Programme approval 2006/07

THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation Clinical Dermatology 2. Final award Award Title MSc Clinical Dermatology 3. Nested award Award Title N/A N/A 4. Exit award Award Title PGDip Clinical Dermatology

Credit value 180

ECTS equivalent 90

Any special criteria N/A

Credit value N/A Credit value 120

ECTS equivalent N/A ECTS equivalent 60

Any special criteria N/A Any special criteria 2 core modules taken in 1 year (Theoretical, Clinical).

5. Level in the qualifications framework 6. Attendance

Full-time Mode of attendance Minimum length of programme Maximum length of programme Yes 1 year 2 years*

Part-time No

Distance learning No

* Excluding approved periods of interruption

7. Awarding institution/body 8. Teaching institution 9. Proposing department 10. Programme organiser and contact details 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ professional and statutory body guidelines 13. Date of production of specification

Kings College London Kings College London St Johns Institute of Dermatology, Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine Professor John McGrath john.mcgrath@kcl.ac.uk or Dr Susan Howell Tel 020 7188 6400
susan.howell@kcl.ac.uk

N/A N/A Original 2003/04 Updated for CF - 2006

PAF Originally Approved by QA&AA: 8 June 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 19th February 2009 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2009/10: 24th August 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 23 April 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: February 2011

Programme approval 2006/07

14. Date of programme review

November 2011

16. Educational aims of the programme To provide a thorough background knowledge of the full range of diseases that can affect the skin and its appendages To become familiar with methods of clinical recording and measurement in dermatology To develop approaches to the management of dermatological disease To enhance understanding of dermatological research To develop a structured approach to critical appraisal of dermatological literature To enhance self directed learning To enable the students to produce a literature based research thesis on a topic relevant to their experience/interest/country of origin

17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: Knowledge and understanding
The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: 1. In depth understanding of the structure and function of the skin and its appendages and: how these alter with manifestations of disease what genetic and environmental factors influence manifestations of dermatological disease how skin manifestations can be indicators of other diseases the techniques used for clinical dermatological investigation and research underpinning developments in dermatology. 2. Ethical considerations concerning treatment and management of patients and how these should be managed. 3. Approaches to treatment and management in both in-patient and out-patient settings 4. The role of allied medical specialties in diagnosis and treatment of dermatological disease 5. Critical assessment and discussion of dermatological literature These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Knowledge and understanding are facilitated through lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, special study modules, small group teaching in clinics and on wards, private study, and directed reading.

Assessment: Formative assessment involves students completing two essays and the production of a clinical portfolio. In addition there are two mock exam sessions which include MCQ, short answer, and dermatopathology. Summative assessment involves written, clinical (OSCE Observed Simulated Clinical Examination), practical (dermatopathology), and oral examinations, and a research project and its oral examination.

Skills and other attributes Intellectual skills: 1. Evaluation of patient needs and available resources and to consider these in the development of patient management strategies. 2. Development of differential diagnoses and analysis of test results to formulate treatment and management plans. PAF Originally Approved by QA&AA: 8 June 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 19th February 2009 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2009/10: 24th August 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 23 April 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: February 2011 These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Intellectual skills are developed using seminars, tutorials, clinics, small group work, and research project supervision Assessment: Participation in discussions during tutorials and

Programme approval 2006/07 3. Empathy with the psychological effects of dermatological disorders 4. Critical evaluation of dermatological literature. 5. Production of a literature-based thesis, using critical evaluation of research data to synthesize ideas for recommendations and improvements in aspects of management of dermatological disease.

teaching clinics, and the production of a research thesis are used formatively to assess intellectual skills. The research project is assessed summatively and is also orally examined.

Practical skills: 1. Use of good clinical practice when selecting and conducting clinical examinations relevant to dermatology and when taking specimens 2. Appropriate and accurate application of dermatological medicaments and treatments 3. Effective and accurate examination and interpretation of dermatopathology sections and mycological specimens 4. Conducting literature searches

These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Practical skills are developed using lectures, seminars, clinics, demonstrations, practical experience, completing questionnaires, tutorials, use of IT equipment and computer programmes. Assessment: In most instances assessment is formative and part of the personal learning experience. 1-2 are assessed during clinics and tutorials. 3 is assessed in practical and demonstration classes. 4 is assessed during the programme by personal learning and production of the research project with supervision. Practical skills are assessed summatively by the use of OSCE and the practical dermatopathology exam.

Generic/transferable skills: 1. Critical evaluation of literature/data with minimal guidance 2. Use of IT equipment, computer programmes and other learning resources. 3. Development and evaluation of personal learning strategies. 4. To work and learn as part of a group 5. To give and receive feedback on learning 6. Development of effective communication and interviewing skills both spoken and written.

These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Transferable skills are developed during small group teaching (tutorials, seminars, and clinics) and by personal experience during dissertation preparation and tutorials. Assessment: Formative assessment of 1-3 takes place informally during tutorials and dissertation preparation, and 4-6 during clinic clerking, tutorials, and by feedback to the module team. These skills are assessed summatively by the clinical oral examination, production of the research project and its oral examination.

18. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional and statutory body guidelines N/A

PAF Originally Approved by QA&AA: 8 June 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 19th February 2009 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2009/10: 24th August 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 23 April 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: February 2011

Programme approval 2006/07

19. Programme structure and award requirements (where relevant the information should also differentiate the particular requirements of pathways within a programme or linked/exit awards) (a) numbers of core, compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme MSc: 4 core modules taken in 1 year: Theoretical Dermatology (60 credits) Clinical Dermatology (60 credits) Dermatopathology (15 credits) Research Project (45 credits) (b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme Level 7 only (c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level 180 (d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level 180 (e) progression and award requirements (if different from the standard) Students must pass all four modules with an overall mark of 50% in each in order to be awarded the MSc. Compensation is not permitted between individual modules. Compensation will be permitted within the Theoretical and Clinical modules provided that the mark of an individual element of assessment does not fall below 45% and the overall module mark is at least 53%. A student failing an element of the Theoretical and Clinical modules between 45% and 49% who does not obtain 53% overall will have to re-sit that module in its entirety. Students must pass all elements of the Dermatopathology and Research Project modules at 50%. A student failing any element of assessment in any module below 45% must re-sit the entire module to which the assessment belongs. The percentage weighting for the calculation of merit and distinction will directly reflect the proportion of credits allocated to each module in relation to the overall credit taken within each programme/award, with classification thresholds set according to the core scheme as set out in the Credit Framework Regulations of Kings College London. Postgraduate Diploma (exit award): 2 core modules taken in 1 year (Theoretical, Clinical). (f) maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) N/A all modules are core (g) other relevant information to explain the programme structure Compulsory components
PAF Originally Approved by QA&AA: 8 June 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 19th February 2009 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2009/10: 24th August 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 23 April 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: February 2011

Programme approval 2006/07

Attendance As attendance at clinics and tutorials is deemed crucial to the development of clinical dermatological skills, students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of clinics and tutorials. Attendance records will be kept, and repeated absence would result in a written warning and failure to attend 75% of tutorials and clinics would prevent examination entry. Students are also required to complete a clinical portfolio as part of the Clinical module. Mock examinations There are two formative mock examinations: at the end of December and at the end of the spring term. Unless the Module Leader has granted special dispensation to an individual, failure to attend the examinations would result in disqualification from the final exams.

PAF Originally Approved by QA&AA: 8 June 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 19th February 2009 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2009/10: 24th August 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 23 April 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: February 2011

Programme approval 2006/07

Programme Structure
Title
Credit level Credit value

Theoretical Dermatology Clinical Dermatology Dermatopathology Research Project

7 7 7 7

60 60 15 45

Status (I, C, O) for each type of programme Single Joint Major / honours honours minor Cr Cr Cr Cr

Progression Single honours Yes MSc & PG Dip Yes MSc & PG Dip Yes MSc Yes MSc Joint honours Major / minor

Assessment

Written essay , MCQ OSCE , oral; Clinical Portfolio Practical Written, oral

20. Marking criteria Assessment criteria are in line with marking criteria produced by the School Board of Examiners and agreed by KCL.

PAF Originally Approved by QA&AA: 8 June 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 19th February 2009 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2009/10: 24th August 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 23 April 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: February 2011