Course Summary

If you are a GP who wants to foster a special interest in diabetes or a nurse who wishes to develop research roles, you will find this course particularly rewarding. It is designed to enhance your academic capabilities and develop your clinical research methodology skills while expanding your knowledge within the focus area of diabetes.

The course has a highly developed and supportive teaching team at the Postgraduate Medical School based at our Putteridge Bury campus. They will help you develop a critical, analytical and reflective stance towards medical education and its practice.

You will learn through a flexible combination of face-to-face study days and independent study, as well as various assessment methods.

Why choose this course?

This course is designed to enhance your academic capabilities including clinical research skills of medical, healthcare practitioners and other professionals to meet their continuing professional development (CPD) needs.

The course acknowledges the Report of the Academic Careers Sub-Committee of Modernising Medical Careers (2005) and the UKCRC which highlights the value of Masters courses as a prelude to a doctoral degree and the opportunities it provides as a first stage of training in health personnel such as research methodology and ethics.

In addition, we have aligned our learning outcomes with NSF Diabetes and Skills Council guidance/statements. Subsequently the course is designed to meet your needs whether you are a busy medical and healthcare professionals by adopting a blended learning approach, by offering a range of interim awards and ensuring opportunities to pursue and develop their own areas of professional and/or clinical interest.

For staff interested in developing academic careers there is an option to develop educational skills as part of the course. This is an innovative course with no comparable course available locally.

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Assessment

The assessment strategy for the course has been developed to ensure it maps against learning outcomes which have been written in line with University of Bedfordshire Level M descriptors. Also it has been appropriate alignment with learning and teaching methods used in these units. Therefore, enabling relevance and application to your workplace facilitating your development in a wide range of transferable skills and clinical research skills.

The assessment strategy is designed to incorporate both learning and assessment in either formative or summative methods.

Assessment methods used will depend on the chosen pathways and special options including:

Essays and academic papers

Research Grant Applications and Extended Research Proposals

Critical Reviews of Literature and Systematic Reviews of Evidence

Presentation of a scientific paper

Reflective portfolios

Critique of clinical research activity in chosen field

Extended case study(s)

Research project

Profession-related Project

Course Learning Outcomes

Specifically, this masters level course aims to enable you to:

L01: Determine the depth of knowledge and a systematic understanding of Government (NHS) services in relation to diabetes care. Communicate your knowledge, understanding and comprehension using a variety of communication media (e.g., formal written reports, essays and PowerPoint presentations with supporting oral communication).

L02: Appraise and evaluate existing information in relation to diabetes care against contemporary Government initiatives. Develop a creative and innovative strategic plan and/or policy to solve a variety of complex problems within diabetes care.

L03: Evaluate and synthesise information / research and ideas, and propose new hypotheses or

initiate solutions to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge within diabetes care to bring about or develop new approaches to changing the diabetes environment.

L04: Assess a substantial piece of original research within the domains of diabetes and be able to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate your results and present them in the form of a written dissertation with clear conclusions.

L05: Calculated an appropriate level of knowledge and critical understanding, including the ability to synthesise, criticise, develop, integrate and intellectually challenge material that you have met in the taught component of your course.

L06: Criticise, evaluate, apply and develop appropriate tools and techniques by utilising appropriate methodologies to address complex problems within an area of diabetes.

LO7: Question and challenge current thinking and consider possible future developments in the field of diabetes within a variety of diverse and complex clinical scenarios.

L08: Debate and contest the standards and practices of professional bodies (GMC, NMC, RCP, Diabetes UK, ABCD) with respect to complex problems related to diabetes care.

External Benchmarking

None

Educational Aims

The course aims is equip you with the knowledge and skills to engage positively in a wide spectrum of academic activities. It will provide you with a firm foundation in the design, implementation and evaluation of clinical research activity in both practice and Higher Education Settings. It provides opportunities for you to develop these skills in Diabetes.

Specifically, to this level the course aims are to:

- enable you to adopt a critical, analytical and reflective stance towards clinical research and its practice;

- to appreciate the principles of evidence based medical care and to consider the implications for their own practice as doctors, nurses or healthcare professionals;

- reflect on and develop Diabetes expertise acquire specialist knowledge of Diabetes;

- facilitate you to undertake an-depth review of an appropriate diabetes project which either has direct relevance to their work discipline or provides the basis for a future scientific project;

- support the development of a range of appropriate `clinical researcher skills and attitudes;

- develop key transferable skills;

- foster innovation and ethical practice in research and development within medicine and healthcare.

Student support

As a student you will have access to both a Course Director and a personal tutor who will with you monitor your progress on the course and offer advice where required. You will also be able to contact the named Unit Tutor. If you are experiencing difficulties with your studies in one of the Units this tutor will be your first point of contact.

Team working

Throughout the course you are expected to work collaboratively, in both face to face sessions (e.g. in small group work) and by using an on-line environment (e.g. peer group discussions) to develop these skills. The importance of collaborative practice and inter-professional activity in both clinical practice and research will be highlighted throughout the course which has a strong inter-professional ethos. Role modelling of best practice will be demonstrated by the course team who have expertise across medicine and healthcare, in primary and secondary settings.

Career Management Skills

The course is designed to promote effective inter disciplinary and interagency working through the teaching, learning and assessment strategies. This course is explicitly designed to meet to foster the career development and management skills of those in training such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other and other key members of the health care team, but those not working in healthcare delivery may also take advantage of this course. GPs who wish to develop a special interest, and other health professionals such as therapist, chaplains, social workers who wish to acquire a postgraduate degree in a scientific area underpinning modern day healthcare.

Career/Further study opportunities

Of particular interest to those of you in training in medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied professionals to enhance professional development and career opportunities. Relevant to those who wish to engage in clinical research activity. As health professionals you may wish to develop a special interest and opt for the specialist pathway through the course.

Further Study:

It is anticipated that on completion of this course it will act as a platform for you to your complete masters, PhD or MD studies, or defined studies within your practice area. You can discuss you future choices with your personal tutor or Course Director.

Entry

Additional:

UG degree in Medicine / Health related profession with at least 1 year of full-time practice (or equivalent) at post-registration level Healthcare professionals without a degree but who have a professional qualification with normally 3 years experience post-registration will be considered.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The course aims to model best practice in learning, teaching and assessment and draws upon a wide range of established and innovative approaches to learner support and development. This includes a combination of face to face and on-line learning approaches. The course has a strong work-based approach to ensure the course is totally meaningful for you irrespective of your diverse professional background and level of experience.

In particular the course will include for you:

- Face to Face Study days wide range of learning and teaching methods including lectures and presentations, small group work, individual and peer group activity

- Independent study including individual and group work, peer discussions, use of a reflective diary, use of on-line resources (such as the Universities Virtual Learning Environment (BREO), on-line/remote access to the Universities learning resources and other on-line resources

- Range of assessment methods closely aligned to learning and teaching methods and to the development of appropriate research skills and relevance to individuals workplace activity.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

None

Students with disabilities

If you have any disabilities this course has been designed with SENDA guidelines in mind. The combination of face to face and on-line resources enables a flexible approach that aims to be learner centred. Where individual support needs are recognised, the course team will work with others within the University to ensure that your needs are addressed.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:-

Recognise how effective communication is central to your practice and core to medicine and healthcare and will be fostered throughout the course. As part of this course you will take part in one-to-one and group discussions including those incorporating complex debates. This requires you to obtain and read detailed information to support your debate and produce supporting materials either as handouts or as part of your assessments. You will develop your verbal presentation skills in readiness for facilitating groups, you will be able to review and evaluate these skills to ensure change over a period of course. Written communication skills are explicitly addressed in formative and summative assessment and will include writing and presenting for different purposes and audiences. For example, presenting a scientific paper, writing a research grant application, developing a patient information leaflet.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:-

Use information technology throughout your studies. You will need to produce assignments on a computer, undertake on-line literature searching and accessing computer-based databases for relevant material. You are required to monitor your progress and adapt your IT strategies accordingly. As part of the assessment process you are required to produce high standard handouts for peers. In order that you will achieve the required standard you will be guided to sources of support and training within Learning Resources. So that you will learn how to work in an on-line environment both independently and collaboratively. You will be expected to demonstrate effective use of word processing database and presentation software such as Power Point. Depending on clinical research interests you will develop an understanding of imaging technologies.

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:-

By the end of your course you will have been required to produce a research or project-based dissertation. This will incorporate all the learning aspects of your course and shows how you can design, implement, evaluate, and disseminate either research or work-derived new data as an agent for change. The project unit is designed primarily to assess students ability to design, implement and evaluate an individual research or practice-based project related to their chosen field of interest.

The aims include:-

- To give you an opportunity to design a small scale research project

- To engage in a critical appraisal of relevant literatures and research studies

- To identify a coherent research strategy and adopt appropriate methods to gather, code and analyse data

- To critically evaluate the research findings or the impact on their own practice.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:-

Be able to develop in this area by the design of your assignments, group work and exchanges within your on-line work. Therefore, through both formative and summative processes these abilities will be enhanced.

Improving learning and performance

The overall emphasis of this course is to recognise your current and future capabilities as a clinician or clinical researcher. The course encourages all participants to identify and address their own personal, professional and development needs and the flexible nature of the course allows these to be met. The course includes multi-source feedback, written and verbal, ongoing and end-point to enable your personal development.

The course is designed to provide a foundation for those of you who are considering greater involvement in clinical research activities or foster evidence based approach to practice. The mentorship course will enable you to identify your future career aspirations and to take steps towards meeting these.

Progress files

You will be encouraged to keep or continue your individual Portfolio to enable you to chart your personal progress. This can be discussed with your personal tutor as part of your own self assessment and your personal development planning.

Professional standards

During the course clinical guidelines and documents from NICE, along with other examples of best clinical practice will be presented and may act as a guide when you are considering your assignments.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

At different stages, you will be able to consider how your course learning objectives have been covered and achieved and how they underpin various aspects of your professional practice you are engaged in.