Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes MSc PG Certificate PG Diploma
Program Overview
This MSc program in Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes from the University of Sheffield equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of hormones in regulating bodily processes and disease. Through modules on fundamental endocrinology, endocrine disorders, and research methodology, graduates develop valuable skills for careers in research, clinical practice, or related fields. The program culminates in a six-month research project, providing hands-on experience in endocrinology research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MSc program focuses on the role of hormones in regulating all key bodily processes. It covers fundamental endocrinology, how this underpins disease processes throughout all stages of life, and how this knowledge can be used to develop treatments.
Objectives:
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of hormones in regulating life processes and disease.
- To examine a wide range of endocrine disorders, their impact on patients, and their treatment options.
- To develop skills in research methodology and data analysis.
- To prepare students for careers in research, clinical practice, or related fields.
Program Description:
The program covers topics such as:
- Hormone synthesis, homeostasis, and the pathophysiology of endocrine disorders affecting children, young people, and adults.
- Diabetes in detail, including its symptoms, complications, and effective management strategies.
- The process of testing and developing potential new drugs to treat endocrine disease. The program is led by experienced clinicians and scientists specializing in endocrinology and diabetes. Students have the opportunity to join them in clinics and clinical meetings at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. A significant part of the degree is a six-month research project, where students join one of the research teams to develop their skills in the lab and run their own experiments to test a hypothesis in endocrinology.
Outline:
Structure:
The program is structured into two parts:
- Research Project: A six-month research project runs from March to September.
Course Schedule:
- September to March: Taught modules.
- March to September: Research project.
Modules:
MSc Modules:
- Principles of Endocrinology: This module introduces the fundamental principles of endocrinology and diabetes, including cellular signaling pathways, receptor classes, gene regulation, differentiation, and the importance of hormones in development and homeostasis. It also covers defects in hormonal function, clinical chemistry, and the assessment of hormone function. (15 credits) It covers current clinical approaches to investigate and manage core conditions in paediatric endocrinology. (15 credits)
- Endocrine Disorders in Adults: This module provides a comprehensive knowledge of biochemistry, pathophysiology, and pathology relevant to endocrine disorders in adults. It focuses on common clinical problems and their solutions, covering various clinical sequelae due to endocrine disorders. (15 credits) It covers the pathophysiology of the main conditions and complications of diabetes, current management strategies, the role of the multidisciplinary team, self-management, and the societal impact of diabetes. (15 credits)
- Research Skills, Innovation & Technology: This module introduces the genetics and treatment of endocrine disease and how in vitro and in vivo models have been used to understand disease complexity and test potential new drugs. It covers drug development in the context of translational research. (30 credits)
- Research Project (MSc Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes): This module provides the opportunity to learn and apply research methods to test a specific scientific hypothesis. It involves a 25-week research project, culminating in a poster presentation, a dissertation, and an oral exam. (90 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Practical exercises with reflective reports
- Preparing abstracts and grant proposals
- Presentations on clinical cases and studies
- Journal club-style presentations
- Poster presentation for the research project
- Short reflective reports for the research project
- Thesis for the research project
- Short oral exam based on the research project thesis
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Practical classes
- Independent study
Faculty:
The program is taught by experts in endocrinology and diabetes.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Clinical laboratories
- Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
- Medical policy
- Healthcare communications
- Education
- Endocrinology or diabetes research (with a PhD)
Opportunities:
The course provides specialist knowledge and skills for roles in various fields. It is also excellent preparation for a PhD and a career in endocrinology or diabetes research.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the field of endocrinology and diabetes.
Other:
- The course is suitable for clinicians and scientists.
- It is a good platform for a career in research or in the clinical or broader field of endocrinology and diabetes.
- Medical students can intercalate after completing three years of their medical degree.
Home (2024 annual fee) : £12,070 Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £32,350
