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Dermatology master's degree guide

Dermatologists are experts in skin disease. If you want to become one, you’ll need to complete a dermatology course and have a medical degree. This guide tells you about studying dermatology at postgraduate level.

 

What is a dermatology master’s degree?

Dermatology is concerned with issues of the skin, nails and hair. Issues include skin cancer, acne, eczema and psoriasis. As a dermatologist, you could be:

  • Examining and diagnosing skin conditions
  • Removing skin cancers
  • Conducting diagnostic biopsies
  • Providing UV light therapy

A postgraduate dermatology course will give you the skills needed for a career in the scientific field of skin disease. Most students will already be qualified doctors with medical experience who want to gain a thorough understanding of scientific and clinical dermatology.

 

Why do a master’s degree in dermatology?

Complete a dermatology training course, and you’ll be able to practice professionally as a dermatologist. You’ll learn through classes taught by clinical experts, in industry-standard facilities and on practical experiences with real patients.

On a research course, you could benefit from funding partnerships with research councils like:

  • British Skin Foundation
  • Medical Research Council
  • National Institute of Health Research

As well as clinical skills and an ability to use evidence when dealing with complex issues, you’ll gain transferable skills like:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication
  • Decision making
  • IT literacy
  • Problem-solving 

 

What qualifications can you get?

Qualification options include masters, doctorates, certificates and diplomas in dermatology. Each has a slightly different focus and style of teaching.

Taught masters in dermatology

Courses usually offer a Master of Science (MSc) degree. You’re taught by specialists who show you how to develop your clinical skills. You learn how to identify, diagnose and treat dermatological diseases and provide expert clinical services. Courses are usually for those who already have a medical degree.

Research in dermatology

Research and doctorate degrees are usually Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), where you spend a significant amount of time completing a large research project. You work with supervisors but have more independence than on a taught course. 

Certificate and diplomas in dermatology

Postgraduate certificates (PGCert) and diplomas (PGDip) are shorter versions of the master’s qualification. These are good for medical professionals looking to deepen their understanding without committing to a full master’s degree.

What jobs can you do with a master’s degree in dermatology?

Most graduates work as clinical dermatologists or medical professionals who provide dermatology services.

Many continue their studies or training and earn higher qualifications in dermatology. Roles include:

  • Clinical academics
  • Consultant dermatologists
  • Cosmetic dermatologists
  • Private practitioners

 

What are the dermatology master’s degree requirements?

For a master’s dermatology course, you’ll usually need:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in clinical medicine
  • Post-qualifying medical experience of at least two years
  • Clinical dermatology experience of at least one year

For a PhD course, you’ll usually need:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with upper second-class honours (2:1) in a related area, or a lower second-class degree (2:2)
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) with merit in a relevant area

 

What dermatology courses are there?

Examples of postgraduate dermatology courses available in the UK:

  • Clinical Dermatology MSc
  • Dermatological Sciences MPhil/PhD
  • Practical Dermatology MSc
  • Skin Lesion Management PGCert

 

What do you learn in a dermatology master’s degree?

Potential module topics and research themes include:

  • Clinical immunology
  • Cosmetic dermatology
  • Diagnostic techniques
  • Environmental factors
  • Immunology and biology
  • Inflammatory dermatology
  • Photobiology
  • Pigmented skin diseases
  • Skin cancer
  • Tropical skin diseases 

 

How will you be taught and assessed?

On a taught master’s course (MSc/PGCert/PGDip), you could learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, conferences, journal clubs and self-directed study. Assessment could be through coursework, practical exams, presentations, essays, mini clinical exams and a dissertation.

On a research degree (MPhil/PhD), you’ll work with expert supervisors but receive less support than on a taught course. You could be assessed through formal progress reports, an independent research project and oral exams, known as vivas.

 

How long is a master’s degree in dermatology?

It depends on your chosen course. Generally, full-time courses last:

  • MSc – one to two years
  • MPhil – one to two years
  • PhD – three to four years
  • PGCert – around 15 weeks or one term
  • PGDip – around 30 weeks or two terms 

Part-time courses can last twice as long.

 

Similar subjects to dermatology

Other subjects you could study similar to dermatology include:

  • Aural and oral medicine
  • Neurology
  • Nursing
  • Oncology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Pathology

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