MSc in Respiratory Medicine

This taught programme provides you with an overview of common conditions in respiratory medicine, their diagnosis and management, and the balance of public health, community and secondary care input to the overall service delivery in the speciality. It is taught using a mixture of lectures, tutorials, hands-on practical sessions and workplace-based elements. It will provide specialized training for budding respiratory specialists in primary or secondary care, either medical or allied healthcare professionals.

This programme can be accessed through the 60 credit PG Certificate; 120 credit PG Diploma or the 180 credit Masters. If you wish to study this programme to the Postgraduate Diploma level then you will need to complete additional modules of the programme but will not need to complete a dissertation, which is only available to those studying for the Masters.

The specific aims of the programme are to:

1. Provide an in-depth understanding of the common conditions and concepts relevant to community-based respiratory medicine including:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma
• Cough
• Sleep apnoea

2. Equip you with a comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge of acute respiratory problems, and complex lung conditions managed in a secondary care setting including:

• TB and other respiratory infections
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Interstitial lung disease
• Lung cancer
• Cystic fibrosis

3. Provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to plan and deliver efficient and successful clinical services through case-based learning and supervised clinical protocol design.

Why study this course?

The University of Birmingham is linked to University Hospitals Birmingham (one of the largest Foundation Trusts in the UK) and clinical placements for the modules, with the opportunity to study with leading clinicians at UHB, is a unique opportunity.

Birmingham is also one of the most diverse cities in the UK, which brings with it the challenge of managing disease in different communities, whose health beliefs may differ. From a learning perspective, this means that we can give the opportunity to see different models of care at work, from intense hospital-based work to integrated and virtual care models in the community setting.

The University of Birmingham/UHB partnership is integral to Birmingham Health Partners, which also works with Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, so we can also access teaching from leading paediatricians where students' studies require it.

Finally, the University of Birmingham has cutting edge facilities for precision medicine, for example through the Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM) which is an increasingly important area in respiratory medicine, lung cancer, asthma and more. You may have the opportunity to hear about, or see clinical trials in these areas during placements at UHB.

Entry Requirements

Our Standard Requirements

BSc or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy or medical degree)

On a case-by-case basis, other classes of degree and/or relevant qualifications and experience of working within respiratory medicine will be considered.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

English to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available.

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the university, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of the course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Modules

We cater for all learners with an adaptable mix of teaching styles such as lectures, seminars, small group work and workplace-based attachments in our renowned NHS partner (UHB) to facilitate clinically relevant learning.

In the core modules you will experience face-to-face days on campus, days in clinical practice with world-leading experts (eg Professor David Thickett, Adel Mansur) and supervisory meetings for the written assignment as required.

Core modules

There are 2 compulsory core modules, both of 20 credits:

• Respiratory Medicine in Secondary Care

This module comprises three face-to-face training days, plus case-based learning in clinical practice, a written assessment that focuses on case-based presentations allied to evidence review OR maybe a service delivery plan, plus an SAQ examination

• Respiratory Medicine in the Community

This is also available as part of the MSc in Primary and Community Care this is a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other disciplines. Face-to-face training occurs on the following topics: COPD, lung cancer, ILD, TB, NIV, service design and management. Case-based learning and assessment are similar to the other core module, except with MCQ rather than SAQ assessment.

Optional modules

1 x 20 credit module (or 2 x 10 credit) chosen from a list as follows of existing modules (below). If 10 credit modules are changed to 20 credits by the parent programmes this will not alter their suitability for use in this PGCert.

Masters in Public Health - MPH

• Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods (20 credits)
• Health Information and Health Informatics (10 credits)
• Health Care Evaluation and Commissioning (10 credits)
• Introduction to Leadership and Management for Health (10 credits)
• Health Economics (10 credits)
• Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis (20 credits)
• Clinical Trials (MPH) (20 credits)

Clinical Oncology MSc/Diploma - Part-time

• Palliative Care and Cancer Patients (20 credits)
• Radiation Biology (10 credits)

Clinical Trials – MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

• The rationale for Clinical Trials, Key Concepts and Features (20 credits)
• Selection, Collection and Reporting of Clinical Trial Outcomes (10 credits)
• Preparation and Set-up for a Clinical Trial (20 credits)
• Delivery and Management of Clinical Trials (20 credits)
• Analyses of Clinical Trials, Interpretation and Communication of Trial Findings (20 credits)
• Early-phase Clinical Trials (10 credits)
• Design and Delivery of Further Clinical Trials (20 credits)

Multidisciplinary Healthcare Simulation - PGCert

• Human Factors in Healthcare (20 credits)
• Adult Learning Theory and its Application to Multidisciplinary Healthcare Simulation Learning and Teaching (20 credits

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We are offering over 200 awards of £2,000 to support the brightest and best applicants wishing to undertake Master's study at the University during 2022-23.

The deadline for applications is Saturday 30 April 2022.

Careers Support for Postgraduate Students

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject-specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area.