MSc Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine

This dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth exploration of a specialist topic relevant to non-invasive aesthetic practice. Building upon prior learning in the postgraduate diploma in Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine, students will critically engage with current evidence, policy, theory, and practice, to develop skills essential for evidence-informed leadership in aesthetic medicine.

Through guided one to one supervision and additional e-modules, students will formulate relevant research questions or hypotheses, apply systematic approaches to conduct literature reviews, analyse data, draw non speculative, relevant conclusions. The dissertation will demonstrate the student’s capacity for critical thinking, research literacy, and integration of knowledge in a chosen area of aesthetic practice.

Students may choose to complete one of the following types of study:
 

Adapted systematic review

Empirical research (qualitative or quantitative)

Publication based

Full systematic review that includes data collection

Service development/professional report

Secondary data analysis (qualitative or quantitative)

Research proposal

This module supports the development of  analytical, and reflective skills, preparing students to contribute to the advancement of safe, ethical, and evidence-based aesthetic medicine.
 

To enable students to independently investigate a specialist topic within non-invasive aesthetic medicine through a substantial piece of research-focused academic work.

To advance students’ ability to formulate clear, relevant, and feasible research questions or hypotheses, rooted in current issues and debates in aesthetic practice.

To build students’ critical understanding of research design and methodology, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches relevant to aesthetic and healthcare contexts.

To enhance students’ competence in the critical appraisal of literature, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation strategies, including those used in systematic reviews, audits, and secondary data analysis.

To promote the integration of theory, policy, and evidence-based practice in addressing complex challenges in the field of aesthetic medicine.

To support students in developing a research proposal or project that reflects methodological rigour, ethical responsibility, and practical relevance within the regulatory frameworks of clinical aesthetic practice.

To further develop transferable academic and professional skills, including critical thinking, digital literacy, teamwork, and effective communication of research findings to a variety of audiences.

To cultivate reflective and self-directed learning strategies that empower students to evaluate and improve their academic performance and research practice.
 

The teaching and learning for this unit takes place over year one using a longitudinal approach. Learning methods utilised involve a blend of both online learning and face to face tutorials and workshops. On line components will require students to engage with on-line materials developed for the purpose, including video clips of interviews with researchers, interactive demonstrations and guided activities.  Directed study components comprise additional exercises and specified reading related to each session/seminar.

A1 Select and investigate pertinent material in an area of study relevant to their interests, critically analysing policy, practice, theory and research and their implications for aesthetic practice

B1 Demonstrate systematic conceptual understanding that enables evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship in skin ageing and aesthetic practice
B2 Demonstrate a critical evaluation of a range of methodological approaches and be able to debate their appropriateness to the students project
B3 Evaluate the implications of their results for future practice and/ or research
B4 Demonstrate originality of thought and critical awareness of the applications of research evidence, theory, practice and policy in the context of aesthetic medicine 
 

C1 Demonstrate competence in the use of electronic databases and conducting online literature searches
C2 Orgainse disparate sources of electronic information
C3 Act autonomously in planning and implementing a dissertation
C4. Demonstrate that they are able to take responsibility for their own learning
 

D1. Write coherently and cogently
D2 Develop critical thinking and analysis.
D3 Demonstrate research and enquiry skills by accessing and analysing literature in order to inform and develop practice. 
D4 Synthesise large quantities of information
D5 Reflect on their own academic, clinical and managerial performance and utilise strategies to improve these.
D6 Present work to support the learning and development of others
D7 Develop organisational and time management skills
 

Verbal and electronic.

http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/academicsupport/informationandadviceonlink2listsreadinglistsoftware/