Clinical Ophthalmology, Master of Surgery (ChM)

Course Overview

This new two year part-time Masters programme, taught entirely online, is jointly offered by the University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and leads to the degree of Master of Surgery (ChM). It has been developed with the support of NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

The ChM is designed to support advanced ophthalmology trainees in the UK and internationally through a curriculum which recognises their subspecialist ophthalmic interests in preparation for exit examination and hospital-based practice.

Our programmes are aligned with the curricula of both the FRCSEd and FRCOphth examinations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, making these degrees very attractive to domestic and international students.

The ChM provides advanced training for medical and surgical ophthalmologists preparing for the fellowship examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) in the UK and Ireland and those approaching consultancy. On completion of this programme students will be able to:

1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical subspecialty, and be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of medical and surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting
2. recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the ophthalmologist in the multidisciplinary management of complex medical and surgical disease
3. critically reflect upon day-to-day medical and surgical practice in the context of recent advances, and engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other specialties
4. apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in medical and surgical research, and make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in medicine and surgery
5. exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent medical and surgical practice

Program Outline

The programme runs on a semester basis over 2 years and involves approximately 10-15 hours of study each week in a flexible, modular manner.

The programme is delivered using a purpose-built learning environment that supports a variety of learning styles, and allows students flexibility in their study patterns.

Core, compulsory modules in each area of clinical ophthalmology are aligned to the curricula of the FRCSEd and FRCOphth. These are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by systems-based review of the course material. Knowledge and understanding will be assessed with a formal MCQ exam designed to replicate the trainees' upcoming exit exams.

Academic modules (core and specialist) allow the student to explore research and teaching methodology, as well as develop skills which ensure an ability to analyse published evidence and explore interactive and written clinical communication skills. Students are required to complete an e-dissertation involving an academic critique in an appropriate subspecialty area of work, such as that resulting from a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Year 1

1. Ophthalmology 1
2. Core Ophthalmology
3. Applied Basic Sciences, Examination and Surgical Strategies
4. Clinical Decision Making, Therapeutics, Avoiding and Managing Complications
5. Diagnostics and Technologies in Clinical Practice
6. Acute Ophthalmology, Trauma and Advanced Surgical Techniques

Year 2

Academic modules will explore research and teaching methodology, whilst enabling students to develop the ability to analyse published evidence and enhance their interactive and written clinical communication skills. Students will also have the opportunity to complete an academic research project in Year 2 e.g. Original research or a Systematic Review in a relevant area of work. Following completion of the programme, students are encouraged to seek publication of their study in a peer-reviewed journal.

Students are supported throughout the programme through asynchronous discussions with e-tutors who are all leading clinicians in their field. Students also have access to a large learning resource, including subscriptions to key online books and journals. A written examination (MCQ)) is held in the second year, following completion of core modules.

1. Ophthalmology 2
2. Core Academic Activity (Reflective ePortfolio)
3. Examination (MCQ and EMI)
4. Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)