Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Therapeutics (MSc/PgDip)

Course Aims:

The major aims of the course are to equip the candidate with a sound understanding of the management of common medical conditions and to develop skills in evidence-based medicine. Successful candidates should have gained the knowledge and understanding to act as the "local therapeutics expert."

The Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology at Cardiff has a major commitment to teaching postgraduate and undergraduate students. A key aim of our teaching programmes is to encourage critical thinking, as we hope to equip our students not only with practical and factual knowledge, but also to provide a basic approach to therapeutic problems, encouraging attitudes and abilities which we hope will be of lasting value in dealing with future advances in therapy.

Course Description:

During this course, which takes place over an academic year (September to June), a detailed structured programme of learning is provided with the course divided into six (5-week) main modules.

Some of the subjects covered are: the principles of therapeutics; drug development and clinical trials; adverse drug reactions and interactions; medical problems in the elderly and very young; asthma and other respiratory disorders; epilepsy and other neurological disorders; thrombotic disorders; hypertension; hyperlipidaemia; diabetes; wound healing; and common skin disorders.

Most of the education process is problem-orientated and is specifically designed to be of direct relevance to primary care.

Assessment is partly by continual assessment of regular written work and partly by the final examination which is held in Cardiff.

Each week a different aspect of therapeutics is studied and ‘study aims and outcomes’ to guide your work for the week are given. Relevant articles are provided or links provided for online access. There are weekly MCQ concerning the subject area. A short case-study on the topic is also sent for candidates’ comment and an anonymised analysis of the group's responses, with comments on the results, is returned to the candidates. This enables candidates to compare their practice with that of their peers and with subject experts. Additionally, there is one essay-style ‘written task’ per 5-week module, i.e. six per year.

A short intensive study weekend (Friday pm - Saturday pm) is held during the first module which all students are encouraged to attend. The cost of this course (excluding travel) is included in the course fee.

The Diploma in Therapeutics is only awarded to candidates who have demonstrated regular detailed study throughout the course and who reach a high standard of knowledge, understanding, and practical and clinical expertise. A commitment to regular daily study at home and/or at work is required.

MSc in Therapeutics:

The MSc is available to a selected number of candidates who obtain acceptable marks on the Diploma and submit an MSc project which accords with the skills and expertise within the Department. All candidates must undertake the Diploma in the first year. In the second year MSc candidates complete four 2,500-word assignments. MSc candidates also have to complete a 15,000-word dissertation. There is also a biostatistics module which is not assessed.

Special Features:

• Distance-learning, delivered online.
• The course includes a study weekend, which candidates are encouraged to attend.
• Targeted weekly reading.
• An audio interview is available to download, covering weekly topics.
• Problem orientated, evidence-based learning.
• The Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology is also recognised as a major research centre. Advances in therapeutics have been pioneered in Cardiff, including methods for optimal use of anticoagulants, antiarrhythmic drugs and anticonvulsants.

Student Testimonals:

Some comments from our 2012 graduates included:

“Having completed the Diploma I now feel much more able to prescribe appropriately, and, perhaps just as importantly, NOT prescribe when that is appropriate.”

“The course is well designed and should be made compulsory for all medics and pharmacists.”

“So, so useful... it has really re-ignited my enthusiam for medicine!”

“An incredible way to increase one’s knowledge about common medical conditions and their treatment...”

Entry Requirements:

The Diploma in Therapeutics course is designed for medical practitioners, pharmacists, specialist nurses and other practitioners who wish to gain further expertise in the practical management of common therapeutic problems. The course is open to healthcare professionals who prescribe or use drug treatments in their work and who have usually had basic training in pharmacology at undergraduate level (e.g. medical practitioners, nurses and pharmacists).

Applications are considered from professionals currently working in other countries, provided that the applicants are able to travel to the UK for the final examination, and the study weekend if possible.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Next intake: September each year

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