Medical Science (Stroke)

Each module is given a credit rating within the national Masters framework. These may be transferable from or to other institutions where the learning outcomes are comparable.
Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Science: 60 credits
Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Science: 120 credits
Masters in Medical Science: 180 credits
(The Masters Degree must be completed within five years of registration, the Diploma within four years and the Certificate within three years. It will be possible to complete a Masters Degree in Medical Science in two years.)
Course Modules (15 credits)
Acute and Hyperacute Stroke
Acute stroke care is a rapidly changing field with new investigations and treatments emerging. This module will address acute stoke unit care, thrombolysis, advanced imaging (e.g. CT angiography, perfusion/diffusion imaging, MRI, transcranial Doppler) and interventional treatments (e.g. intra-arterial thrombolysis and thrombectomy) and integration of clinical practice with research. It aims to respond to the need for healthcare professionals who can rise to the challenge of rapid changes in stroke care. This module will provide technical updating and personal development for those involved in front line stroke services by using small group teaching, on-line exams and practice in audit to enhance service delivery.
Stroke Service Development and Improvement
Mortality of stoke has significantly reduced over the last 10 years, and fewer patients remain dependent with changes in service delivery and improved care. This module further develops the ability of participants to become leaders and change managers in the field of stroke service provision. Building on the module Community Stroke: Prevention and Life After Stroke (which is a pre-requisite) those closest to the needs of patients will have the chance to implement their ideas for how services need to change. The key output of the module will be a result of a pilot developed, implemented and evaluated by the student.
Community Stroke: Prevention and Life after Stroke
This module, through a reflective portfolio of cases will enable students to develop as critical thinkers and use those skills to develop project proposals for changes to practice. Employers will see their staff develop the skills to research, argue for and develop projects that they can see will make a difference in the areas of stroke prevention and life after stroke. Students will learn the skills to turn their ideas into practice.
Stroke Research
Research has led to great improvement in stroke care over the last decade. Through the infrastructure of stroke research networks more patients and staff are actively involved in the delivery of stroke research. This module has been designed to build on this experience of research and to enable participants to mover form delivering research to developing their own ideas into research projects. The development of an idea into a research protocol, user involvement, networking with professional bodies and other service providers, and becoming familiar with the grant application process will be covered. Students will meet experienced researchers, undertake private study and also receive feedback in small groups about their research ideas from peers and the module leader.
Optional Modules
Concepts of Neurological Rehabilitation
This module looks at theory and best practice pertinent to neurological rehabilitation and facilitates clinical decision making through use of evidence based practice in the management of patients with complex neurological problems.
Assistive Technologies in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
This module critically evaluates the pathophysiological basis of common neuromuscular impairments in upper motor neurone conditions commonly encountered during rehabilitation; and current practice associated with the applications of technology for neuromuscular and neurological rehabilitation.
Research Methods in Health
This module aims to introduce students to issues in health research and to research methodology. Areas covered include qualitative and quantitative methods and include the use of focus groups and ethical aspects of research.
Leadership and Management for Healthcare Professionals (15 credits)
This module explores both the theoretical background to leadership and management and the practical skills which participants will require to be an effective leader in the present, challenging, healthcare environment. Participants will gain a greater insight into their own leadership style and impact on others, together with a deeper understanding of how the new commissioning arrangements will affect their service.
Clinical Effectiveness
This module aims to familiarise students with the methods and processes of critical evaluation of the professional literature and applying this clinically and as a self-learning model.
Contemporary Challenges in Healthcare Ethics and Law
This module aims to provide students with a high quality introduction to ethical and legal issues in healthcare and the knowledge and skills to enable further work on the subject.
Statistics and Epidemiology
This module provides a basic appreciation of epidemiology and statistics and is invaluable in understanding published literature and in designing studies, both research and audit studies.
Strategic Management of Patients with Long Term Conditions
This module provides participants with an effective framework for planning, delivering and evaluating care packages for patients with chronic conditions, based on the National Service Frameworks and the principles of clinical governance. It explores the natural history, impact and outcomes of chronic disease, using cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and epilepsy as models.
The Interface between Primary and Secondary Care
This module provides an understanding of UK healthcare in the context of primary and secondary care providers.
Literature Searching and Synthesis
This module, which is largely delivered online, is designed to complement the Research Methods module and provides an introduction to methods of identifying and synthesizing research evidence.
Dissertation
The award of an MMedSci (Stroke) follows successful completion of the taught modules which make up the Diploma in Medical Science and submission of a further 60 credits worth of learning. This latter may be a research dissertation on a subject related to the individual’s specialty, in which case candidates will also be expected to have completed the Research Methods, Literature Searching and Synthesis, or the Statistics and Epidemiology modules depending on the type of research. A practice based project is another possibility, such as evaluation of changes implemented in a clinical setting, educational projects, or exploration of ethical dilemmas in policy and/or practice. It is expected to be a significant piece of work, and we encourage all students to consider aiming for publication of their findings. All candidates will be expected to have a local clinical supervisor for their project and educational supervision will continue to be provided by the award team. Previous experience has shown us that this is an extremely popular component of the Degree. Candidates have often published or presented their dissertation at Regional and National meetings. For some this may be a first step to an MD/DM/PhD and a life dedicated to research.