Our online courses are directed to help improve skills and knowledge in the speciality for all medical graduates and post graduates (MBBS/ MD's).

Documents Required

• A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
• A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
• The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
• A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
• A copy of your proof of English competency

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 (with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.

The Neurosurgery MSc course places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.

The first seven modules on the neurosurgeon education course has the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout.

You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice.

For the final module of the neurosurgeon education course you will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,000 words.

Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 11,000 word professional project.To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.

Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies.

The assessment breakdown includes:

Year 1

• Academic Forum - 40%

  • Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.

  • Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.

  • These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.

• Reflective Journal - 10%

  • The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.

• Module Assignment - 20%

  This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:

  • Group Activity: Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.

  • Individual Activity: Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.

• Exam - 30%

  • Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.

  • The online exam is marked automatically.

  • The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.

Year 2

• Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

  • This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.

• Professional Project Proposal

  • Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.

  • Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.

• Professional Project

  • Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.

  • Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.

  • Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.

  • Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.

  • All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.