Clinical Dermatology

Dermatological (skin and hair) issues comprise up to 25% of a General Practitioner’s workload, however dermatology remains poorly represented in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

The majority (80%) of dermatology diagnoses in primary care represents just 10 conditions.

The Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology incorporates 2 course modules both separately (NFQ Level 9, 10 credits) in total (NFQ level 9, 20 credits)

Both Course modules are entirely online distance learning, (September to May) and designed for busy healthcare professionals.

Course Features of each Module:

Entirely online interactive webinar course delivered over 4 lecture blocks, designed for busy healthcare professionals.

Focused on the highest yield content for a primary care provider.

Experienced consultant led teaching with interactive sessions.

Lectures are streamed online live (to facilitate Q&A), and via limited playback and again during examination revision periods.

Robust online Case-based format assessment that is e-proctored.

Each month at least one clinical image and case discussion will be shared with delegates.

Optional on-site patient-based clinical session (not credit-bearing and capped at approx. 30 students)

This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology. After completing both High Yield 1 and High Yield 2 courses worth 20 ECTS in total, graduates are free to use both the award and their official transcript as evidence of CPD / CME activity as part of their professional body annual or biennial returns. As this is a full university programme, leading to an award, we do not separately apply for CPD / CME points from professional bodies. The Diploma course in total will consist of 40 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 500 hours of autonomous student learning.

Clinical Masterclass (Optional) Students who are selected (on a first come, first served basis) for the one-day Clinical Masterclass (which is non-credit-bearing) at the end of course will have the opportunity to observe real-life patients with common dermatology conditions.

The Diploma programme consists of :
X877 Module MDCS42390 Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology High Yield 1
This programme consists of approx. 20-hours of consultant delivered teaching. Four lecture blocks, covering a comprehensive knowledge -base of clinical dermatology incorporate an introduction to dermatological terminology, common cutaneous malignancies, infectious dermatoses, inflammatory dermatoses, scarring and non-scarring alopecia.

X992 Module MDSC42480 Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology High Yield 2
This programme consists of approx. 20-hours of consultant delivered teaching. Four lecture blocks, covering a comprehensive knowledge -base of clinical dermatology incorporate Neutrophilic dermatoses, chronic pruritus and skin of the elderly, vasculitis and lichenoid eruptions.

Participants will develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of common dermatological diseases and enhance their knowledge of the scientific basis of clinical dermatology. They will also develop an understanding of the impact of dermatological conditions, referral pathways and management.

Lectures will be delivered by approximately 25 of Ireland top Specialist Registered Consultant Dermatologists, in addition to an introductory skin biology lecture by Institute Director Professor Tobin.

Webinars are live and interactive, with a Question & Answer session after each. Clinical image based vignettes will be made available at least once a month, encouraging self-directed learning and a blended learning approach.

Each consultant led lecture will be followed by a brief clinical pearls session, delivered by a dermatology registrar in training.

Clinical image based scenarios will be made available at least once a month.

To apply for the Diploma applicants must :
1) Apply from the outset to the Professional Diploma course and complete the two certificates High Yield Dermatology 1 and High Yield Dermatology 2 in 1 year if allowed to do so.
or
2) Apply and complete the first Professional Certificate, High Yield Dermatology 1 and subsequently the Professional Certificate High Yield Dermatology 2. Upon completion of both modules, participants may receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for the first module.
or
3) Apply and complete the second Prof Cert, High Yield Dermatology 2 module, and subsequently the High Yield Dermatology 1 module and then receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for module

Please note : Applying and completing the two Prof Certs separately is possible but be aware without applying for a recognition of prior learning for the first module completed, this would result in two separate Prof Certs and a Diploma would not be awarded a Prof Dip.

Minimum IT Requirements:
Enrolled students will have to meet the minimum IT requirements for Zoom as well as ensuring they have prepared their laptop/PC before taking an online assessment. Students will also need an integrated webcam and microphone on the device they will be using to take the exam for e-proctoring purposes.

The following entry routes are available:

Prof Diploma Clinical Dermatology PT (X991)
Duration 9 Months
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Applicants can apply online here. If you are applying to UCD for the first time you must register an account. Returning applicants may sign into an existing account. Once logged in, to find our course go to ‘Course Finder’ and search for Clinical Dermatology and then apply.

Please note: Places are subject to availability and a strict closing date.

Having paid the application fee and received an e-mail receipt, you must continue to complete the application process by pressing “submit”. An e-mail confirming a successful application will be sent to you within 24 hours.

You can track the status of your documentation online. Log in to your account. Click on your submitted application, which will bring up an application summary. The application requirements are listed at the end of the summary.

To apply for the Diploma applicants must :

1) Apply from the outset to the Professional Diploma course and complete the two certificates High Yield Dermatology 1 and High Yield Dermatology 2 in 1 year if allowed to do so.
or
2) Apply and complete the first Professional Certificate, High Yield Dermatology 1 and subsequently the Professional Certificate High Yield Dermatology 2. Upon completion of both modules, participants may receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for the first module.
or
3) Apply and complete the second Prof Cert, High Yield Dermatology 2 module, and subsequently the High Yield Dermatology 1 module and then receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for module

Please note : Applying and completing the two Prof Certs separately is possible but be aware without applying for a recognition of prior learning for the first module completed, this would result in two separate Prof Certs and a Diploma would not be awarded a Prof Dip.

9 Months Part Time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Online

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.