MSc Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine

This course unit introduces students to the principles that guide identification of researchable questions, formulation of appropriate research designs and methods. The course unit will emphasise the potential for qualitative and quantitative approaches to be complementary as well as exploring their distinctive features.

The unit aims to:

• Equip students with an in-depth understanding of research design principles and the methods used in a range of study designs

• Enable students to formulate timely and coherent research questions/hypotheses which are relevant to aesthetic practice

•To apply clinical governance and ethical practice to their aesthetic practice to continuously improve personal and professional standards

By the end of this Unit students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed research designs (including those used in the development and evaluation of complex interventions)

• Critically examine methods of sampling, data collection, including issues of reliability and validity, in qualitative and quantitative research

• Critically explore a range of analytic strategies used to handle, interpret and present qualitative and quantitative data

• Formulate appropriate research questions; objectives and hypotheses relevant to aesthetic practice

• Select with rationale, appropriate designs and methods to answer research questions

• Critically consider how methodological principles should be operationalized in a proposed research study

• Critically reflect on their own academic performance and utilise a range of strategies to improve these and overcome any particular difficulties

• Develop and apply practical understanding of clinical governance, medicolegal boundaries and regulations in aesthetic medicine

•Further develop and enhance skills in effective communication to a range of audiences in a variety of settings

•Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team

•Effectively utilise information technology / health informatics

•Utilise skills in systematic and creative approaches to problem-solving and decision-making in relation to complex issues

•Develop skills in writing and formulating clear and relevant research questions/hypotheses

•Write coherent and well-justified research proposals which address problems/issues relevant to health and social care research

The unit will be taught over one semester. Though the unit is primarily delivered on-line, students will be offered the option of either on-line or face-face seminar components. The unit will be taught using a resource based approach in which students will engage critically with on-line materials developed for the purpose, including a series of video clips of interviews with researchers, interactive demonstrations and activities, online discussions with students and staff. Directed study components will comprise additional exercises and specified reading related to each on line session.

This unit is assessed by a group discussion board, a written assignment and a poster assignment.

Students will be provided with personalised feedback for their summative assignments, within 15 working days of the submission deadline.
Formative assessment and feedback to students is a key feature of the on-line learning materials for this unit, and will be given on an informal basis. Students will be required to engage in a wide range of interactive exercises to enhance their learning and test their developing knowledge and skills.