the programme

Designed for Doctors interested in specialist Clinical Endocrinology. Now also available as an intercalated Masters programme for MBBS students after their third or fourth year of study.

 

Overview

The MSc in Clinical Endocrinology is designed to cover a complete curriculum for Specialist Endocrinology. The Centre for Endocrinology at Barts and the London School of Medicine has an international reputation in this area, both in clinical practice and in research. The curriculum incorporates elements of the UK specialty training curriculum for endocrinology and diabetes mellitus, including aspects which are assessed at the knowledge-based examination required for Royal College Certification. In addition there will be a focus on up to date developments in the field and expert opinions and presentations.

The programme will follow a modular structure. Students will learn about theory and basic science underpinning the discipline in each module, then focus on the pathologies that arise in each system and the clinical approaches to evaluation and treatment. There will be extensive use of blended learning and the 'flipped classroom' so that self-directed learning using novel and cutting-edge learning techniques is complemented by a regular tutorial programme. There are opportunities to pursue individual and group work with a high degree of interactivity.

The course will include data from real clinical cases, guided reading and journal clubs. There will be opportunities to explore the presentation of endocrine subjects in the media and 'hot topics' for each module. The taught programme will be complemented by a clinical observation programme and the development of a personal portfolio of experience.

The final part of the MSc programme involves preparation of a dissertation based on independent research or clinical cases under the supervision of a tutor.

Students may choose to pursue the taught aspects of the course only and complete a postgraduate diploma rather than a full MSc programme.

Structure

The curriculum will be covered in a 'taught course' of 3 terms divided into modules. Three 15-credit modules will be covered in each of the first and second term and two modules in the third term, thus there are 8 taught modules in total followed by a 60-credit dissertation module. Each taught module accounts for 15 credits and each module takes 4 weeks to cover the taught materials including one or more module assignments.

In parallel with the taught course, for the MSc you will have a programme of clinical observation sessions across several domains including general endocrinology, specialist endocrinology, endocrine investigations and therapies and regular clinical academic meetings. You will complete a reflective portfolio log-book in which your experiences are mapped to each of the modules.

Following on from the above modules you will work on and complete a dissertation for the remainder of the programme. The project title and research / dissertation format will be agreed between yourself and the course organiser and may take the form of independent research or a dissertation based on clinical cases.

Occasionally, students may choose to omit the dissertation and clinical observations, completing the programme at the stage of postgraduate diploma.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements for the course are MB BS or basic medical degree from universities recognised by the University of London.

Candidates should generally have worked for at least one year after qualification as a registered medical practitioner registration.

Applicants may be interviewed prior to acceptance and course entry may be competitive.

For international applicants, demonstration of English Language proficiency is required either by an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (or acceptable equivalents) or via completion of MRCP to at least Part one level.

Students must have access to a suitable computer and broadband access to the internet in order to engage in the full range of accessible activities

Learning and teaching

Teaching will make use of blended learning methods and the 'flipped classroom' model. This means that you will study a number of elements using online materials including lectures, podcasts, guided reading exercises and so on, with regular face-to-face tutorials in which various activities incorporating individual and group work will help you to consolidate your learning.

In parallel with the taught course, for the MSc you will have a programme of clinical observation sessions across several domains including general endocrinology, specialist endocrinology, endocrine investigations and therapies and regular clinical academic meetings. You will complete a reflective portfolio log-book in which your experiences are mapped to each of the modules. This clinical experience will help you to devise your dissertation which you will work on for the remainder of the programme. The project title and research / dissertation format will be agreed between yourself and the course organiser and may take the form of independent research or a dissertation based on clinical cases.

Fees and funding

Fees are listed on the QMUL website.