and we have been recognised by podiatry's professional bodies for the standard of our teaching. You will have access to our excellent facilities including our own hospital, and Human Movement Laboratory.
Our expert lecturers are all active members of the SCP, ensuring that both the team and the curriculum stay up to date with podiatry policy and practice.
Our high quality teaching and research are renowned, and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in practice.
Students normally study three one-week modules each year, typically separated by eight to twelve weeks. You can choose all podiatry options or include interdisciplinary options which may require you to attend one day per week rather than the week-long study block structure of podiatry.
To be awarded the Podiatry MSc, you must successfully complete three compulsory modules, plus three options and a dissertation. Alternatively, you can study individual modules, being awarded a PGDip on completion of six modules, or a PGCert on completion of three specified modules.
The course is delivered in a variety of ways, typically via e-learning, lectures, seminars, simulation in our high-tech Human Movement Laboratory, and practice-based learning in our Leaf Hospital.
Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.
School of Health Sciences postgraduate education
This course is part of our School of Health Sciences postgraduate education programme. The programme allows you to sign up for one module at a time and build your qualification as you go. It also gives you access to interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects.
Plus a minimum of two core podiatry modules from:
Plus
Plus
Leaf Hospital
You will have access to the Leaf Hospital in Eastbourne, our own fully-staffed clinical facility, which offers a podiatry service and a private practice physiotherapy service. This gives you a further opportunity to gain practical experience treating patients throughout your degree.
The Leaf Hospital has two main clinics and three further consulting rooms, allowing up to 28 patients to be seen at any one time. Clinical practice is supported by a complete range of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including gait analysis, imaging and more.
You will benefit from use of the orthotics department, where you will produce high quality orthotics and insoles for patients as part of the practical element of your course.
On the first floor there is a fully equipped operating theatre for minor surgical procedures and a human anatomy lab where you will study prosection and take part in lower limb dissection.
Human Movement Laboratory
The Human Movement Laboratory is used widely by our physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry students, and is also used for commercial consultancy.
In the lab you will use the latest technology to measure and assess all aspects of human movement, joints, muscles, soft tissue structure and nerves. The laboratory has equipment for conducting cardio-pulmonary investigations including Cosmed metabolic system and spirometry.
Masters-level education is an important component of advanced and specialist practice. It allows you greater autonomy and to accelerate personal and professional development or promotion in your practice.
Feedback from students who have completed this course shows that they have progressed their careers in management and education, to higher levels of study and clinical specialisation.
Completion of the Podiatry MSc will also prepare you for further study at MPhil and PhD level if you wish to continue pursuing an academic path.
This programme in Child Health reflects the need for the NHS to deliver basic academic training in paediatrics to all trainees in Scotland, and to formally cover the level 2 Framework of Competencies for Training in Paediatrics outlined by the accrediting body, Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health (RCPCH).
The Certificate is a mix of online and face-to-face teaching. Twenty 6-hour days of face-to-face teaching are delivered through the academic year, and these are supplemented by online lectures, formative exercises and compulsory reading. This allows a collegiate atmosphere to develop with less disruption to clinical experience. This certificate course will reward the trainees 60 units of credit on completion.
The content is split into five compulsory sections
A trainee must take all sections spanning a maximum of four academic years but typically over two years although some trainees will manage to complete all section during one academic year.
This fully accredited PG Certificate course allows established healthcare clinicians working in the field of musculoskeletal and sports medicine to combine learning in the workplace with a recognised postgraduate qualification.
Our first intake included consultants from A&E departments and a range of clinicians from fields such as physiotherapy, sonography and podiatry.
The course is also aimed at healthcare professionals within the fields of orthopaedics, osteopathy, rheumatology, and sports medicine.
In the UK, there is a national shortage of sonographers, hence the need to involve other health professionals in this area of musculoskeletal ultrasound training.
The use of ultrasound is becoming an increasingly popular and cost effective adjunct to MRI scans.
The course is sponsored by BK Medical, who provide the relevant diagnostic equipment.
This course is suitable for physiotherapists, GPs, doctors, occupational therapists, podiatrists, nurses and other allied Health professionals working in orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurological and musculoskeletal patient management. It brings together the theory, practice, evidence, safety, ethical and legal aspects of injection therapy that enhances interdisciplinary working, professional development and reflective practice.
Routes are offered for both neurological injection (botulinum toxin) and joint and soft tissue injection (steroid injections). There are some joint sessions as well as both subject specialist theory and practical sessions with experienced, clinically based tutors to guide and support you throughout.
Course content includes:
The course runs over 5 taught days with a three-day block and a two-day block to facilitate easier release from work.
Most of the students completing this course are current NHS employees. We work closely with local NHS Trusts to support training and development and SLA funding is available through the CPD agreement. Please ask your manager for details if you are an employee of a local NHS Trust.
There is currently no legal obligation to have completed a specific training programme to practice injection therapy as an AHP. However, it is considered to be good practice by the relevant regulatory bodies to have a formal qualification such as this, which demonstrates good theoretical knowledge , practical skill and ability to consider best practice through evaluation of the evidence base for injection therapy practice.
The course is delivered in both the classroom and specialist practical teaching rooms.
There are two assessments for this course. The first requires 10 injections which are assessed and signed off by your nominated mentor in practice as well as a reflective case based assignment (3000 words).
