Neurosurgery

Module Aims
The module aims to address the investigation, diagnosis and management of brain and spine trauma, including critical appraisal of the evidence-base and neurosurgical approaches appropriate for CNS trauma.

Module Content
A systematic approach to the assessment and management of trauma patients.

• Assessment of head injury
• Primary and secondary brain injury
• Management of intracranial pressure
• Natural history of severe head injury
• Principles of spinal injury
• Principles of neurorehabilitation

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the assessment and investigation of patients with head and spine trauma.
2. Critically interpret the evidence base to demonstrate application of knowledge to the management of traumatic brain and spine injury.
3. Exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in brain and spine trauma.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the evidence relating to the management of patients presenting with head and spine trauma.

Module Aims
To provide healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to assess and manage patients with suspected brain and spine tumours.

Module Content
Applying a systematic approach to the assessment of patients with suspected mass lesions and gain an understanding of the spectrum of central nervous system neoplasia; the presentation and outcome.

• Basics and investigations
• Tumour presentations
• High grade glioma
• Low grade glioma
• Extrinsic lesions
• Pituitary tumours

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically interpret and apply the evidence base in the assessment and management of patients with central nervous systems tumours.
2. Demonstrate skills to appraise and reflect upon the differing needs of patients with central nervous system tumours.
3. Critically apply combined professional knowledge of neuro-oncology to improve delivery in complex situations.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the evidence relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of patients presenting with neuro-oncological disorders.
5. Demonstrate leadership skills in coordinating academic activities, engaging and responding to colleagues' academic interrogation.

Module Aims
To provide students with the skills and knowledge to assess and manage patients presenting with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders and paediatric patients.

Module Content
This module applies a systematic approach to the understanding of CSF physiology and pathological processes causing raised intracranial pressure in both adults and children. The module also develops understanding of core conditions in paediatric neurosurgery, including the assessment of the acutely unwell child and imaging.

• CSF physiology and raised intracranial pressure
• Adult hydrocephalus
• CNS embryology and developmental disorders
• Paediatric tumours of CNS
• CNS infection
• Assessment and considerations of the paediatric surgical patient

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically interpret and apply the evidence base in the assessment and management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders in children.
2. Demonstrate skills to appraise, reflect upon, and adapt treatments to a range of cerebrospinal fluid disorders in children and adults.
3. Critically apply combined professional knowledge of cerebrospinal fluid disorders and paediatrics to improve delivery in complex situations.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the evidence base relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of CSF disorders/paediatric neurosurgery.

Module Aims
To provide healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to assess and manage patients with vascular disorders of the central nervous system.

Module Content
Using a systematic approach to the assessment and management of patients with vascular disorders of the CNS, this module covers the core conditions in vascular neurosurgery, including aneurysmal brain haemorrhage, ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke and explores the evidence base for interventions.

• Neurosurgical vascular anatomy, imaging and clinical correlation
• Cerebral blood flow and subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Cerebral aneurysms
• Vascular anomalies
• Assessment and management of spontaneous ICH
• Assessment and neurosurgical management of cerebral ischaemia

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically interpret and apply the evidence base in the assessment and management of vascular disorders of the central nervous system.
2. Critically appraise, reflect upon, and adapt treatment depending on the evidence-base for vascular pathology of the central nervous system.
3. Critically apply combined professional knowledge of neuro-vascular disorders to improve delivery in complex situations.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the evidence base relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of neuro-vascular disorders.

Module Aims
To provide students with the skills and knowledge to assess and manage patients with conditions affecting the spine.

Module Content
This module covers the range of spinal degenerative conditions, how they present and appropriate investigations.

• Spinal anatomy and imaging
• Spinal trauma and instability
• Spinal tumours
• Degenerative lumbar spine
• Degenerative spine – cervical and thoracic
• Spinal infection and vascular abnormalities

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the evidence base and available treatments to plan and manage common spinal conditions.
2. Critically appraise common spinal conditions including appropriate examination, assessment and management.
3. Evaluate and apply evidence based practice to the delivery of spinal services and outcome assessment.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of spinal anatomy and its relation to pathology.
5. Critically appraise and evaluate the evidence relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of spinal disorders.

Module Aims
To provide students with the skills and knowledge to assess and manage the acutely unwell neurosurgical inpatient..

Module Content
This module covers the range of medical emergencies associated with neurosurgical diseases. Students will review common neurosurgical emergencies and review the evidence base for interventions.

• Assessment of postoperative deterioration
• Seizures and epilepsy
• Electrolyte disorders
• Endocrine emergencies
• Post-operative CNS infection
• Systemic post-operative complications

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically interpret and apply the evidence base in acute medical neurosurgical emergencies.
2. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of safe intervention and care in an acute neurosurgical setting.
3. Reflect on learning from prior experience and challenge preconceptions in order to holistically integrate new knowledge in neurosurgical complications.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, investigation and management of common complications of neurosurgical interventions.
5. Implementation of evidence into practice.
6. Coordinate, engage and evaluate clinical debate with colleagues.

Aims of the module:

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. The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.

Synopsis of the module content:

This module will start by focussing on research methods using the Academic Forum. Students will learn about research methodologies and critical appraisal over a period of 8-weeks. Indicative content:

• Quantitative Studies
• Statistical Analysis Interpretation
• Interpreting the Evidence
• Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
• Qualitative Studies
• Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesizing the Evidence
• Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
• Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review
• Following the research methods, students will submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic, this includes a proposal form and ethics application. Students are given a 4-week period after the research methods to complete this.

Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:

• Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
• Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
• Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
• Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
• Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
• Secondary data analysis

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
2. Critically appraise different methodological approaches and tools used to answer research questions in your field of practice.
3. Design and undertake a professional project related to your field of practice in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
4. Create evidence-based recommendations to add to the knowledge base of your subject area.
5. Develop a critical understanding of the interrogation of academic literature.
6. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of ethical considerations in the performance of research.
7. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research methodologies in quantitative and qualitative research.
8. Demonstrate critical evaluation skills enabling an in-depth critique of the academic literature.
9. Demonstrate the ability to create academic work of a publishable standard.
10. Evaluate ethical considerations in research and the process of engagement with ethical committees.

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.