MMedSci
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Module Timetable
Academic Regulations
Module Description
Primary Care & Health Sciences

Dissertation options

Academic Programme - MMedSci

Academic Vocational Training and the Masters in Medical Science Degree (MMedSci)

The academic pathway was introduced in 2000 as a means for high calibre general practice trainees to gain a higher degree at an early stage of postgraduate training. Specialist trainees usually obtain a higher degree (MD or MMedSci) during registrar training and see this as important for career progression.

Increasingly, GPs are becoming key players in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, service management and research and the MMedSci degree helps you to develop knowledge and skills to support these roles.

The traditional Thursday half-day release has been replaced with a more modular approach with structured, specific modules on various topics. As an SHO on the scheme you will be enrolled as a Keele student and enjoy all the facilities available to any other Keele student. This requires registration at Keele University. The application form is linked to Keele on this page. It is imperative that you complete the application form, together with references, at the start of the course. Without this you will not be able to obtain the credits for the modules.

As an MMedSci student, you attend 3-5 day modules of the taught course throughout the SHO period, learning alongside hospital specialist trainees at all levels. This course replaces the traditional half-day release course and study leave is arranged in advance to enable you to attend.

The West Midlands Deanery study leave budget pays most of the course fee for the taught component, though you will be expected to contribute a small amount (currently £200 per year).

Each module ends with an assignment, which you must complete and pass to gain the academic credits and your qualification and you can graduate at the following levels:
• Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Science (60 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Science (120 credits)
• Masters in Medical Science (120 credits plus 60 credit dissertation)

The structure and content of these modules are designed to compliment SHO’s attempts at becoming a well rounded GP whilst attaining successful accreditation in Summative Assessment and MRCGP. The various modules help with video and audit submissions, preparation for membership vivas, critical analysis of research papers and research methods. The details of these modules are available in this section of the web site. Please browse over them to get a better idea of what is presently on offer.

It is wise to bear in mind two aspects of these modules.
Firstly that copying is a serious offence. Keele University has very sophisticated methods of identifying plagiarism. It will threaten your continued presence on the MMedSci part of the scheme and no academic accreditation will be awarded from Keele University.
Secondly that there is a limited amount of time to submit the module assignments. Extensions are granted by the course tutor only on the basis of very significant factors, so they need doing very soon after the module has finished. Modules may be re-done but only at the expense of the doctor involved. Study leave budgets extend to one single attendance at any module!

Participants in this programme have so far had 100% success in MRCGP during or on completion of the academic VTS.

You have up to 3 years to complete the lower awards and 5 years to complete the Masters, so it is possible to accommodate career breaks or moves within the programme. There remains an opportunity to undertake further modules after their SHO jobs have finished, even as a principal or salaried GP as the credits are valid for a number of years after the last module is completed.