MSc Rheumatology (Online Delivery)
Having specialist knowledge in Rheumatology is an increasingly important role and extra responsibility of medical personnel. Our team of course authors and tutors are recognised experts and opinion leaders in their specialty areas. Run with the collaborative partner Diploma MSc, this MSc in Rheumatology is aimed at health professionals who are interested in a leadership role including Doctors, GPs, Allied Health Professionals, Practice Nurses and those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Occupational therapists, Pharmacists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience.
The online Masters course in Rheumatology aims to create professionals who can independently access information and use the information to critically assess, evaluate and disseminate the evidence base related to Rheumatology. It will develop problem-solving and clinical skills together with preparing students to take a leadership role in Rheumatology.
MSc: One-year duration
Students progressing from the PG Diploma course do the one-year MSc consisting of the following modules:
● Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Rheumatology
● Professional Project
MSc: Two-year duration
Students who decide to enrol directly on to the MSc (rather than the PG Dip) will do the two-year version, which consists of the following
● Epidemiology, pathophysiology and scientific basis of Rheumatological disorders
● Roles of allied healthcare professionals and the muti-disciplinary team in the treatment of Rheumatology patients
● Drugs and therapeutics in management of Rheumatological conditions
● Management of inflammatory arthritis
● Connective tissue disease and vasculitis
● Soft tissue disorders, degenerative arthritis and crystal arthropathies
● Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Rheumatology
● Professional Project
Teaching
Although you’ll be learning online you will be part of a group with 10 to 15 other students. Your self-directed distance learning will be guided by tutor-stimulated discussion based on clinically rich case scenarios.
You’ll do a combination of individual and group projects, and you’ll have a reflective practice portfolio to help you consider how what you’re learning on the course can be translated into everyday work and practice.
You’ll have the support of a dedicated team who will help you with any challenges you may face - from help with navigating our online learning platform to advice on what you need to do to pass the course and meet deadlines.
Once you have secured your place on the course, you will be invited to an Online Induction Day Webinar. This will give you the opportunity to participate in study skills workshops on Harvard Referencing, scientific and reflective writings, and levels of evidence in preparation for your studies.
It is not compulsory for you to attend our Induction Day, but it is recommended as it’ll provide you with a sturdy introduction to the course.
Assessment
Students are expected in the first 8 weeks to interact with their tutor on a weekly basis. Students select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (approximately 1,500 words).
Once the proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,500 words) itself is then completed through online guidance and supervision offered by the tutor.
The student and tutor will interact regularly (weekly) on the dedicated students/tutor discussion area or through any other means of communication deemed appropriate by both parties (telephone/SKYPE/email). Note of any verbal communication with the tutor is recorded in the student's journal by the student.
Facilities
As part of your online studies you will have access to the Learning Resources Centre materials at the University of South Wales. FINDit is the University’s portal which allows you to search for over 13,000 full-text journal articles, news articles, conference proceedings and approximately 160 databases via one search box- the majority of these materials are accessible online. Interactive study skills modules are available to study via Blackboard to enable you to utilise the library services fully.
Lecturers
The course is delivered by a board who have an established international reputation in Rheumatology education:
- Dr Rizwan Rajak, Course Director
Our tutors are recognised experts in Rheumatology education and are experienced in delivering online learning.
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
To secure your place on the course, applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree. Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account.
In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English Language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
This course is run in partnership with Diploma MSc. Please refer to their website for fee information.
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
August 2025 - July 2026 Fees
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
This course is run in partnership with Diploma MSC who have over 10 years` experience in delivering award-winning, online, Postgraduate Diploma, MSc and MBA distance education courses.
On completion of the MSc Rheumatology course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients in rheumatology.
- Critically evaluate current research in rheumatology.
- Apply a critical awareness of current issues affecting the care of patients undertaking rheumatology treatments.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of rheumatology that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations.
The MSc Rheumatology course will enhance private practice and will help your career progression. The course provides you with a direct opportunity to improve patient care.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.