Pain Management

Pain Management MSc at University College London offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding, assessing, and managing pain in clinical settings. This programme is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and clinicians aiming to deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills in the field of pain management. Throughout the course, students explore the complex biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to pain experiences, enabling them to develop individualized treatment strategies. The curriculum covers topics such as neurophysiology of pain, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, psychological approaches, and advances in pain research. Students engage in both theoretical study and practical application, benefiting from UCL’s renowned expert faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The programme emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and the development of innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes. Participants will have opportunities to engage in research projects, clinical placements, and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a comprehensive understanding of pain management across different healthcare contexts. Graduates of the MSc in Pain Management will be equipped to work effectively within diverse healthcare teams, contribute to policy development, and pursue further research or clinical practice roles. The programme is suitable for physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other health professionals committed to advancing their expertise in pain treatment. With its rigorous academic structure and applied focus, the course prepares students to make meaningful improvements in pain care worldwide. Join the MSc Pain Management at UCL to become a leader in this vital and evolving field, improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from acute and chronic pain through innovative and compassionate care.

Students will learn:

• Research methods and ethical principles underpinning pain research
• Health economics and social impact of pain
• Clinical governance of pain services
• Pathophysiology of pain
• Pharmacology of pain and therapeutics
• Managing pain in cancer patients including post-chemotherapy pain
• Management of headache and abdominopelvic/urogenital pain
• Managing pain in children and adolescents
• Strategies for the self-management of pain
• Neuromodulation for chronic pain
• Pain management with mental health, substance misuse and multiple morbidity
• Community pain management strategies

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, eight core modules) is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, four core modules) is offered.

Core modules

• Introduction to Pain: Economics, Evidence Delivery (15 credits)
• Acute Pain (15 credits)
• Chronic Pain (15 credits)
• Pain in Cancer Patients (15 credits)
• Headache, Paediatric Pain & Abdominopelvic Pain (15 credits)
• Strategies for the Self-Management of Pain (15 credits)
• Neuromodulation (15 credits)
• Pain in the Community (15 credits)

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this programme.

Dissertation/report

Successful completion of the MSc requires a 5,000- to 8,000-word dissertation on a topic that is relevant to the candidate's own clinical practice and has been covered, at least superficially, at some point in the programme. The options for the dissertation will be discussed with each student but can include, where possible, joining clinical research at the UCLH Pain Management Centre, study in-depth of topics, preparing for higher (doctoral) research, etc. Students will have two supervisors and a mentor.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered via a specially-designed online learning environment with additional workshops and discussions to support students on the journey towards making a real difference for people living with pain. 

A minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants should also be registered/licensed healthcare professionals with a demonstrable interest in pain management.

The financing of the Pain Management programme at University College London is structured to accommodate a diverse range of students, including domestic and international applicants. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, with UK and EU students typically paying a different rate compared to international students. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition fee for domestic students is approximately £9,250 per year, while international students may pay around £25,000 per year. These fees are subject to annual increases, and students are advised to consult the university's official website for the most current figures.

Students pursuing this programme have access to various funding options. University scholarships and bursaries are available for outstanding applicants, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, research potential, and financial need, and students are encouraged to apply early. Additionally, the university offers a range of financial aid packages, including installment plans that allow students to spread the cost of tuition fees over the academic year, making it more manageable.

Government financial support is also available for eligible students. UK students can access student loans through the Student Loans Company, which cover tuition fees and provide maintenance loans for living expenses. International students often rely on private loans or sponsorships to fund their studies, as government loans are generally not accessible outside the UK.

The university also provides guidance on external funding sources, such as research grants, charitable foundations, and professional associations related to pain management. Many students undertaking advanced postgraduate studies in health sciences and pain management pursue research funding, which can cover tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses.

Moreover, some students may choose to finance their studies through part-time work, either on or off-campus, supported by the university's employment services. UCL's career services regularly advertise part-time job opportunities suitable for students, helping them gain practical experience while covering living costs. International students should also consider exchange rates and cost of living in London when planning their finances.

In summary, financing a Pain Management programme at UCL involves a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, government loans for eligible UK students, private funding, external grants, and part-time employment opportunities. Prospective students are advised to explore all available options early and consult the university's financial aid office for personalized guidance tailored to their circumstances.

The MSc in Pain Management at University College London offers a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage pain in various healthcare settings. The programme is ideal for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists, who wish to specialise in pain management or enhance their expertise in this complex field.

Throughout the course, students explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects of pain, gaining insights into the mechanisms underlying pain perception and the latest approaches to its assessment and treatment. The curriculum integrates multidisciplinary perspectives, emphasizing evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and the development of clinical skills required for effective pain management.

The programme combines taught modules with research components, encouraging critical thinking, practical application of knowledge, and research skills. Students engage in clinical placements, workshops, seminars, and case discussions that foster interaction with experienced clinicians and researchers. This real-world exposure aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in clinical practice, research, education, or policy development within pain management.

The duration of the programme varies but generally spans one academic year for full-time students or two years part-time. Entry requirements typically include a relevant healthcare qualification and professional experience in a healthcare setting. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, online learning modules, and practical sessions, supported by access to UCL’s extensive resources and expert faculty.

Graduates of the MSc in Pain Management can pursue careers in clinical practice, academia, research, or health policy, contributing to advancements in pain treatment and patient recovery. The programme's interdisciplinary focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the multifaceted challenges associated with pain management across different healthcare environments.