PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
UCL Diploma in Clinical Neurology via Distance Learning
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
Postgraduate Diploma
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2012 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Brain Sciences
Parent Department:
UCL Institute of Neurology
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/education/courses/distancelearningdiploman
eurology
Method of study:
Flexible modular
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
(a) The candidates must be medically qualified.
(b) The candidates also must meet the UCL Standard English
language proficiency requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 or above
overall and minimum of 6.0 in each subset).
Up to five years, ideally no more than 2 years
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
Masters Level (Level 7)
At the time of writing there is no subject benchmark for
Neurology
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
All students undertake eight core modules, each with a credit value of
15 (amounting to a total value of 120 credits). Upon starting the
course students complete the module Introduction to Neurology
which is not assessed, but is necessary in order to undertake the
core modules. Each module is assessed by a combination of MCQ,
structure case scenarios (via Skype) and tutor assessment. Please
see appendix 1 and 2 for more information.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Clinical Neurology (existing board)
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
n/a
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To provide high quality distance learning provision in Clinical Neurology for qualified medical graduates from the
UK, Europe and outside the European Union.
The overall aim is to improve the practice of clinical neurology and to provide an up to date scientific underpinning
for clinicians who would otherwise not be able to access UCL degrees.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Neurology
All didactic neurology teaching is delivered via
original 20 minute interactive sessions written by UK
neurologists, and delivered in Moodle.
Clinical Teaching Fellow support is also provided
via skype and email
Peer to peer (moderated) discussion forum in
Moodle
Assessment:
Tutor assessment
MCQs taken in Moodle
Structure Case Scenarios
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Neurology, and science underpinning
neurology
Sessions are structured and UCL modules ordered
(pre-requisites), i.e. students must complete basic
modules before progressing to advanced modules.
Formative MCQs, with feedback, conclude each 20
minute online session.
Supporting material directed to students by Clinical
Teaching Fellow and available on Moodle
Assessment:
MCQs and structure case scenarios
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
History taking and clinical examination
This is an academic programme delivered at a
distance with no face to face practical component.
History taking and clinical examination skills are
explained within the basic Neurology sessions, in
illustrations, videos and diagrams, and assessed as
below, but it is important to note that clinical skills
are not practically tested face to face as part of this
programme.
Assessment:
Good practice in history taking and examination are
assessed through MCQ. An element of active testing
of practical skills is undertaken through skype
based structured case scenarios, but no clinical
examinations in the conventional sense (i.e. clinical
testing stations) are undertaken.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Studying online
The course is delivered online in a flexible modular
structure, assessments are delivered online and via
skype. Students are encouraged to use moderated
discussion forum.
Other clinical disciplines
Provided a student is medically qualified they can
undertake this course. It makes it accessible to
clinicians from other specialities (i.e. GPs,
psychiatry, geriatrics, paediatrics), giving them a
basic understanding of the neurology curriculum.
Assessment:
MCQs, structured case scenarios, tutor assessment
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Professor Simon Shorvon, Dr Caroline Selai and Dr Amit Batla
Name(s):
Date of Production:
March 2011 (Programme approval process)
Date of Review:
October 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
October 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2014
November 2014