ObjectivesThe MSc in Clinical Rheumatology is designed for doctors who are aiming at a career in rheumatology or a related subject. The programme aims to: -develop students' knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the practice of rheumatology, enabling them to contribute to rheumatology service development regionally and nationally -provide experience in undertaking and analysing research, as well as emphasising the importance of research as a basis for evidence-based practice. On successful completion of the two-year programme students will have demonstrated or be able to demonstrate: -specialist knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the practice of rheumatology, with particular respect to: aetiology and pathogenesis epidemiology diagnosis and management of the different forms of musculoskeletal disease the structure and function of joints and supporting tissues in health and when diseased -knowledge and understanding of the principles of clinical research methods including: clinical trials the development of measurement tools the design and conduct of observational studies the ability to read scientific papers critically the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake, and write up, a piece of supervised research.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: Successful applicants must be medically qualified with a relevant undergraduate medical degree, and have at least two to three years of general medical experience post qualification. Although previous rheumatology experience is desirable, it is not essential.
Academic titleClinical Rheumatology MSc
Course descriptionSpecial features
Location of teaching
Two of the course units are based at the:
-Stopford Building on the main university campus
-Hope Hospital, Salford
One course unit is based at the:
-North Manchester General Hospital
-Manchester Royal Infirmary
Clinical attachments are arranged for medical practitioners not working within North West England, subject to a satisfactory occupational health check.
Module details
The programme consists of six taught course units, sessions on research skills and a supervised research project.
-Basic Science
-Connective Tissue and Vasculitides
-Epidemiology
-Clinical Skills
-Spine and Bone
-Peripheral Joint Problems
Each course unit runs for six weeks with the formal teaching elements of lectures, seminars and demonstrations concentrated on Thursdays. Two course units are run in the first semester of each academic session and are examined in January, and one course unit is run in the second semester of each academic session and is examined in March. Students who complete the course units and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.
Each course unit is separately assessed by a written examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) where appropriate.
Career opportunities
Most of the students are trainees and continue to become consultants. A proportion go on to undertake a PhD