MSc, PG Dip Rheumatology

Institution King's College London
Method At the institution
Location London
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc, PG Dip Rheumatology

Objectives To meet the needs of specialist training at pre-consultant level. To develop the following: understanding of the scientific basis and clinical practice of rheumatology; understanding and critical evaluation of research; design and conduct of a research project; communication and management skills; the ethos of a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care.
Entry requirements Specialist registrars in rheumatology, other medical graduates with appropriate and recognised qualifications.
Academic title MSc, PG Dip Rheumatology
Course description Programme description

- The MSc programme in Rheumatology is currently the only course of its type available in South East England. It is one of only three MSc programmes in Rheumatology in the UK.
- The Department of Rheumatology is part of the School of Medicine, which was rated 5 or 5* for research in the last RAE exercise. The School is closely aligned with its major NHS partner Trusts: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH) with the joint aims of excellence in patient-centered research and training tomorrow’s doctors.
- The programme is conveniently located at Guy’s Hospital by London Bridge station and is readily accessible for London and the South East.

The programme covers the clinical and basic knowledge base of rheumatology in a modular structure:
Basic Concepts;Clinical & Molecular Genetics; Cell Biology;
Basic Immunology & Autoimmunity Immunology;
The Neuroendocrine System & its Relevance to Rheumatology;
Haematology; Radiological Sciences & their application to Rheumatic Disease; Laboratory Techniques in Diagnosis;
The Scientific Basis of Clinical Rheumatological Practice;
Specific Rheumatological Diseases; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics; Non-drug Therapies; Psycho-social and Economic Aspects of Rheumatoid Diseases Management Methods. You will also undertake a research project.

Programme format and assessment

The course comprises a lecture-based programme, on approximately 18 Wednesdays distributed throughout the academic year. Two examinations, a literature review and research project. Examination and assessment: MCQ. Year one – literature review and written examination. Year two – research project.

Programme modules for MSc, PG Dip Rheumatology

Basic Science (Core Module)
This 60 credit module aims to develop students understanding of the scientific basis of Rheumatology. At the end of the module each student will be able to have a sound understanding of the scientific basis of rheumatology and critically appraise the scientific knowledge base underpinning the discipline. Assessment is by written exam and MCQ.

Clinical Science (Core Module)
This 60 credit module aims to enable students to develop students understanding of clinical practice in rheumatology, promote the ethos of a multi-disciplinary approach to rheumatology care and enhance the capacity of students to engage in personal learning. At the end of the module, each student will: Have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the clinical treatment of rheumatology; Understand ethical issues and manage and resolve ethical dilemmas in relation to clinical practice; Discuss and appraise the various clinical approaches to treatment; Discuss and apply best clinical practice in a clinical environment; Be able to perform advanced clinical skills in rheumatology in a local NHS setting; Demonstrate the ability to apply intellectual skills towards clinical problems; Organise workload in order to meet deadlines. Assessment is by written exam and MCQ.

Research Literature Review (Core Module)
The 15 credit module aims to enable students to search for and critically appraise published research findings in rheumatology, and identify gaps in the literature, which might usefully be filled by future research. At the end of the module each student will be able to: Carry out advanced literature search; Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs; Evaluate and use different checklists for critically appraising research and research papers; Use databases for searching the published literature; Critically appraise published work in literature review; Identify areas within rheumatology that would benefit from further research; Integrate appropriate published work into written literature reviews. Assessment is by coureswork and oral examination.

Rheumatology - Research Project (Core Module)
This 45 credit module aims to enable students to undertake supervised research in rheumatology and to design and undertake a research project, enhance the capacity of students to engage in personal learning. At the end of the module, each student will be able to: Have an understanding of the principles and theories of research in rheumatology; Evaluate different research methodologies; Design a research project using appropriate methodology; Have a knowledge of different statistical tests and their uses; Analyse qualitative or quantitative data; Organise workload in order to meet deadlines; Plan, conduct and write an individual research programme with supervision; Understand ethical issues and manage and resolve ethical dilemmas in relation to research; Have a knowledge of different statistical tests and their uses; Be able to present research findings orally and in writing; Be aware of how to get research published and to submit papers for publication; Be aware of the resources for research funding. Assessment is by dissertation and oral exam.

Duration
Two years PT, September to July.