Allergy

Allergy is an increasing global health problem, and both UK and worldwide there is an urgent requirement for training in clinical allergy for all levels of the medical profession who diagnose and manage patients with allergic conditions.

The Imperial College Postgraduate courses in Allergy offer a modular teaching week structure and extensive interactive online learning resources, enabling students from around the world to participate. The course faculty is derived from the wide pool of world renowned experts at Imperial College and from around the UK. The dynamic nature of the course structure enables students to receive up to the minute information on new research and clinical practice parameters and has been recognised for its innovative teaching style.

The Allergy programmes will mainly be located at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington but students also spend time in allergy clinics in other Central London hospitals affiliated with Imperial College with strong allergy services and world renowned allergy research programmes. In particular this includes clinics at The Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea.

The programme consists of the following modules: The PG Cert: 1. The Scientific Basis of Allergy (Core) 2. Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Disease (Core) 3. The Cutting Edge of Allergy (Core) The MSc: The PG Cert modules plus: 4. Research project: including a taught component on research methods and dissertation (Core) 5. Options Module 1 (Option) 6. Options Module 2 (Option) 7. Options Module 3 (Option) 8. Options Module 4. (Option) For modules 5-8 students select 4 out of: b. Allergic Airways Disease c. Rhinitis and Hayfever d. Allergic Skin Disease e. Allergic Gastrointestinal Disease f. Food Hypersensitivity g. Paediatric Allergy 
The PG Cert is offered as a 9 month part-time course comprising 3 modules of 10 ECTS each. The MSc programme is offered as a part-time, three year course with an option of award after 2 years if the Dissertation project is completed successfully after this length of time. The MSc is comprised of two parts: a taught component (consisting of the PG Cert and 4 optional 5 ECTS modules) and a research component. The taught component will include lectures, clinic attachments, workshops and tutorials. During the taught component students will be expected to carry out one piece of course work relating to each module consisting of a written assignment, written examination or an oral presentation. Modules 1-3 will be taught in the first year, module 4 (Dissertation) will have taught components in the second year and the remaining optional modules will be taught in the second year. The research project will be carried out in years 2 and 3 for which students will submit a dissertation for examination and a viva either at the end of the 2nd or 3rd year. The PG Cert consists of 42 hours of lectures, 36 hours of clinic attendance, 36 hours of tutorials/workshops with course tutors (online and face to face) and 150 hours of Blackboard tasks, giving a total of 264 hours of teaching. Students will be expected to spend 316 hours of private study and a further 170 hours on assessed coursework. Assessed coursework will include essays and reports with a word limit of 2000-2500 words; written examinations and practical examinations. The MSc comprises a further 98 hours of lectures, 16 hours of clinic attendance, 42 hours of tutorials/workshops with course tutors (online and face to face) and 120 hours of Blackboard tasks, giving a further 276 hours of teaching. Students will be expected to spend a further 604 hours of private study and a further 620 hours on assessed coursework. Overall the MSc consists of 140 hours of lectures, 52 hours of clinic attendance, 78 hours of tutorials/workshops with course tutors (online and face to face) and up to 270 hours of Blackboard tasks, giving a total of 540 hours of teaching. Students will be expected to spend 920 hours of private study and a further 790 hours on assessed coursework. A total of 90 ECTS are required for the Masters degree to be awarded. Year One: Certificate of Advanced Study in Allergy Term one: The Scientific Basis of Allergy (Core) 10 ECTS The module will include: orientation to Master’s study and Blackboard; key elements of NHS structure; important national initiatives in Allergy; basic immunological mechanisms, T cells and cytokines, adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules, allergens and allergic inflammation, ontogeny of immune responses, genetic regulation, epidemiology of allergic disease, the immunological basis of asthma, rhinitis, eczema, food allergy and drug allergy. Assessment will be examination incorporating extended matching items and one best answer questions. 
Term Two: Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Disease (Core) 10 ECTS This module will cover the range of scientific and clinical diagnostic and therapeutic techniques required to manage allergic disease. The relative importance and choice of both in vivo and in vitro diagnostic tests will be explored. The techniques available to investigate the manifestations of allergic disease in the lung, the nose, the skin, the gut and the eye will be researched and assessed in the form of an extended case history including a critical appraisal of recent research literature in the area. Practical skills in diagnostic techniques will be examined. Term Three: The Cutting Edge of Allergy (Core) 10 ECTS This module will address areas of allergy that are currently at the forefront of allergy research programmes. It will build on the previous modules to investigate immune modulation and genetic advances in allergic disease and will highlight preventative strategies and predictive factors. Both inter- and intra-cellular mechanisms will be covered. Topics will include: Pre and probiotics, peptide vaccines, immunomodulation with small molecules, signal transduction, dendritic cells, smooth muscle and remodelling and imaging. Assessment will be by written assignment investigating novel approaches to defining disease progression or management. To progress to years 2/3 students must have passed all the assessments for Year 1. At this stage students decide whether they wish to complete their MSc over a total of 2 or 3 years. If they choose the 2 year option they study Module 4 (research project) and their choice of 4 out of the 6 optional modules all in year 2. If they choose the 3 year option they study the 4 optional modules in Year 2 and the research project in either year 2 and 3 or in year 3 alone. Year Two (2 year option) Research methods and project (core) 40 ECTS This module will provide a general overview of research methods in healthcare and reinforce understanding of the importance of research for the evaluation of clinical practice. The following aspects will be included in this course: theoretical and applied statistics; descriptive and inferential statistics; populations and samples. Students will explore the use (and mis-use) of statistical software for data analysis. In particular they will be gain skills in descriptive statistics; those that explore differences between groups and those that examine relationships between variables. Skills learned in this module will be consolidated by practical experience in designing, constructing and presenting a research project by dissertation. Participants will prepare a research plan for approval by July in their first or second year of study. They will then conduct the planned research and produce a dissertation of 10,000 words (+/- 10%) (excluding tables, appendices and references). Projects will relate to module areas and will be supervised either by the Module Director or by another supervisor approved by that Module Director. Projects can either be carried out at Imperial College or at the student’s own institution provided appropriate supervision can be established. An Imperial college based on-site supervisor will be essential to oversee the project and to make sure it stays on track. Supervisors will be confirmed at the beginning of the course and regular meetings with the on-site supervisor are essential to monitor progress. Students will be required to present their project proposals (in both oral and written formats) before commencement of the project. Systematic reviews or audits carried out at the student’s own institution are acceptable as research projects as long as the student can demonstrate their understanding of the research issues and their implication for allergic disease. Assessment will be by both presentation of the written research Dissertation and a viva voce and a choice of 4 out of: Allergic Airways Disease and Asthma 5 ECTS This module will cover the normal structure and function of the lung and how this is altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of airway disease and provide experience of the skills and techniques required to diagnose and monitor respiratory problems and deliver appropriate management plans in both adult and paediatric situations. Current research themes with a potential impact on diagnosis and treatment will be explored. Rhinitis and Hayfever 5 ECTS This module will cover normal nasal physiology and anatomy and how this is altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of nasal disease and promote competence and practical skills in its diagnosis and assessment as well as informing selection of treatment regimens. Current research themes with a potential impact on diagnosis and treatment will be explored. Allergic Skin Disease 5 ECTS This module will cover normal structure and function of skin and how this is altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of allergic skin conditions and promote competence and practical skills in their recognition and management. Current research themes with a potential impact on diagnosis and treatment will be explored. Allergic Gastrointestinal Disease 5 ECTS This module will cover normal structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract and how this altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of a range of allergic gastrointestinal diseases, including both IgE and non-IgE mediated hypersensitivities and promote competence in their recognition and current management as well as investigating potential future strategies indicated by current research. Food Hypersensitivity 5 ECTS This module will cover both food hypersensitivities and intolerances and will develop the skills to discriminate the physiological differences between them. It will promote knowledge and practical skills in the dietary and nutritional management of hypersensitivity and intolerance reactions to foods and investigate potential new strategies indicated by research programmes for their treatment and possible prevention. Paediatric Allergy 5 ECTS This module will address the areas of allergy that require specific knowledge of paediatric processes including immune mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, management and family issues. Specific topics will include: The Allergic March, infant wheeze, food allergies and intolerances in early life, eczema and early differential diagnosis, paediatric allergic gastrointestinal disease, child protection issues and general paediatric problems presenting in an allergy clinic. 

Normally a degree in Medicine or at least an Upper Second Class Honours in a healthcare related subject, typically Nursing, Dietetics, Immunology/Physiology or Biomedical Science. For non-native speakers of English the normal College English language requirements are required. 

 Currently all students who meet all the criteria for entry will be offered a place up to the maximum number permitted on the course (30). Beyond this number a waiting list is established in case of an offered place not being taken up. 

Dean's Master's Scholarships

Home/EU Students

• Full tuition fees and a stipend of £17,000

• 5 places are available

Overseas Students

• Full tuition fees and a stipend of £17,000

• 4 places are available

Stipends will be paid in monthly instalments, subject to satisfactory progression. Awardees on courses which last more than a year will have their £17,000 stipend spread over the full lengh of the degree. 

The Faculty offers a wide range of Master's degree courses, as well as PG Certificates and Diplomas, and all students will belong to the Graduate School, which provides a comprehensive Transferable Skills Programme. 

 For any queries not covered here, please email James Osborne (PGT Administrator, Faculty of Medicine) at james.osborne@imperial.ac.uk.

Please note that there may be other scholarships offered by Schools, Institutes and Departments that make up the Faculty of Medicine. These are separate from the Dean's and Faculty Master's Scholarships described here and entail a different application process. 

Eligibility

General Eligibility

These awards are open to all students who have made an application to the Faculty of Medicine by 30 April 2015 for admission to study for a full time or part time Master's course* at Imperial College London, starting in October 2015 (*or PG Cert for a course where that is the only route to the higher degree).

Please note that these awards can only be given to students who are studying a course run by the Faculty of Medicine. For a full list of these courses, please see our Master's Degree page. 

It is not essential for applicants to have already received an offer of a place on a course, but the initial course application must be made before applying for a scholarship.

Residence Eligibility

Applications are accepted from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality.

Academic Eligibility

• Candidates are expected to be able to provide evidence of outstanding academic ability. This will usually mean being among the highest achievers in their undergraduate cohort and in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class UK Honours degree or equivalent.

• An applicant who does not meet this requirement (e.g. holds a second class undergraduate degree, is a health professional who did not undertake a degree course, or is from a non-traditional background*), will be considered if they are able to demonstrate that they have outstanding academic potential and substantial experience relevant to their chosen subject area. This should be included in the Personal Statement section of the application form. (*Those applicants without a degree will be required, where available, to pass a Special Qualifying Examination to gain entry to the chosen course).

• Candidates with degrees from overseas institutions are strongly urged to determine if their scores/grades are equivalent to the relevant eligibility criteria.

• Candidates who already have a postgraduate qualification should justify their request to have an additional postgraduate course funded by the faculty. This should be included in the Personal Statement section of the application form.

• Candidates who wish to apply for a Master's course which starts as a PG Cert or PG Dip will only be considered if they are committed to completing the course to Master's level.

• Scholarships awarded based on predicted grades will be conditional upon final results.

How to Apply
In order to be considered for the Dean's Master's Scholarships, potential candidates will need to have first applied for a place on a Master's course in the Faculty of Medicine. It is not essential to wait for an offer of a place to be made, but the initial course application must be made before submitting a scholarship application. To apply for a Master's course, please use our online admission system. 

Once the application for the course has been submitted, those who wish to apply for a scholarship should complete our online form (Note: the Scholarship award panel will assess candidates on their scholarship application form NOT their course application, so make sure all key information is included in your scholarship application). The form will need to be completed in a single session, so please have the following information prepared:

• Personal statement (not more than 1000 words).
• Details of qualifications, achievements, awards, relevant experience and publications.
• The title/s of the course/s which you have applied for.

Shortlisting will take place in May 2015. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews which are currently scheduled for the week commencing Monday 8 June 2015. All interviews will take place via Skype between 9.00 and 17.00 BST. The scholarship application form includes a question regarding your country of residence in June 2015. We will use this information to identify your time zone and try to tailor your interview time accordingly, although we cannot guarantee that the slot allocated to you will be convenient for your time zone. 

All candidates will be informed of the decision by the end of June 2015.

References

We will use the references that you provide as part of your course application process. Please do not send references to us directly as we will be unable to accept them. It is not essential that we receive your references in time to consider your scholarship application, although their absence may weaken your application. It is therefore recommended that you contact your referees directly to ask that they respond to your course application reference request before Friday 8 May 2015 (one week after scholarship applications close).

Terms and conditions

When applying for Faculty of Medicine Master's Degree Scholarships, candidates must agree to Imperial's terms and conditions regarding scholarships and bursaries. 

Please note, the following conditions override the standard Imperial terms and conditions:

• Both part time and full time students are eligible to apply.

• An offer of a place is not required before applying, but candidates must first apply for a Master's course run by the Faculty of Medicine before applying for a scholarship.

• Candidates who do not apply through the online form will not be considered for the Dean's Master's Scholarships.

• Successful applicants who receive a Dean's Master's Scholarship will not be allowed to accept any other form of scholarship or bursary provided by Imperial College London for study during the 2015/16 academic year.

• Scholarship stipends will be paid in monthly instalments over the length of the course, subject to satisfactory progress. Students on courses which are part time or start as a PG Cert will have their stipend paid in equal monthly instalments over the full length of the course.

• Awardees will be required to participate in a small number of promotional activities during the course of their studies and allow their image to be used by Imperial for publicity purposes. Such activities may include (but are not limited to) attending special events and producing occassional print or web copy.

​Deadline for applications is Midnight 30 April 2015

Applicants will be given a decision by 30 June 2015.

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide who have the potential to become leaders in their field. 

You will have the option to study for a full MSc in Allergy or aPostgraduate Certificate in Allergy depending on the level and direction of your ambitions. You can achieve the Certificate in 9 months of part-time study and the MSc in a 2 or 3 year programme.