Dermatology (The University of South Wales)

Module Aims
To develop a critical understanding of the description of dermatological conditions, referral pathways, imaging and management.

Module Content

• The language of dermatology
• Therapeutics
• Drug eruptions
• Vasculitis
• Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease
• Guidance, teledermatology and the multi-disciplinary team

Learning Outcomes

1. Resolve diagnostic conundrums and institute appropriate management strategies in relation to systemic disease, side effects of drugs and vasculitides.
2. Demonstrate acuity in using health care resources for the benefit of the patient in such areas as the role of the multidisciplinary team, referral pathways and evidence-based, guidance in dermatological conditions.

Module Aims
To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin lesions in the context of guidance.

Module Content

• Skin lumps and bumps
• Benign skin lesions
• Non-melanoma skin cancer
• Melanocytic Naevi
• Melonoma
• Surgical Approach to Skin Disease

Learning Outcomes

1. Differentially diagnose a wide variety of skin lesions.
2. Differentiate between benign and malignant lesions and an understanding of the appropriate referral pathway and treatment guidance.
3. Critical appraisal of the evidence relating to the management of skin lumps and bumps.

Module Aims
To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for dermatoses at specific areas of the body.

Module Content

• Facial rashes
• Nails
• Scalp and hair
• Perineal dermatoses
• Flexural dermatoses
• Palmar and plantar dermatoses

Learning Outcomes

1. A critical understanding of the predilection for common dermatoses at various sites of the body.
2. An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to regional dermatoses.
3. An ability to formulate an appropriate management plan for site specific dermatoses utilising evidence.

Module Aims
To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for inflammatory dermatoses.

Module Content

• Differential diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses
• Atopic eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Urticaria
• Bullous eruptions

Learning Outcomes

1. A critical understanding of the evidence relating to common inflammatory skin conditions.
2. An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to inflammatory dermatoses.
3. An ability to formulate an evidence-based management plan for common inflammatory dermatoses.

Module Aims
To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin infections in the context of guidance.

Module Content

• Differential diagnosis of skin infections
• Cellulitis and ulceration
• Infestation
• Infection related to systemic illness
• Photodermatoses

Learning Outcomes

1. A critical awareness of the evidence basis for the identification and management of common skin infections/infestations/photodermatoses.
2. An ability to develop and decipher a differential diagnosis for skin infections/infestations/photodermatoses.
3. A critical awareness of the appropriate management strategy and referral pathways for infections/infestations and photodermatoses.

Module Aims
To develop an ability to identify common skin disorders in particular subgroups of the population and to understand the specific treatment pathways

Module Content

• Infant skin
• Acne and adolescent skin problems
• Pigmented skin
• Elderly skin
• Anti-aging
• Cosmetic treatments

Learning Outcomes

1. A critical awareness of the evidence basis relating to the identification and treatment of common skin disorders in various populations.
2. An ability to develop and decipher a differential diagnosis for common skin diseases affecting specific populations.
3. A critical awareness of the appropriate management strategy and referral pathways for individuals from sub-groups of the population.

Module Aims
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.

Module Content

• Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
• Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier Curves, Forrest Plots and Meta-analyses.
• Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk, number needed to treat.
• Basic statistical tests and their applications including t-Tests, ANOVA, Chi-Square.
• Methodologies as applied to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary pain management research.
• Principles of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
• Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
• Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
2. Evaluate and synthesise diverse methodological approaches and research tools to formulate and investigate complex questions within your field of practice.

Module Aims

• To formulate the research question that you seek to answer.
• To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
• To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
• To develop skills in independent research and study.
• To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.

Module Content
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:

• Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
• Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
• Case-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
• Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.

Learning Outcomes

1. Synthesise advanced knowledge of research to conceptualise, plan, and execute an original investigation that contributes significant insights to a chosen field of practice.
2. Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change in a chosen healthcare setting.
3. Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

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.