Practical Dermatology (PgDip)

How will I be taught?

The course is delivered entirely online via Cardiff University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), Learning Central, allowing regular, rapid and efficient communication between colleagues, tutors and course administrators, reducing the isolation commonly associated with distance learning.

Through dedicated online tutorial support, discussion forums and online assessments, students become members of an enthusiastic and supportive online community of doctors with an interest in dermatology. This environment allows collaboration, both academic and clinical, which can extend beyond the life of the programme.

To take advantage of the wealth of experience that already exists among these practitioners the course uses methods that promote co-operative, purposeful learning. This includes the use of small group techniques, problem solving and peer review all within an efficient online environment.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be conducted in accordance with the Cardiff University Senate Assessment Regulations for Taught Programmes.

Each module will be assessed by written work, objective structured tests/questions and online activities.

Students are not required to be called for a viva voce examination.

How will I be supported?

The academic staff who teach and oversee the Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology are assisted by a dedicated postgraduate administrator team and learning technology team. All can be contacted by telephone or e-mail to ensure good communication between students and the University. Most of the communication is via the website/VLE, where there are discussion boards that also allow the students to support each other.

Each educational or assessment activity is designed such that students receive support and encouragement from the academics and a team of external tutors. The students are divided into tutor groups of approximately 12 people supported in the educational activities by tutors and academics.

Feedback

Depending on the module and assessments, feedback may include:

• Written comments on assessments.
• Electronic feedback on online tests and quizzes.
• Sample answers.
• Whole-class general feedback – e.g. via discussion forums.
• Peer feedback, either formally as part of an assessment or informally outside of the classroom.
• Group online meetings with course tutors.
   

What skills will I practise and develop?

Studying at Postgraduate Diploma level should provide you with a wealth of skills and abilities you can apply to any professional setting. In addition to greater conceptual understanding of current knowledge, issues and methods, you will have the opportunity to practice and develop abilities in critical analysis, in the application of evidence based medicine and in dealing with complex issues systematically and creatively. 

Your studies should also help you develop your problem-solving and decision-making abilities by enabling you to utilise evidence effectively and communicate important concepts to colleagues and others. Through research focused elements you will have the opportunity to develop and enhance your skills and understanding in aspects such as literature review, critical evaluation, research design, research methodologies, data collection, data analysis and research principles.

After fully engaging in the diploma course, you should be able to:

• Solve diagnostic problems involving skin rashes and lesions.
• Postulate management strategies and treatment solutions for inflammatory dermatoses and skin lesions.
• Critically appraise evidence supporting management plans in dermatology.
• Propose improvements to treatment strategies.
• Design learning materials for use in patient and carer education for skin diseases.
• Modify treatment approaches by incorporating new developments in the dermatology literature as part of lifelong learning.