The Master's in Pain: Science and Society is designed to encourage innovation amongst interprofessional groups, including clinical and health psychologists; medical practitioners; nurses; occupational therapists and physiotherapists, in the area of pain management by enhancing an understanding of the theory and research-based evidence that underpins practice. Includes taught modules and a research project.
KEY BENEFITS
- Covers all the scientific and social dimensions of pain, with interdisciplinary pain management strategies forming the basis of the advocated clinical approach.
- Benefits from the expertise of leading international researchers and practitioners in areas such as anatomy, neuroscience, physiotherapy and pharmacology.
- The first programme to exceed the curriculum of study outlined by the International Association for the Study of Pain.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Our graduates have found that the programme has helped to advance their careers, expanding their current roles and prospects. Others have undertaken further graduate study, including PhD programmes.
Programme leader/s
Dr Michael Thacker
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Guy's Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Physiotherapy
Closing date
30 June.
Intake
10 FT; 10 PT.
Fees
PT Home: £4500 (2013)
PT Overseas: £9500 (2013)
FT Home: £9000 (2013)
FT Overseas: £19000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Admissions at Guy's Campus, tel: 0207 848 8391.
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Email
PURPOSE
To encourage innovation amongst interprofessional groups including clinical and health psychologists; medical practitioners; nurses; occupational therapists and physiotherapists, in the area of pain management by enhancing an understanding of the theory and research-based evidence that underpins practice.
DESCRIPTION
The programme has been created in close cooperation with world-renowned clinical specialists, many of whom contribute to teaching. The curriculum incorporates all the key aspects of understanding and managing pain, integrating biology with the study of the psychological and social aspects of pain. We empower you to justify, critically appraise, systematically analyse and reflect on your own clinical practice and learning.
Taught modules include Neuroscience and Interdisciplinary Pain Management. Three further modules cover the clinical aspects of pain. There is also a research module.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Please see modules list for information.
Indicative non-core content
Please see modules list for information.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Specialist taught modules and research project. Assessment is by written examination, researched essays, presentations and the research module is assessed by way of a dissertation.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7BBRM028
Credit level: 7
The first course unit will focus on the psychophysiology of pain and the role of cognition and affect in the response to and production of pain. Concepts of pain behaviour, the role of mental illness and higher centre constructs such as phantom pain will be included. The historical concepts of pain and the manner in which pain has been included in the Humanities will be key components to this course unit.
The second course unit will focus on visceral and 'hidden pain' syndromes. Mechanisms of sympton production, clinical presentation and key aspects of management will be included for prototypical conditions including chest pain, pelvic pain, migraine and sympathetically maintained pains.
Module code: 7BBRM023
Credit level: 7
- The first course unit will focus on the mechanisms, clinical presentation and management of acute pain and trauma. The management of pain will be reviewed in depth and will look at the whole spectrum of interventions used to manage acute and post-operative pain.
- The second course unit will focus on the mechanisms, clinical presentation and management of pain in the specialities of oncology and palliative care medicine.
- Attention will be given to the ethical and evidence base for approaches to management and the implication of end of life pain for clients, families and society.
Module code: 7BBRM024
Credit level: 7
The first course unit will focus on the role of the motor system in the response to and production of pain. Mechanisms of symptom production, clinical presentation and key aspects of management will be included for commonly occuring conditions and syndromes including, Non-Specific Arm Pain, Trigger Points, Fibromyalgia.
The second course unit will focus on the painful back and will include an in-depth study of the anatomy, biomechanics, psycho-social aspects, clinical presentations and evidence based management of spinal pain.
Module code: 7BBRM025
Credit level: 7
This module will focus primarily on the management of pain using a biophysical approach. Both theoretical and practical approaches will be included and the module will be led by world reknowned experts in the clinical management of pain.
Module code: 7BBRM026
Credit level: 7
This module will be involved with developing the student's theoretical knowledge of pain and its production, maintenance and control. All relevant biology will be covered and will range from molecular and genetic to system wide perspectives. The relationsip and impact of these mechanisms will be related to the clinical presentation of pain.
Module code: 7BBRM027
Credit level: 7
This module of the course will be separated into two course units. The first will deal with the theoretical background to research and will include the investigation of different methodologies, systematic reviews, clinical trials, single case studies and statistics; the second will consist of a 14000 word research dissertation. This dissertation will be based on research sourced and undertaken by the student in an area of pain management or in basic science. Each student will have a project supervisor from the course team as well as support from the course director.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 in a health related BSc honours degree, a postgraduate diploma or a professional qualification equivalent to an honours degree plus appropriate experience or an equivalent overseas qualification.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You will be admitted on the basis of your academic ability together with recommendations from academic referees. We hold an annual Open Day which will provide you with an opportunity to view the facilities. We aim to process applications within two weeks, but overseas applications may take longer.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please give your A-level (or equivalent qualification) results (school/college; date; subject; grade).
FUNDING
Self-funded.
Student profiles
Pain: Science & Society MSc
I chose King’s for my graduate study as it was the university I attended at undergraduate level. My first degree was in physiology, which gave me an excellent grounding in the biomedical sciences. I then returned to King’s two years later to do a physiotherapy degree, which again provided me with sound theoretical knowledge and a comprehensive clinical skills base. I am currently working as a Senior Physiotherapist for the NHS, at a central London hospital, specialising in the treatment of patients with long term pain conditions. I have since revisited King’s to lecture to undergraduate physiotherapy students and help supervise practical teaching session.
I chose to do an MSc in pain to enhance my clinical reasoning skills and the quality of my patient assessment and treatment. This programme is one of few courses in such a topic in the UK, and is certainly of high caliber and reputation. The programme provides flexible arrangements for part time study; which helps in terms of being able to adapt to work commitments. I have been awarded an alumni bursary which assists me greatly in these challenging financial times.
I am based at Guy’s Campus. Its proximity to London Bridge station makes life easier in terms of travel. The student discounts in the cafes and restaurants on campus are reasonable, and certainly help with the cost of living in London. Having access to the different King’s libraries across London is a great advantage, especially if working. OneSpace and the online Global Desktop are useful tools when studying from home, and the graduate lounge is a valued retreat when on campus.