Msc in Diabetes
The MSc course provides a progression route for the postgraduate diabetes diploma course offered by the University.
The MSc runs over 1 calendar year. Students undertake an initial 12 week online module to develop their skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies.
Thereafter they are able to select either a professional project up to 10,500 words or there is an option (for home based eligible students) to complete the attendance based Independent Prescribing Module enabling those eligible nurses and pharmacists to become an Independent Prescriber as part of their MSc qualification. This is the only course offering this dual qualification.
Modules
The course begins with 1 day of introductory lectures, held at Glyntaff campus, Uni Glam . These introductory lectures cover the framework of the course, its structure and students' expectations.
Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal (compulsory module)
This module aims to prepare students academically to interpret, understand and utilise the appropriate research methodologies in diabetes focussed care. Students will:
- Successfully recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research.
- Understand, interpret and apply basic statistical and epidemiological terms.
- Critically appraise the various study designs used in clinical, scientific and quantitative research such as single blind studies, double blind placebo controlled studies and meta-analyses.
- Interpret principles of qualitative research in the care of patients with diabetes.
Candidates are split into groups of 10-15 students. Each group is supervised by a tutor who facilitates the group, monitors and assesses each student throughout the module. Students are assessed across the following components of the module:
- Research methodology case problems and discussion
- Individual learning portfolio
- Group/individual activity
- Case based Examination
Followed by Either:
Module 2 - Professional Project
This module is designed to enable student to study a clinically related issue in greater depth relating to diabetes. In particular the student will:
- Develop an ability to critically appraise areas of healthcare practice and delivery
- Critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research, clinical governance and organisational practice
- Display skills in independent research and study
- Display skills relevant to independent production of scientific publications
The professional project must be diabetes-related and relevant to the person's practice. This project may comprise of:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated)
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
Students are expected in the first 8 weeks to interact with their tutor in their dedicated group discussion area on a weekly basis and through this interaction be able to select a specific project and submit an outline of this project (approximately 1500 words) along the following lines:
Title of project, Summary of proposed project, Research hypothesis/question, Methods to be used, Proposed analysis of data, Brief related references.
The Professional Project itself should then be completed through online guidance and supervision offered by a dedicated tutor. The student and supervisor will interact at least weekly on the discussion forum or through any other means of communication deemed appropriate by both parties (telephone/SKYPE/email). Note of any verbal communication with the tutor should be recorded on the student's journal by the student. This can also be viewed and accepted by the tutor. Regular updates on the progress of the project will also be expected by the tutor at least every 8 weeks. The project itself should be submitted according to the following structure:
Title of project, Abstract, Introduction/Background, Research hypothesis/question, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Reflection, References, Appendices.
Or:
Appropriate for Pharmacists or Nurses who wish to function at an extended and more autonomous level of practice as independent prescribers.