Masters Degrees (Sexual Health)

On this programme you’ll critically evaluate contemporary thinking and its impact upon sexual health knowledge and practice. Compulsory modules explore and evaluate the specific knowledge and skills required for the study of sexual health studies at Master’s level, evaluating underpinning philosophies and relationships which influence evidence-based practice, within sexual health and covering critical thinking, moral reasoning, professionalism and skills development. Optional modules are available providing you with choice and flexibility to meet individual practice and professional needs. The clinical modules on this course have been specifically designed to enable first level NMC Registered Practitioners to prepare to be able to undertake further professional qualifications including the Nurse Diploma from the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health (NDFSRH) and the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV STIF Competencies.

DBS CHECKS

This course will involve access to children and/or vulnerable adults. You will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB) and we will guide you through this process.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course has a blended delivery both in the classroom and via elearning; therefore potentially accessible to students in all parts of the world. It utilises web technology to deliver multimedia teaching materials and includes live interactive sessions on a regular basis. Online activities are supported by email contact with tutors and peer groups, message boarding and scheduled live personal tutorials.

The course will be conducted in spoken and written English. It offers postgraduate education for career development and continuing professional development.

Depending on choice of optional modules, assessment will include: essays, critical reflective account, written reports, project work, presentation of research proposal, oral presentations, clinical competency documentation, case studies, development of teaching materials, summary of recommendations for clinical practice, and a dissertation of 15,000 words.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The course is composed of modules of learning that, where possible, allow for individual choice and flexibility in learning. The MSc Sexual Health Studies programme is delivered on a part-time and full-time basis divided into nine modules.

Compulsory modules are designed within the programme to provide a core for the exploration and critical evaluation of the specific knowledge and skills required for the study of Sexual Health Studies at Master's level. Key theoretical concepts will include:
-A critical examination and evaluation of the knowledgebase and critical thinking that informs contemporary sexual health practice
-Evaluating underpinning philosophies and relationships which influence evidence-based practice, within sexual health
-Critical examination of the basis of knowledge and critical thinking that informs sexual health practice from a global perspective
-Moral reasoning as a critical thinking tool
-Professionalism and challenges to role and service development within the current political context of sexual health provision
-Skill development within the research process

Option modules may be selected from a range of modules at Level 7. These aim to provide choice and flexibility enabling students to meet individual practice and professional needs. Within the MSc Sexual Health Studies programme, students may be from a clinical or non-clinical background and may be employed within the NHS or alternative organisations.

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Are you concerned about helping people learn more about sexual health? Then why not become a specialist practitioner of sexual health advising? Our expert teaching staff will give you all the knowledge you need to enter the field, and practice placement opportunities will allow you to put what you learn to the test in a relevant setting. Thanks to excellent working partnerships with partner trusts and employers, you'll have a supportive learning environment in which to hone your skills to the proper level of proficiency. With many years of experience in teaching this course, you can be confident that we can develop you into a specialist sexual health advisor.

Course outline

We will prepare you for the role of Specialist Community Public Health Nurse within Sexual Health Advising, allowing you to register with the NMC. We'll give you a broad level of knowledge and skills in relation to public health, evidence-based practice, leadership, change management and collaborative working. You'll develop specialist knowledge and skills in aspects such as health assessment, clinical care and case management.

This course contains an even spread of theory and practice, which is facilitated by practice experience in an area specific to Sexual Health Advising. You can also take opportunities to gain alternative practice experience in other relevant settings during the course.

Graduate destinations

You will be able to work as a Sexual Health Advisor and eligible for registration on the NMC Nursing register in your named pathway. Additionally, if you opt to study NMLB 9001, you can apply to record this qualification as a V100 Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber.

Alternatively, you may wish to continue onto a Masters Degree. We recommend the MSc Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Practice, though you might also look at an MSc in Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care, Nursing or Primary Health Care.

Other admission requirements

You will be interviewed for selection for this programme. The interview panel may include trust staff, employers, mentors/practice teachers and university staff. During the interview you will be offered advice on the suitability of the award dependent on factors such as recency of prior learning, and your personal and professional development needs.

You will need support from a Primary Care Trust or your employer and be able to secure a placement in your chosen area of practice, with access to a Practice Teacher. You will need to have completed a Criminal Records Bureau clearance, and this will be checked prior to your commencement on the course.

International applicants can find out more about entry requirements on our dedicated webpages: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/international/

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If you want to focus your nursing skills towards becoming a sexual health advisor, then our course will give you everything you need to become a specialist practitioner. You'll take part in placement opportunities with settings relevant to sexual health, and gain knowledge from the experience of our expert teaching staff.

We have helped many people develop into specialist nurses over the many years we have run our courses - our high achievement rates are proof of that! You'll benefit from supportive learning environments provided by our excellent working relationships with partner trusts and employers. Hone your skills towards a new career as a sexual health advisor by training as a specialist practitioner on our rewarding course.

Course outline

We will prepare you for the role of Specialist Community Public Health Nurse within Sexual Health Advising, allowing you to register with the NMC. We'll give you a broad level of knowledge and skills in relation to public health, evidence-based practice, leadership, change management and collaborative working. You'll develop specialist knowledge and skills in aspects such as health assessment, clinical care and case management.

This course contains an even spread of theory and practice, which is facilitated by practice experience in an area specific to Sexual Health Advising. You can also take opportunities to gain alternative practice experience in other relevant settings during the course.

Graduate destinations

You will be able to work as a Sexual Health Advisor and eligible for registration on the NMC Nursing register in your named pathway. Additionally, if you opt to study NMLB 9001, you can apply to record this qualification as a V100 Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber.

Alternatively, you may wish to continue onto a Masters Degree. We recommend the MSc Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Practice, though you might also look at an MSc in Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care, Nursing or Primary Health Care.

Other admission requirements

You will be interviewed for selection for this programme. The interview panel may include trust staff, employers, mentors/practice teachers and university staff. During the interview you will be offered advice on the suitability of the award dependent on factors such as recency of prior learning, and your personal and professional development needs.

You will need support from a Primary Care Trust or your employer and be able to secure a placement in your chosen area of practice, with access to a Practice Teacher. You will need to have completed a Criminal Records Bureau clearance, and this will be checked prior to your commencement on the course.

International applicants can find out more about entry requirements on our dedicated webpages: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/international/

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This is Europe’s only graduate course in reproductive health research and is designed for those interested in acquiring the research skills necessary to conduct policy-relevant research into sexual and reproductive health. It provides a non-clinical foundation in family planning, obstetric health, AIDS and sexually-transmitted infections.

This Master's course is recognized by the ESRC as providing high quality research training and a small number of ESRC scholarships (including 1+3 scholarships) are available to UK or EU residents. These are advertised each year with the School scholarships information.

The curriculum has a focus on middle- and low-income settings but also provides excellent training in the principles and methods of research for high-income countries.

Careers

Graduates go into public health and reproductive health programmes, evaluation of family planning programmes, research for governmental and non-governmental agencies and university teaching.

Prize and awards

A prize is awarded each year to the student who has submitted the best project of the year for examination.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/rshr_progspec.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msrshr.html

Objectives

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

- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of evidence-based approaches to research of reproductive and sexual health issues

- critically assess and apply these research approaches to inform development, health and social welfare programmes

- demonstrate a good understanding of the socio-cultural, political and ethical issues surrounding reproductive and sexual health

- identify and address appropriate research questions in reproductive and sexual health, using methods from a range of public health disciplines

- carry out research activities to identify effective components of reproductive and sexual health services within programmes

Structure

Term 1:
Students take the following compulsory modules:

Basic Epidemiology
Foundations in Reproductive Health
Principles of Social Research
Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health

Further optional modules include:

Extended Epidemiology
Health Policy, Process & Power
Introduction to Health Economics
Population Studies

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). One module (in Slot 4) is compulsory.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:
Research Design & Analysis*
Designing Disease Control Programmes in Developing Countries
Health Care Evaluation
Health Promotion Approaches and Methods
Maternal & Child Nutrition
Sociological Approaches to Health

- Slot 2:
Family Planning Programmes*
Population, Poverty and Environment*
Conflict and Health
Design & Analysis of Epidemiological Studies
Qualitative Methodologies
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

- Slot 3:

Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections*
Current Issues in Safe Motherhood & Perinatal Health*
Social Epidemiology*
Medical Anthropology and Public Health

- Slot 4:
Sexual Health

- Slot 5:

AIDS*
Analysing Survey & Population Data*
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries
Proposal Development

A restricted number of modules may be taken by self-study, using electronic access teaching material.

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/trsh.html

Project Report:
During the summer months (July-August), students complete a research project. Acceptable types of project are: data analysis; a project proposal; an original literature or policy review.

Students normally remain in London for the preparation of their project report. Exceptionally, and only if appropriate, part of the project period may be spent away from the School, whether in the UK or abroad. Arrangements for this must be discussed and agreed with the Course Director.

Intercalating this course

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.

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

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This course is only available to students currently enrolled in the Master of Medicine (HIV, STIs and Sexual Health) and who meet the requirements for admission (see below).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are major public health concerns, with millions of adults and children becoming infected each year. Effective prevention, diagnosis, management and surveillance of HIV and STIs require a thorough understanding of issues such as microbiology, immunology, diagnostics, therapeutics, harm reduction strategies and program delivery.

This course provides comprehensive, evidence-based, inter-professional and research-intensive learning experiences that meets the needs of Australian and international students working in a range of disciplines related to HIV, STIs and Sexual Health. It also creates opportunities to seamlessly transition to research candidature.

This is one of the only programs offered in Australia for people who want to specialise in HIV, STIs and Sexual health.

Core units of study provide professionals with foundational competence in medicine, nursing, laboratory, counselling and public health streams. An additional wide range of electives creates opportunities for candidates to explore related areas of interest.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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This course is only available to students currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Medicine (HIV, STIs and Sexual Health) and who meet the requirements for admission (see below).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are major public health concerns, with millions of adults and children becoming infected each year. Effective prevention, diagnosis, management and surveillance of HIV and STIs require a thorough understanding of issues such as microbiology, immunology, diagnostics, therapeutics, harm reduction strategies and program delivery.

This course provides comprehensive, evidence-based, inter-professional and research-intensive learning experiences that meets the needs of Australian and international students working in a range of disciplines related to HIV, STIs and Sexual Health. It also creates opportunities to seamlessly transition to research candidature.

This is one of the only programs offered in Australia for people who want to specialise in HIV, STIs and Sexual health.

Core units of study provide professionals with foundational competence in medicine, nursing, laboratory, counselling and public health streams. An additional wide range of electives creates opportunities for candidates to explore related areas of interest.

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are major public health concerns, with millions of adults and children becoming infected each year. Effective prevention, diagnosis, management and surveillance of HIV and STIs require a thorough understanding of issues such as microbiology, immunology, diagnostics, therapeutics, harm reduction strategies and program delivery.

This course provides comprehensive, evidence-based, inter-professional and research-intensive learning experiences that meets the needs of Australian and international students working in a range of disciplines related to HIV, STIs and Sexual Health. It also creates opportunities to seamlessly transition to research candidature.

This is one of the only programs offered in Australia for people who want to specialise in HIV, STIs and Sexual health.

Core units of study provide professionals with foundational competence in medicine, nursing, laboratory, counselling and public health streams. An additional wide range of electives creates opportunities for candidates to explore related areas of interest.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are major public health concerns, with millions of adults and children becoming infected each year. Effective prevention, diagnosis, management and surveillance of HIV and STIs require a thorough understanding of issues such as microbiology, immunology, diagnostics, therapeutics, harm reduction strategies and program delivery.

This course provides comprehensive, evidence-based, inter-professional and research-intensive learning experiences that meets the needs of Australian and international students working in a range of disciplines related to HIV, STIs and Sexual Health. It also creates opportunities to seamlessly transition to research candidature.

This is one of the only programs offered in Australia for people who want to specialise in HIV, STIs and Sexual health.

Core units of study provide professionals with foundational competence in medicine, nursing, laboratory, counselling and public health streams. An additional wide range of electives creates opportunities for candidates to explore related areas of interest.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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MSc Health and Society Specialisation

If you are interested in solving societally relevant, complex health issues, then Wageningen is the place to be! In the specialisation Health and Society students become context-sensitive experts in the domains of science and health promotion. Health and Society studies the social and behavioural aspects of health and health promotion, but also other factors that affects health, for instance the organization of the food system and the interaction between individuals and the physical environment.

Programme summary

Health is a resource that enables people to lead an individually, socially and economically productive life. For many centuries, the care for individual and population health has been the domain of medical sciences. However, it is widely acknowledged that contemporary health problems are complex and cannot be solved by simply extending existing health services. Chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes are important contributors to the burden of disease; as are communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmittable diseases.

There is no single cause to such health problems. Biological factors aside, lifestyle and the social and physical environment are major contributors in both a positive and negative way. Many diseases are related to the way in which people behave and take care of their own health, for example, substance abuse (smoking, alcohol, drugs), nutrition, physical exercise, and sexual behaviour. Lifestyles are often rooted in the social environment of family and friends, the neighbourhood, and the school and working environment. Aspects of the physical environment also affect individual and population health including housing conditions, environmental pollution, the availability of green space, and the availability and accessibility of health services. Moreover, societal changes, such as demography (e.g. aging populations, single parent families), consumption patterns, communication technology developments, globalisation and commercialisation influence the health status of individuals and populations.

Since health is influenced by such a diversity of interconnected factors, the development of cross border public health policies is essential. Within the health care system, organisations and professionals have to increasingly work together in the provision of care, prevention and health promotion. The set-up of the programme reflects its focus on societal issues in the domain of health, health promotion and health care systems. The programme covers a niche in the Netherlands by primarily taking a sociological approach to this domain, centralising the link between health and human relationships. Here, human relationships are interaction patterns and dependencies both differing in nature, scope and intensity. In conjunction with this sociological approach, anthropological and social psychological approaches are key to the social scientific analysis of health within the program.

The study programme takes a comparative perspective with respect to the empowerment of individuals, communities and populations. In other words, to what degree do people have the (financial) means to arrange their lives and are they able to use facilities for health protection and health improvement. This way, emphasis is on the societal embedding of health and activities of health promotion in relation to social processes, structures and institutions. Together with sociology, the programme combines the domains communication science and health promotion but also includes perspectives from economics, management and public policy.

Specialisation

The Health and Society programme is already a specialisation. However, depending on education background and personal interests, the programme schedule may vary.

Your future career

The Health and Society study domain is becoming more and more relevant as a consequence of changing patterns in health problems and the factors influencing health. Policymakers are becoming more aware of the impact of health policy; and recent national and international policy documents have emphasised the importance of health promotion. The improvement and sustainability of acceptable levels of health remains a major challenge. This specialisation prepares you for careers as researchers, health promoters, health policy advisors or managers of health-oriented organisations.

Student Sofia Sutherland Borja.
Sofia comes from Chile where she finished her BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics. In her MSc internship at the Standing Committee on Nutrition at the United Nations in Geneva, she worked on policies related to Public Health Nutrition. “For me, this has been a great opportunity to experience at first-hand how nutrition promotion policies are developed, and also meet influential people in the field I’m passionate about. Health and Society was the perfect complement to my background in Nutrition and Dietetics, because I can now approach nutrition problems from both a medical and social perspective.”

Related programmes:
MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies
MSc International Development Studies
MSc Applied Communication Science
MSc Development and Rural Innovation

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This course is for health professionals and those interested in working in global health. The course will equip you to work at a senior level to promote the sexual and reproductive health and social wellbeing of people, especially those living in low and middle income countries, through the development of effective, contexualised sexual and reproductive health policies, services and interventions.

The course has been designed in response to the increasing need for personnel of governments, international health institutions and non-governmental organisations to be trained to support development in this key area. This course focuses on the social and political issues influencing sexual and reproductive health, with a special focus on low and middle income countries. It focuses on integration of theory and practice and enables you to draw on your experience, develop critical thinking skills and widen your perspective on current and historical sexual and reproductive health issues.

While taught sessions, tutorials and group work encourage participative learning, the self-directed learning associated with module assignments will provide you with opportunities to explore topics and issues that are of particular interest to you. Please note that this is not a clinical training programme.

For their dissertation project, students often collaborate with sexual and reproductive health providers and organisations. In the past, these have included: Caledonia Youth, Edinburgh; the Scotland-Malawi Partnership; and Reach Out Mbuya, provider of HIV services in Uganda.

Teaching, learning and assessment

This course comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises and projects and a field visit to a sexual and reproductive health service provider in Scotland. Assessment is continuous and incorporates a range of assignments including written essays, projects and oral presentations.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance requirements at QMU will depend on which module you are studying and whether you are studying full or part-time.

Modules usually require 2 sessions of 3 hours in class plus around 10-12 hours of work each week consisting of preparatory class work with colleagues and on web based learning platforms as well as independent study. Subsequent to class contact, 3 weeks are given to prepare the written assignment.

Modules

MSc
15 credits: Global Health and Social Policy/ Researching Global Health and Development/ Health Systems/ Research Design and Proposal Writing (distance) or Qualitative Research Methods/ Sexual and Reproductive Health/ Gender, Health and Development
You will also study one 15 credit elective module.
If studying for an MSc, you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits)

PgCert:
15 credits: Sexual and Reproductive Health/ Gender, Health and Development/ plus two elective modules. Additional elective modules available. Please contact [email protected] for details.

Careers

You will be well equipped to work as an international health practitioner, senior health manager or policy maker in particular in low/
middle income countries. Graduates have attained positions such as: health programme manager; project consultant; human resources
manager; donor agency health advisor and a variety of advanced positions within home ministries and educational institutions.

Quick Facts

Broadens your perspective on a range of sexual and reproductive health issues (e.g. maternal mortality, unsafe abortion, infertility),
paying special attention to politics, gender and inequalities.

Offers a unique opportunity to discuss sexual and reproductive health in low, middle and high income settings in an extremely
diverse and international group of students.

Equips you with insight into rights-based approaches and skills to critique and develop sexual and reproductive policies, services
and interventions.

Santander Scholarships

2 x £5,000 scholarships could be available for international students undertaking a course within the IGHD. Visit http://www. qmu.ac.uk/international/ fees_funding.htm for more information

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(Previously known as MSc Public Health in Developing Countries) This course equips students with skills needed to appreciate and analyse the state of public health in low- and middle-income countries and to design and evaluate actions to address public health concerns. We consider public health and the provision of health services from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Students on the MSc Public Health for Development have substantial experience planning or implementing public health programmes, of teaching or public-health-related research, based in a low- or middle-income country and wish to hone their critical professional skills. We complement formal teaching with peer learning that builds on this professional experience and frames knowledge of public health within a development context.

Students develop public health research skills including statistics and epidemiology, and build on these to tailor a course to suit their professional needs. In the summer, students undertake a supervised research project which focuses on a Public Health question in a low- or middle-income country.

- Programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/phdc_progspec.pdf)

This course is accredited by the Agency for Accreditation of Public Health Education in the European Region (APHEA) which is the accreditation body of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msphdc.html

Objectives

By the end of the programme, students will able to:

- articulate a critical understanding of a range of topics related to public health in low- and middle-income settings;

- apply public health research skills to examine critically a range of public health questions;

- evaluate actions designed to improve public health;

- formulate evidence-based and appropriate strategies to control health problems and promote health;

- frame their knowledge of public health within a development context.

Structure

Term 1:
Students take the following compulsory modules, which are assessed formatively during the term and form the basis of one of the final exam papers in the summer:

- Extended Epidemiology
- Health Policy, Process & Power
- Introduction to Health Economics
- Principles of Social Research
- Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take five modules in terms 2 and 3, working with personal tutors to identify a pathway through the course which best serves their career. They may choose to develop research skills in statistics and epidemiology; qualitative methods; health policy; or health economics. They may also choose to develop a specialist public health focus such as: vector control; maternal and newborn health; sexual and reproductive health; or water, sanitation and health.

Most students take the unifying module Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries in Term 3. This module builds on the learning from Terms 1 and 2 so students apply public health disciplines to review evidence, produce policy recommendations, develop strategic public health programme plans and conduct strategic reviews.

Details of recommended modules for MSc Public Health for Development students (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tphd.html)

Field Trip:
There is a compulsory residential field trip at a cost of £200.

Examinations:
All students take two examinations in the summer, one to assess understanding of the material covered in Term 1 and the other to assess their overall understanding of Public Health for Development.

Project Report:
During the summer months (July - August), students draw on all their academic skills by undertaking a project on a subject of importance to public health in a low- or middle-income country, for submission by early September. The project can take the form of a literature review, analysis of a data set, a policy report or a study protocol. The project is an independent piece of work, but students have contact with their supervisors who guide them in this work.

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

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) present a major public health concern in both developed and developing countries, with millions of adults and children becoming infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other STDs each year. The program provides high levels of knowledge and skill in the understanding and control of STDs including HIV infection. An emphasis is placed on the importance of clinical, laboratory, public health and behavioural aspects of sexual health. The STD/HIV courses specialisein the infectious deisease aspects of sexual health, and provide a sound basis of knowledge for those in a wide range of sexual health related professions. It is of particular benefit to those wishing to improve their scientific understanding of the discipline.

The program aims to provide an opportunity to achieve high levels of knowledge and skill in the understanding and control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.

Please note that the Master of Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) are essentially the same program but with different admission requirements. Only medical graduates (i.e. those with an MB BS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine. Students enrolled in the Master of Medicine and Master of Science in Medicine follow the same program of study (with the exception, in some cases, of practical work), with the only distinction between them being the title of the degree they are awarded on completion.

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) present a major public health concern in both developed and developing countries, with millions of adults and children becoming infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other STDs each year. The program provides high levels of knowledge and skill in the understanding and control of STDs including HIV infection. An emphasis is placed on the importance of clinical, laboratory, public health and behavioural aspects of sexual health. The STD/HIV courses specialise in the infectious disease aspects of sexual health, and provide a sound basis of knowledge for those in a wide range of sexual health related professions. It is of particular benefit to those wishing to improve their scientific understanding of the discipline..

The program aims to provide an opportunity to achieve high levels of knowledge and skill in the understanding and control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.

Please note that the Master of Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV) are essentially the same program but with different admission requirements. Only medical graduates (i.e. those with an MB BS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine. Students enrolled in the Master of Medicine and Master of Science in Medicine follow the same program of study (with the exception, in some cases, of practical work), with the only distinction between them being the title of the degree they are awarded on completion.

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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 Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Postgraduate Diploma and Masters online courses to our growing range. Our Health Economics courses are offered in conjunction with our partner, the University of South Wales, who have developed a strong reputation for delivering innovative learning.

With a dramatic increase in the demand for fertility services and IVF treatment in the hands of the specialist, there is an increasing need for knowledge in the treatment and management of fertility issues at primary care level. This includes conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, which has a prevalence of 10% amongst females as well as low testosterone and erectile dysfunction amongst men. Similarly, with 10% of couples presenting to primary care with issues relating to fertility, this is a common primary care problem yet it is not covered adequately in training.

Our courses in sexual and reproduction medicine are applicable to GPs, doctors, nurses, physicians and pharmacists with an interest in sexual and reproduction medicine.

Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine will focus on direct application to current topics, case studies and processes relevant to the student’s own remit and country of practice. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

On completion of the Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Diploma, you will be able to demonstrate:
An understanding of the care of patients in sexual and reproductive medicine.
A critical awareness of current issues affecting the care of patients undertaking treatments in sexual and reproductive medicine.
Advanced knowledge of sexual and reproductive medicine that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations.
An ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of healthcare systems.

Course Structure

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

Module 1 - The Reproductive System, Fertility and Pregnancy
Module 2 - Sexual Function
Module 3 - Male Subfertility and Infertility
Module 4 - Female Subfertility and Infertility
Module 5 - Initial Management of the Infertile Couple
Module 6 - Assisted Reproduction and Ethics

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 Sexual and Reproductive Medicine

The Sexual and Reproductive Medicine MSc course provides a progression route for the Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine course offered by the University, and has been developed for GPs, doctors, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other suitably qualified individuals with an interest in sexual and reproduction medicine.

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

Our 1 year Sexual and Reproductive Medicine MSc is the shortest route to MSc certificate available and is delivered online. You will be able to learn around existing work commitments.

On completion of the Sexual and Reproductive Medicine MSc, you will be able to demonstrate mastery and autonomous working in an extended area of sexual and reproductive medicine practice.

Course Structure

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine.
Professional Project: Sexual and Reproductive Medicine.

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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This award is designed by Health Professionals for those who work in the field of forensic medicine. This long awaited innovation is the first forensic qualification, professionally badged by the United Kingdom Association of Forensic Nurses (UKAFN), providing recognition in this specialist field.

This course is a collaboration between the Faculties of Health, Science and the Law School and utilises our combined unique resources of a full size court room for assessments by qualified legal experts in providing oral evidence in court, along with a fully refurbished Crime Scene House, complete with CCTV and an observation room, where you will be assessed by forensic experts and experienced ex-police officers. The award is aimed at all nurses and healthcare professionals working in a custody, or sexual offences role. The course will be competency assessed and has been developed with consideration to the Department of Health core elements of Advanced Practice. (DH, 2010)

This award will underpin the legal, forensic and clinical knowledge to ensure practitioners work in an evidenced based manner and will fulfil the requirements to be a competent witness in court. The course will embrace the principles set by the FFLM, UKAFN, NPIA, along with other regulatory and professional bodies.

For those practitioners following the custodial pathway, the content will include PACE, Safer Detention and Handling, along with the Road Traffic Law.

For those following the sexual assault pathway, this will include competency in assessing victims of sexual assault, aftercare needs and understanding the evidence base related to sexual assault.

Course content

The award is open to Health Professionals (nurses or paramedics) who work in either Custody Arenas; examining alleged offenders and\or Sexual Assault arenas, examining alleged victims of sexual assault.

Award Structure
PgC (Title depends on which clinical competencies are undertaken; either Custody or Sexual Assault)
-Introduction to Forensic Practice Core 15 credits at level 7
-Clinical Competencies in Forensic Examination in either Custody or Sexual Assault Core 30 credits level 7
-Professional Legal Skills for Non-Lawyers Core 15 credits at level 7

PgD (Title depends on which clinical competencies were undertaken at PgC Stage; either Custody or Sexual Assault. However, it is also possible to obtain a dual title is the student undertakes the other clinical competency module as the 2 option modules)
-Option module one 15 credits at level 6 or 7
-Option module two 15 credits at level 6 or 7
-Physical Assessment Core 15 credits at level 7
-Research Methods Pre-requisite for Dissertation/Project Based Change Module 15 credits at level 7

Masters
-Project Based Change 60 credits at level 7, or
-Research Dissertation

Core Modules
PgC Introduction to Forensic Practice Core 15 Credits at Level 7
-Clinical Competencies in Forensic Examination in either Custody or Sexual Assault Core 30 Credits Level 7
-Professional Legal Skills for Non- Lawyers Core 15 Credits at Level 7

PgD
-Physical Assessment Core 15 Credits at Level 7
-Research Methods Pre-requisite for Dissertation\Project Based Change Module 15 Credits at Level 7

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