Rheumatology

Israa
UK
Rheumatology MSc/PG Dip
The Rheumatology MSc course provided me with a fantastic opportunity to not only gain a good grounding in the basic sciences and immunology, but allowed application of this knowledge through the clinical rheumatology lectures. The lecturers were often eminent speakers in their field and this provided a good opportunity to meet them and to discover what new research was available. This was particularly important as many of the students went on to apply for PhD's following their second year research projects. As the MSc syllabus closely matched the JRCPTB Rheumatology Curriculum, it also provided me with the knowledge required to pass my MRCP Rheumatology Speciality Certificate exam.

Pamela
UK
Rheumatology MSc/PG Dip
The MSc Rheumatology at King's College London is a highly recommended degree for all specialty registrars pursuing a career in Rheumatology. It provides a firm foundation in the basic sciences and clinical aspects of Rheumatology in a centre of academic excellence. It is a very well organised course taught by international and national experts in the field. It is a wonderful opportunity to network and foster links with colleagues in the field as well as the multi-disciplinary allied health professionals who contribute to the course.

The MSc Rheumatology provides students with the opportunity to develop research skills under the supervision of dedicated supervisors by ensuring that each student produces a high quality systematic review in the first year and original research project in the second year. It cultivates the academic potential of all students. Upon completion of the MSc Rheumatology several students publish the work produced during the two-year degree and have the essential skills required to enrol for higher research degrees: M.D or PhD. With the knowledge obtained during the course the registrars are well equipped to work with a great degree of confidence and pass the Specialty Certificate Examination for Rheumatology set by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom.

I value the experience I had doing the MSc Rheumatology at King's College London and I would recommend this degree to all Rheumatology trainees.

Professor Andrew Cope
Rheumatology MSc/PG Dip
King's College London has long been recognised as having one of the premier Academic Rheumatology units in Europe, fostering excellence in the delivery of clinical services, basic and clinical research, and teaching and training for several decades. As such, it is one of the most popular training centres for aspiring clinician scientists.

The Department runs a highly regarded, part-time MSc Rheumatology course, which is designed specifically for specialist rheumatology trainees at pre-consultant level and closely related medical specialties. The course is the only one of its type in South East England and one of just three programmes available in the UK; it has proved extremely popular, not only among local rheumatology trainees but also in attracting trainees from other regions, from as far away as Manchester in North West England.

The MSc in Rheumatology provides a solid foundation in the scientific basis and clinical practice of Rheumatology. Trainees develop the capacity to understand and critically evaluate research findings, enhance communication and management skills and foster a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care.

The programme covers the basic and clinical fundamentals of rheumatology including the knowledge aspect of the Joint Royal College of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) Specialty Training Curriculum for rheumatology. The syllabus adds considerable value to trainees' knowledge base required for the Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs), which Specialty Registrars are required to pass by completion of training.

The programme is delivered by a variety of high quality expert lecturers from within King's College London, associated hospital Trusts and elsewhere in the UK. As well as delivering high quality teaching, the programme emphasises a strong and supportive research training environment. Trainees learn critical appraisal and research skills which, together with the practical experience gained in the literature review and research project modules, ensure the development of solid research expertise including the critical appraisal of published literature. Trainees are also strongly encouraged to publish both their literature review and original research project in peer reviewed rheumatology journals.

The course encourages a significant proportion of trainees to pursue a PhD or further research. Not only does this enhance research in the Academic Department of Rheumatology and the Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Disease, it also facilitates participation by future clinical rheumatologists in regional and national clinical trials and other research activities.

The MSc in Rheumatology provides an excellent opportunity to network with other colleagues, allied health professionals and with eminent speakers in the field. Teaching on the MSc programme is a real pleasure for the both the MSc group and the lecturers, who are willing to share professional experience and contribute to a lively discussion.