Occupational Medicine: The University of Manchester

Course description

The programme is delivered via blended learning and is designed for all doctors working in occupational medicine, particularly those in specialist training posts who intend to prepare for their professional examinations with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM).

It also gives those who wish to pursue an additional academic qualification the chance to obtain an MSc in Occupational Medicine, awarded by the university. The programme adheres closely to the syllabus requirements by the FOM, however it also aims to furnish an overview of the whole spectrum of medicine and hygiene in the sphere of work. The third year of the MSc aims to impart a sound understanding of the theory, practice and methods required to carry out a valid piece of scientific research. The programme structure provides qualifications at the following levels:

• CPD Diploma (PG Credit)
• Advanced Certificate in Occupational Medicine
• Advanced Diploma in Occupational Medicine
• MSc in Occupational Medicine

Course aims

The programme aims to:

• Provide information required by medical practitioners working in the field of occupational medicine, and to allow them to pursue an academic qualification in this subject
• Allow students to access a range of specialist knowledge and resources within the discipline of occupational health
• Attract students who will benefit from distance learning methodology, which allows them to apply the knowledge gained during their day-to-day work
• Consider the evidence on which occupational health practice is based
• Attract students who will benefit from studying in a research-enriched environment and (especially for students progressing to the MSc) offer the opportunity to undertake research-based activities relevant to occupational health

The Certificate aims to allow the holder to achieve a level of knowledge/competence appropriate to a generalist working in occupational health.

The Advanced Diploma aims to allow the holder to achieve a level of knowledge/competence exceeding that of a generalist working in occupational health, and provides a basis for the theoretical knowledge that is required by physicians undertaking specialist training in occupational medicine.

The MSc aims to give training and experience in formulating a research question, designing and executing an appropriate study, and drawing valid conclusions through writing a dissertation for the MSc.

Module details

The eight course modules are:

• Foundation for Postgraduate Practice
• Fitness for Work
• Health and Workability
• Aspects of Good Professional Behaviour
• Understanding Physical Agents
• Management of Occupationally Related Diseases
• Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Management of Workplace Hazards

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Potential students must hold a medical degree from an approved institution. No experience in occupational medicine is necessary, although to sit the AFOM examination some relevant clinical experience is required.

English language:

Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of:

• IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in any one component
• TOEFL 625 paper based with a score of 5 in the written English test
• TOEFL 263 computer based with a score of 5 in the written English test

Other international entry requirements:

Overseas students should note that:

• Students will be required to attend two seminars in year one (one at 3 months and one at 6 months) and a three or four-day residential course in year two
• Students will be required to attend two tutorials per course unit for units 4 to 8, either in person or participating via teleconference or Blackboard,
• All examinations are held at the University

A written undertaking that these conditions can be met is required before a potential overseas student may be accepted on the programme.

Computer requirements:

Each Module has a proportion of online activity, which varies between subjects. Students are advised that they should have ready access to a computer, with the following minimum specification:

• Windows 2000/XP
• At least 256 MB RAM or above
• Soundcard and speakers/headphones
• Screen resolution of at least 800x600 and set to a colour depth of "High Colour (16 bit)"
• Broadband Internet connection

To run some of the interactive exercises, students will also need:

• Windows Media Player Version 7 or greater
• Quicktime Player
• Sun Java (JRE) version 5 update 12 (1.5_12)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Shockwave Player