Course description

The MSc in Clinical Rheumatology is designed for doctors who are aiming at a career in rheumatology or a related subject.

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.

Aims

The programme aims to:

• Develop students' knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the practice of rheumatology
• Enable students to contribute to rheumatology service development regionally and nationally
• Provide experience in undertaking and analysing research
• Emphasise the importance of research as a basis for evidence-based practice

Special features

Location of teaching

One course unit is based at each of:

• University Hospital of South Manchester
• Manchester Royal Infirmary
• Salford Royal Foundation Trust
• The Stopford Building, The University of Manchester

Teaching and learning

The MSc programme runs part-time (on a day release basis) over two years.

Coursework and assessment

Each module is separately assessed by a written examination and, where appropriate, by a clinical examination. In addition, as part of the preparation for the research project a Research Skills teaching day is run each year. Students who complete the modules and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.

Course unit details

The programme consists of six taught course units:

• 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.

Each course unit is separately assessed by a written examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) where appropriate.

The programme also includes sessions on research skills and a supervised research project. Students who complete the course units and dissertation to a satisfactory standard will qualify for the MSc.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study. (All modules are mandatory).

• Research Skills (33RH), 15 credits 
• Connective Tissue Disorders & Vasculitis (33RH), 15 credits
• Clinical Skills, 15 credits
• Epidemiology of Rheumatism (33RH), 15 credits
• Peripheral Joint Problems, 15 credits
• Spine & Bone, 15 credits
• Basic Science, 15 credits