PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc in Ophthalmology
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc in Ophthalmology (Cataract & Refractive Surgery)
(where stopping off points exist they should
be detailed here and defined later in the
document)
MSc in Ophthalmology (Retina)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
2011 onwards
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Brain Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Ophthalmology
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full time /part time/flexible
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Degree-level study in medicine, orthoptics, nursing optometry or a
related discipline
Length of the programme:
1 year full time , 2 years part time/flexible
(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)
Masters Level (Level 7)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
8 modules of 15 credits plus dissertation for 60 credits
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Board of Examiners for Clinical Ophthalmology
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To deliver a high quality comprehensive theoretical and practical training in cataract and refractive surgery,
and in the pathology and treatment of retinal disease. This will include disease pathology, the assessment
of patients and the different disease modalities available, as well as their limitations and side-effects. The
programme will also teach the skills required to assess the scientific literature and to formulate an opinion
on the efficacy of novel treatment strategies, and therefore how they fit into existing treatment algorithms.
The programme will also cover the skills required to prepare and lead a similar, and how to undertake a
project and write a dissertation.
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:
Cataract and refractive surgery
Lectures, seminars, presentations, clinical
demonstrations
Retina
Assessment:
Best-of-5 MCQ exams, assessed seminars, shortanswer papers, case-based assessments
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Assessing scientific literature
Lectures, seminars , presentations
Preparing and leading a seminar
Putting together a dissertation
Assessment:
Referenced essay, assessed seminars, dissertation
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Undertake all relevant practical
procedures and patient assessment
Practical and patient sessions
Assessment:
Observation, case-based assessments
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Undertake relevant practical skills
Lectures, seminars, presentations, workshops
Put together presentations and
dissertation
Assessment:
Observation, assessed seminars, case-based
assessments, dissertation
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)
Name(s):
Professor Sue Lightman
Date of Production:
MAY 2010
Date of Review:
October 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
October 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
October 2014
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
November 2014