Paediatrics and Child Health Advanced Paediatrics

This comprehensive programme is intended for professionals specialising in paediatrics and child health and is based at the Institute of Child Health, which sits in a unique position in UK paediatrics because of its strong links to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and UCL.

Students on this pathway gain an understanding of the principles of evidence-based paediatrics, and of the impact of molecular genetics on diagnosis and management of the child and family. You will build an awareness of current and future developments in paediatric medicine and child health and gain the skills necessary to critically appraise practice and policy, and undertake independent Master's-level research.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), five optional modules ( 75 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time 9 months, flexible 2-5 years) is offered. The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits) and five optional modules (75 credits).

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, part-time 1 year, flexible 1-2 years) is offered. The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits) and one optional module (15 credits).

Core modules

• Evidence-based Child Health
• Research Methodology and Statistics
• Plus either:
• Specialist Paediatrics I
• Or:
• Specialist Paediatrics II

Optional modules include

• Epidemiology for Child Health
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Molecular and Genetic Basis of Paediatrics
• Teaching and Learning in Medical Education
• Immunisation and Communicable Diseases
• Healthy Child Programme 0–18 years
• Disability
• Safeguarding Children and Children in Society
• Nutrition, Growth and Physical Activity
• Respiration through Life, Health and Disease
• Principles and Practice in Paediatric Gastroenterology
• Investigations and Management in Paediatric Gastroenterology

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and research project supervision. Assessment is through a combination of multiple choice questions and short-answer questions, essays, posters, presentations, reflective portfolios, critical appraisal of the literature and, for the full MSc, a dissertation and oral presentation.

Medically qualified applicants should have post-qualification experience in paediatrics or child health. Non-medically qualified applicants should normally have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and several years' specialist experience of working in hospitals, community child health or public health services for children and families.