PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc in Clinical Ophthalmology
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MSc
(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:
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
From 2009 intake onwards
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL
Faculty:
Brain Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Institute of Ophthalmology
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
www.ucl.ac.uk/ioo-courses
Method of study:
Full time /part time/flexible (up to 5 years)
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/ 5 years 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)
This course has six required core modules (15 credits each
totaling 90 credits). These will each be assessed by an unseen
written exam (60%) and coursework (40%). There will be four
optional modules offered and students will take two of these for
a total of 30 credits. Each optional module will be assessed by
an unseen written exam (60%) and coursework (40%). The final
part of the course comprises a library/clinical based project
worth 60 credits. A 10,000-12,000 dissertation will be required as
the research project
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Board of Examiners for Clinical Ophthalmology
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme will provide trainee ophthalmologists with an in depth knowledge of the theory behind the
practice of Ophthalmology, and will be taught by experienced teachers with dedicated time given for this
structured teaching. Students will also be able to assess their understanding using the problem based
learning questions in each module. This is all complemented by the practical skills which they are required
to achieve in their base hospitals. The dissertation offers the opportunity for in depth learning on a topic,
learning the skills required to obtain, assimilate, assess and write the information obtained into a useful
and readable mini thesis.
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:
Basic Clinical Ophthalmology
Lectures, seminars, problem based learning, clinical
application
Ocular Therapeutics
Ocular surgery and related topics
Basic ophthalmic science
Optics and refraction
Assessment:
Unseen MCQ exams, written dissertation and
fulfillment of clinical experience requirement
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
In depth knowledge of the clinical
theory and trials underpinning
ophthalmic practice in key areas
Lectures, group discussions, critical reading of
journal articles, literature reviews
Key clinical skills as designated by the
curriculum of the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists for ST1 and ST2
level registrars
Assessment:
By Educational Supervisors in base hospitals and
competencies achieved in post. Unseen exams and
dissertation
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Use powerpoint and other computer
programmes such as reference
manager
Lectures, assigned reading and self-learning
Conduct library searches
Dissertation
Write scientific dissertation
Assessment:
Observation, case-based assessments
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Basic statistical competencies
Proficiency in various computer
software
Discussion and oral presentation skills
Lectures, assignments, preparation of dissertation,
group discussion
Assessment:
Assignments, dissertation, unseen written exams.
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):
Prof Sue Lightman
Date of Production:
27th November 2008
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