Neonatal Medicine - MSc/PGDip

This programme provides a highly marketable academic qualification for hospital practitioners and trainees, nursing, paramedical and other professionals who are involved in the multidisciplinary care of neonates and very young children.

Overview

The MSc in Neonatal Medicine is open to all qualified medical doctors, nurse practitioners and other health professionals who have completed the Cardiff University Postgraduate Diploma in Neonatal Medicine. 

The MSc is a part-time distance learning course that focuses on the study of problems and approaches specific to neonatal health. As a result of the numerous anatomical and physiological changes occurring as a child develops, similar conditions can have very different clinical presentations and pathologies at different ages. This has implications for risk-benefit analysis and the ethics involved in choices faced by professionals and parents. The course therefore aims to provide training and education in the identification, critical appraisal, planning and implementation of more effective treatments based on a sound knowledge of relevant research evidence, clinical practice, anatomy and pathophysiology.

During the MSc dissertation, targeted learning resources will support the development of competencies required to research a topic in depth and present findings in a robust, academic format.

Distinctive features

• The distance and e-learning format allows clinicians to learn while doing busy jobs and achieve a high quality higher degree
• The active involvement of clinical neonatologists ensures there is both academic rigour and relevance to day to day clinical work.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

Studies at MSc dissertation level will largely consist of guided independent study making use of the extensive learning and research facilities available. A project supervisor will be allocated to support and advise you on researching and writing up your specific dissertation topic. Supporting, formative material on research methods is delivered online via Cardiff University’s online learning platform.

How will I be supported?

All students are allocated a personal tutor, for help and support with academic and pastoral needs, who you can contact to discuss progress and for advice and guidance as needed.

Career prospects

This programme is aimed at those who have completed the Diploma in Neonatal Medicine and wish to complete a research project or literature review to expand their academic knowledge on the subject.

This Masters programme enables you to demonstrate you are taking the opportunity to develop your abilities in critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, finding and using evidence and in dealing with complex issues. Whilst we do not formally assess clinical skills or competencies in a face-to-face context (so the programme is not a substitute for a formal specialty training programme), studying at this level should help successful students demonstrate numerous academic skills that should be highly regarded in relation to their career development and progression. In particular, the programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the application of evidence-based medicine and the potential enhancement of services and governance frameworks. As such, it should provide evidence of commitment and potential that may assist you in relation to taking on greater responsibilities or perhaps seeking management, research, scholarship, or leadership roles.

Visit the Neonatal Medicine - MSc/PGDip page on the Cardiff University website for more details!