ObjectivesThe aim of the course is to allow students to develop their knowledge to an advanced level in all aspects of critical care. It will provide the opportunity to explore critical care as a multidimensional phenomenon through the module assignments and through taught components. The course also helps those who teach within the critical care setting at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to further their knowledge and teach others more effectively.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements:
A candidate for the MSc in Critical Care must have held, for a minimum period of two years, a position of responsibility of relevance to the proposed programme and must satisfy the University that he, or she, is of the required academic standard to complete the course. Candidates should also hold a good Honours degree, usually at second class Honours level or above, or a non-UK qualification recognised by the University as being equivalent to the above. Alternatively, candidates should have a non-graduate qualification which the University has deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission.
English language requirements
The University requires postgraduate students whose first language is NOT English to have one of the following:
an overall score of 6.5 in the British Council IETLS test, with a minimum score of 6.5 in the written module;
normally a grade of 580 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a grade of 237 or above in the computer-based test
a overall score of 90 or above in the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT)
A GCE or GCSE in English Language at Grade C or above
Please note that students should have taken either the TOEFL or the IELTS no more than three years before the proposed date of entry to the University.
Academic titleCritical Care (MSc/PgDip/PgCert)
Course descriptionCourse Description:
Critically ill patients need to be managed through multidisciplinary initiatives. These initiatives must be based on specialist knowledge, rigorous research and an advanced understanding of the concepts involved in caring for a patient when they are critically ill.
The course is two year part time distance learning, students then have a further 1 year in which to complete their dissertation. The course consists of eight modules over the twenty-four month taught period. The following modules will be studied:
Module 1: Research and statistics
Module 2: General management of the critically ill patient
Module 3: Assessment, resuscitation and transfer of critically ill patients
Module 4: Advanced management – respiratory and cardiovascular
Module 5: Advanced management – CNS, renal, hepatic and GU
Module 6: Professional issues
Module 7: Options
Module 8: Options
More detailed information is available from the course team. Students who achieve marks of 50% and above for the module assignments and at least a 50% pass in the dissertation will be awarded a Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Critical Care. For each year successfully completed, candidates may apply for 10 CPD points from the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
In conjunction with the distance learning modules, there are compulsory residential components where various teaching methods will be used to present practical and theoretical material to support the modules. The course fees cover these components and attendance at a national critical care conference in Cardiff. The 1 year (maximum) allocated for the dissertation does not incur a charge.
Assessment
Students will be expected to submit and pass:
Four 3,000-word assignments for the Postgraduate Certificate:
Eight 3,000-word assignments for the Postgraduate Diploma:
Completion of the Diploma and a 20,000-word dissertation for the Master of Science Degree.
Special features:
Unique - presently there are no other distance learning, interprofessional critical care courses at this level
E-learning strategies are currently being incorporated to enhance student learning
Inter-professional approach to enhance group work, discussion sessions and case based presentations
To support students in their learning, the course team are available 09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday (excluding certain holiday periods) and we guarantee to respond to student queries within 2 working days.
The course is supported by an excellent distance learning library, with access to many on-line journals and the provision of course documentation to ensure students are well equipped in their academic activities.