Cosmetic Medicine

Module aims:
The module aim is to examine the sciences that underpin cosmetic medicine and the external professional and ethical issues that influence practice, recognising and addressing potential conflict areas.

Content summary:
This module will cover the anatomy of the face – the skin, the muscles, the fat pads, the blood vessels, nerves and bones within the face. The physiology and physiological changes relating to these structures as we age will be explored. The relevant functions of the important structures in the face will be discussed as they are related to facial ageing, particularly with regard to the changing functions of the anatomical structures with the ageing process. Assessment of the face will be explored, and treatment plans for patients will be introduced as a concept for treating the face, whilst bearing in mind the ethics of treating patients for financial gain depending on the treatments performed. Some of the medicolegal aspects of care will be covered, including the need to be aware of standards of care, consent and documentation.

Learning outcomes:

• Critically apply in-depth anatomical and physiological knowledge of the face to the selection of appropriate cosmetic medical treatments.
• Exercise judgement in decision-making, negotiating the complex interacting professional and ethical issues surrounding aesthetic medicine practice

Module aims:
The module aim is to provide an in-depth exploration of botulinum toxin as a dominant mode of cosmetic facial muscle treatment; from an examination of the historical context to the complexities of current day practice.

Content summary:

• Botulinum and botulism history.
• Botulinum toxin pharmaceutical history and licences.
• Clostridia as bacteria. Indications for use, common complications and their treatment.
• Patient selection, injection techniques, indications, safety adverse effects and combination treatments.
• Ethics.
• Short and long-term implications of treatment.

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically apply the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of botulinum use in cosmetic and medical treatment.
2. Critically appraise the use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic treatments.

Module aims:
The aim of this module is to critically examine a variety of treatments aimed at addressing the ageing process, taking into account the evidence base, patient expectations and issues and short and long-term effects.

Content summary:

• Anatomy of facial fat pads and physiological effects of ageing
• Dermal fillers
• Hyaluronic acids (HAs), different manufacturers, cross linking (BDDE), length of fibre, duration of effect, fibroblasts (HA production, hyaluronidase).
• Indications for HAs, complications associated with the administration of HAs. Treatment and avoidance of complications.
• Managing patient expectations.
• Non-HA fillers – permanent/temporary, synthetic/autologous.
• Dermal fillers for specific regions – lips, hands.

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically analyse the evidence base for the augmentation of facial fat pads with dermal fillers.
2. Critically evaluate the use of dermal fillers in aesthetic treatments.

Aim of the module:
This module is designed for those aesthetic practitioners having successfully completed at least the first 3 modules (PgCert) of the Cosmetic Medicine course (as detailed above), who then wish to have their practical skills assessed facilitating registration with the JCCP. The module assesses clinical competence through review of prior treatments and observed procedures followed by an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Educational Aims:

• To apply legal, professional and ethical principles to safe and effective aesthetic injectable treatments.
• To incorporate evidence-based strategies in a variety of aesthetic injectable treatments.
• To demonstrate safe and effective clinical examination and aesthetic injectable treatments.

Module Structure
This module has been structured to allow for observational and hands-on training in the administration of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers applicable to non-surgical cosmetic practice. The module structure is adaptable to both experienced and inexperienced injectors, consisting of an e-learning platform and practical support and supervision.

The clinical practice module is aligned to meet legal, professional and industry clinical standards and advocates adherence to all CPSA and JCCP standards.

Students are required to demonstrate competence in the safe and effective administration of injection techniques in aesthetic procedures, specifically toxins and fillers. Clinical practice will include submission of a record of:

• A minimum of 10 observations of botulinum toxin treatments
• A minimum of 10 observations of facial filler treatments
• A minimum of 10 supervised botulinum toxins treatments
• A minimum of 10 supervised facial filler treatments

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate competence and proficiency in medical/health consultation and anatomical facial assessment.
• Demonstrate competence and proficiency in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning and consent for aesthetic injectable treatments.
• Demonstrate competence and proficiency in the treatment application, management and evaluation of aesthetic injectable treatments.

As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.

Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.

Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.

When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.

You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.

You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.

The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.

We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.

Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:

We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.

We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.

We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.

We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.

Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).

Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:

Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.

Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.

These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.

We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.

The Combined Certificate is a university-validated postgraduate qualification that combines academic study in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine with supervised injectable practice and assessment through an OSCE.

The standard Postgraduate Certificate focuses on academic study. The Combined Certificate adds a Clinical Practice Module with observed and supervised botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments, followed by an OSCE assessing aesthetic injectable practice.

Yes. Following the theory-based modules, you'll complete observed and supervised practice in botulinum toxin and facial filler treatments as part of the Clinical Practice Module.