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 Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology High Yield 1 (NFQ Level 9, 10 credits) is fully-online (September to May) and focuses on common dermatological conditions presenting to primary care. The 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.

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 interactive, with a Question & Answer session after each live webinar, to allow students to further delve into the clinical aspects of disease.

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

Course Features:
Fully-online interactive webinar course delivered over 4 lecture blocks to equip graduates with the knowledge and expertise required to recognise and treat skin disorders commonly encountered in general practice.

Focuses on patient-related problems, while also developing knowledge of the theoretical background of real cases from clinical practice.

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

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

Each month a 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). See course flyer (flyer hyperlink) for further details.

This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology, worth 10 ECTS, and 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 course will consist of 20 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 250 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.

All aspects of the course delivery that are credit-bearing are online, via webinars broadcasted via Adobe Connect on Thursdays at 19:30 Irish Standard Time (typically). As this is an interactive course with a Q & A session at the end of each live-streamed lecture, we strongly suggest that students attend the live sessions. However, webinars will also be available for playback (during trimester period it was delivered in) unless otherwise specified.

The online course will be delivered by over 20 of Ireland’s most respected Specialist Register Consultant Dermatologists.

Course content will be delivered sequentially over 2 trimesters

All relevant course materials, including lecture slides in PDF format (non-downloadable), and webinars (non-downloadable) will be made available on UCD’s Virtual Learning Environment (Brightspace). Content will be available to students for relevant teaching period it was delivered in and during revision periods

Assessment will take place online

The only on-site activity is the optional clinical masterclass (in Dublin).

Subjects taught

This Professional Certificate-level course covers all aspects of clinical dermatology, with a comprehensive lecture schedule delivered by expert Consultant Dermatologists. Lectures will be delivered through an interactive webinar series and organised into relevant blocks. The course will consist of 20 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 250 hours of autonomous student learning.

Lecture topics covered include*:

Trimester 1 (September to December) : Precise order subject to change

● Introduction to Skin Biology (and dermatological terminology)
● Terminology and how to approach the patient
● Hidradenitis Suppurativa
● Acne
● Melanocytic lesions
● Non-melanoma skin cancers
● Infestations : Viral and Parasitic
● Infestations : Bacterial and Fungal

Trimester 2 (January- May) : Precise order subject to change

● Melanoma
● Rosacea
● Atopic dermatitis
● Contact & Stasis Dermatology
● Urticaria
● Psoriasis
● Connective tissue disease
● Alopecia: Non-scarring
● Alopecia: Scarring

*Precise order and topics in curriculum are subject to change.

A short revision period follows at end of each trimester, which culminates with online MCQ assessments.

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 at the end of course.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a Medical degree from a recognised Irish or International Medical School (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent).

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.

Application dates

The following entry routes are available:

Prof Cert Clinical Dermatology PT (X877)
Duration 8 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.

Credits

10

Duration

8 Months Part Time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Online

Fees

ProfCert Clinical Dermatology (X877) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 1500
nonEU fee per year - € 2500

***Fees are subject to change.

Enrolment dates

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.

More details
  • Qualification letters

    ProfCert

  • Qualifications

    Special Purpose Certificate (Level 9 NFQ)

  • Attendance type

    Part time

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    Course provider