Psychiatry (MSc-Diploma)

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Psychiatry (MSc-Diploma)

  • Objectives The Department of Psychological Medicine is one of the largest university departments of psychiatry in the UK, providing leadership in clinical practice, teaching and high quality, cutting-edge research across many areas of psychiatric practice. The Department offers courses in psychiatry leading to an MSc or Postgraduate Diploma for qualified doctors wishing to train in psychiatry.

    We hope to provide the structure for psychiatric trainees in the UK to achieve an understanding of current psychiatric thinking and to carry out research, whilst also studying for the Membership examinations of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Full-time students who are not junior psychiatrists in the UK are offered experience of clinical practice in a range of psychiatric settings within the NHS.

    The course is also suitable for other medical graduates and from non-medical graduates in health sciences, biological sciences and psychology and also those working in professions allied to medicine in the field of psychiatry, who wish to gain specialist knowledge in the field of psychiatry.
  • Entry requirements Entry Requirements:

    Graduates in medicine from an approved university are eligible to apply. Applications from graduates in other health sciences, biological sciences or psychology are also welcomed. All psychiatric trainees working full-time or part-time in NHS posts are eligible to apply for the course. Overseas students will be expected to demonstrate a high level of English language competence (please see below).

    Selection of applicants to this course will be on the basis of a completed application form and referees’ recommendations. Selection criteria include academic results, psychiatric clinical experience, evidence of an interest in psychiatry and proven competence in English.

    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 IELTS, with a minimum score of 6.5 in the written module;
    * An overall score of 580 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a grade of 237 in the computer-based test (CBT)
    * An 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.
  • Academic title Psychiatry (MSc/Diploma)
  • Course description ourse Description:

    The MSc in Psychiatry is currently offered as a 1 year full-time programme or a 3 year part-time programme. The Diploma is offered as a 1 year full-time programme or a 2 year part-time programme.

    During the three terms of a full-time course, each study week is divided into two days for clinical taster experiences or self-directed study, and three days for timetabled academic study. Full-time MSc students also dedicate time to their research during the second half of the year. Part-time students attend one day of timetabled academic study each week. Each academic year consists of twenty four days of timetabled academic study.

    In October 2008 the MSc in Psychiatry course will become modular. Full time students will take 6 modules in a single year. Each module will have its own exams and all modules must be passed by all students. Five modules are compulsory: Psychological aspects of Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology, neuropsychiatry & addiction; Clinical Topics 1; Clinical topics 2; and Evidence Based Medicine & scientific methodology. One further module must also be taken from a choice of four: Psychotherapy, Forensic Psychiatry, Old Age Psychiatry and Liaison Psychiatry. Each module will have its own examination based upon examinations set by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

    Part-time MSc/Diploma students:

    Part time students attend selected lectures/seminars one day of the week only. Three modules are taken in the first year: Psychological aspects of Psychiatry; Clinical Topics 1; Psychopharmacology, neuropsychiatry & addiction. Two compulsory modules are taken in the second year: Evidence Based Medicine & scientific methodology; Clinical topics 2. One optional module is also taken in the second year, from a choice of four: Psychotherapy; Forensic Psychiatry; Old Age Psychiatry; Liaison Psychiatry.

    Syllabus information

    The syllabus currently includes the following topics:

    Psychology; Neuropsychology; Psychotherapy; Clinical Psychopharmacology ; Phenomenology ; Diagnosis; Interview Skills; OSCE Training; Mental Health Act; Psychotic Disorders; Affective Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Personality Disorders; Substance Misuse; Eating, Obsessive Compulsive & Puerperal Disorders; Community Care; Learning Disability; Psychiatry of Old Age; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Neuroanatomy; Neurochemistry; Neuropathology; Neurology; Neuroimaging; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Genetics; Forensic Psychiatry; Liaison Psychiatry; Transcultural Psychiatry; Critical Appraisal; Epidemiology and Statistics; Sociology and Qualitative Research; Essay Skills; Research Training (ethical approval and research protocols).
    Special features:

        * Both taught courses offer comprehensive coverage of sciences basic to psychiatry, critical appraisal, and theoretical and practical instruction in clinical psychiatry and its sub specialties.
        * The MSc includes supervised research experience in a variety of areas.
        * Most of the course lectures are available to be viewed online as webcasts to aid study and revision and also for students who are unable to attend specific lectures.

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