This part-time Rheumatology MSc aims to develop students’ understanding of the scientific basis and clinical practice in Rheumatology. The programme develops the capacity to understand and critically evaluate research findings, enhances communication and management skills and fosters a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care. Students are encouraged to publish work in peer-reviewed rheumatology journals.
KEY BENEFITS
- Currently the only programme of its type available in South East England. It is one of only three MSc programmes in Rheumatology in the UK.
- The School of Medicine, is closely aligned with its major NHS partner Trusts: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH) with the joint aims of excellence in patient-centered research and training tomorrow's doctors.
- Conveniently located at Guy's Hospital by London Bridge station and is readily accessible for London and the South East.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
The majority of students continue to work in the NHS during study and use the programme for career development in the NHS.
Programme leader/s
Dr Gabrielle Kingsley
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90/PGD 120
Duration
Two years PT, October to July. The programme runs biennially.
Location
Guy's Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Medicine
Closing date
31 July 2013.
Intake
Approximately 18.
Fees
PT Home: £3250 (2013)
PT Overseas: £9500 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Rheumatology MSc Administrator, tel 020 7848 6906
Email
Website
PURPOSE
To meet the needs of specialist training at pre-consultant level and development of nurses and allied health professionals. To develop the following: understanding of the scientific basis and clinical practice of rheumatology; understanding and critical evaluation of research; undertaking a systematic review, designing and conducting a research project; communication and management skills; the ethos of a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care.
DESCRIPTION
The programme covers the clinical and basic knowledge base of rheumatology in a modular structure:
- Basic Concepts
- Clinical & Molecular Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Basic Immunology & Autoimmunity Immunology
- The Neuroendocrine System & its Relevance to Rheumatology
- Haematology; Radiological Sciences & their application to Rheumatic Disease
- Laboratory Techniques in Diagnosis
- The Scientific Basis of Clinical Rheumatological Practice
- Specific Rheumatological Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Non-drug Therapies
- Psycho-social and Economic Aspects of Rheumatoid Diseases Management Methods.
Students also undertake a research project.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Please see the modules list for information.
Indicative non-core content
Please see the modules list for information.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Lecture-based programme, on approximately 18 Wednesdays distributed throughout the academic year. Examination and assessment: Year one - MCQ examination (basic science), essay examination (basic science) and a literature review Year two - MCQ examination (clinical), essay examination (clinical) and a research project.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7MMRHE01
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 60
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
written examination/s
See course Handbook from previous year.
This 60 credit module aims to develop students understanding of the scientific basis of Rheumatology. At the end of the module each student will be able to have a sound understanding of the scientific basis of rheumatology and critically appraise the scientific knowledge base underpinning the discipline. Assessment is by written exam and MCQ.
Module code: 7MMRHE03
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 60
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
written examination/s
See course Handbook from previous year.
This 60 credit module aims to enable students to develop students understanding of clinical practice in rheumatology, promote the ethos of a multi-disciplinary approach to rheumatology care and enhance the capacity of students to engage in personal learning. At the end of the module, each student will:
- Have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the clinical treatment of rheumatology;
- Understand ethical issues and manage and resolve ethical dilemmas in relation to clinical practice;
- Discuss and appraise the various clinical approaches to treatment;
- Discuss and apply best clinical practice in a clinical environment;
- Be able to perform advanced clinical skills in rheumatology in a local NHS setting;
- Demonstrate the ability to apply intellectual skills towards clinical problems;
- Organise workload in order to meet deadlines. Assessment is by written exam and MCQ.
Module code: 7MMRHE02
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
coursework; oral examination/s;
See course Handbook from previous year.
The 15 credit module aims to enable students to search for and critically appraise published research findings in rheumatology, and identify gaps in the literature, which might usefully be filled by future research. At the end of the module each student will be able to: Carry out advanced literature search; Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs; Evaluate and use different checklists for critically appraising research and research papers; Use databases for searching the published literature; Critically appraise published work in literature review; Identify areas within rheumatology that would benefit from further research; Integrate appropriate published work into written literature reviews. Assessment is by coureswork and oral examination.
Module code: 7MMRHE04
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
coursework; oral examination/s;
See course Handbook from previous year.
This 45 credit module aims to enable students to undertake supervised research in rheumatology and to design and undertake a research project, enhance the capacity of students to engage in personal learning. At the end of the module, each student will be able to: Have an understanding of the principles and theories of research in rheumatology; Evaluate different research methodologies; Design a research project using appropriate methodology; Have a knowledge of different statistical tests and their uses; Analyse qualitative or quantitative data; Organise workload in order to meet deadlines; Plan, conduct and write an individual research programme with supervision; Understand ethical issues and manage and resolve ethical dilemmas in relation to research; Have a knowledge of different statistical tests and their uses; Be able to present research findings orally and in writing; Be aware of how to get research published and to submit papers for publication; Be aware of the resources for research funding. Assessment is by dissertation and oral exam.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
We invite applications from specialist registrars in rheumatology, GPs with a special interest, rheumatology specialty doctors, specialist nurses and other allied health professionals with appropriate and recognised qualifications/suitable experience.
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
Selection is on the basis of application form and references.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
As on application form.
FUNDING
Some students will be entirely self-funded. Some students may obtain funding from an NHS study leave allowance. Some students may obtain funding from their employers.
Student profiles
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.
Rheumatology MSc/PG DipThe 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.
Staff profiles
Rheumatology MSc/PG DipKing'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.