Online course
Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine
- Qualification: PGCert, CPD
- Duration: 3 - 24 months, part-time, depending on the qualification level
- Delivery: Delivered online. Choose single CPD units or all four units combined for PGCert.
- Workload: approximately 15 hours per week
- Next enrolment: September 2024
Introduction
Become a trusted expert
The aesthetic medicine industry is booming. With a rapidly ageing population and a rise in the popularity of cosmetic procedures among all age groups, demand for highly-skilled specialist practitioners is on the rise.
This Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine qualification from a world-class university will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of safe, evidence-based aesthetic practice. You will gain a qualification that is both internationally recognised and trusted by patients.
Key features
Leading industry standards
The content of this course aligns directly with the outcomes of the UK Department of Health review on cosmetic practice and General Medical Council guidance in this area.
Learn what you need
Study this course flexibly online and tailor your learning around your working life as a practitioner and other commitments. You can choose to undertake single CPD units one at a time or complete all four to receive your PGCert.
International collaboration
Build your professional network and collaborate with practitioners from across the globe. Learn from each other and share experiences to broaden your clinical knowledge and professional outlook.
Bianca Mota
If you are a professional looking to transition into facial aesthetics or to advance in your current career, this is the best course for you. It brings together outstanding expert opinion with scientifically-proved insights and studies.
Bianca Mota
Dentist, NHS
Key information
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Delivery
Online and part-time, so you can fit your studies around your work and other commitments. You can choose to complete all four units within 12 months to receive a PGCert, or opt to take one or more as standalone CPD units. All students must successfully complete Unit 1 (Fundamentals of Skin Ageing) prior to studying the other course units.
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Duration
3 - 24 months, part-time, depending on the qualification level
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Enrolment dates
September 2023
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How to apply
For more information on how to apply and what documents to submit with your application, please visit our application and selection section.
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Workload
15 hours per week
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Course directors
Dr Tamara Griffiths, Clinical Course Director and Helen Graham , Academic Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees for Sept '24 entry have not yet been set. Total course tuition fee in Sept '23 were:
- PG Cert: £5,000 (UK/EU/International)
- CPD: £1,250
We offer payment by instalments , so you can spread the cost of studying with us.
Entry requirements
Dr Ashwin Bechar
The scientific theory within the course content was engaging and exciting. The clinical videos were interesting and aided my practical understanding of the physiology involved within my practices. Every day, I apply the knowledge I have attained from the course to the patients I see. The Skin Aging and Aesthetic Medicine course has given me so much more confidence in my work.
Dr. Ashwin Bechar
Dentist, UK
Contact us today
Course overview
Who this course is for
Our course units in Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine are specifically designed to support the professional development of qualified medical or dental practitioners. While continuing to practice, you’ll advance your scientific and clinical knowledge in non-surgical treatments for skin ageing.
What you will learn
- Develop a working knowledge of frameworks for safe and competent practice.
- Assess patients’ requirements and suitability for aesthetic intervention.
- Understand and critically evaluate the evidence base behind minimally invasive procedures, including rejuvenation techniques, dermal fillers, injectables, and lasers.
- Take an evidence-based approach to anti-ageing strategies in aesthetic medicine and practice
Where and when you will study
The course is delivered exclusively online and is designed to be flexible to fit around your working life as a practitioner. You can choose to complete all four units – usually over the course of a year – to receive a PGCert, or opt to take one or more as standalone CPD units.
You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with peers and academics through our highly interactive teaching model involving group work, sessions with your tutor and informal group chats, in addition to a comprehensive virtual learning environment. You’ll learn through a mix of case work, group work, interactive forums and clinical debriefs.
You’ll be taught by an interdisciplinary team of national and international leaders in aesthetic research, regulation and clinical practice from The University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
How it will benefit your career
A PGCert or CPD in Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine acts as a mark of quality that your clients can recognise and trust, enabling you to build a reputation as an expert in your field, providing safe, patient-centred care.
“This programme has been developed by leaders in the field of skin ageing research and clinical aesthetic practice to equip you with the skills and knowledge to appraise the literature and practice safe, evidence-based aesthetic medicine.” Dr Helen Graham, Academic Course Director
Course units
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Fundamentals of skin ageing* (15 credits)
- Understand the structure and function of healthy skin, focusing on cells and extracellular matrix.
- Explore the molecular mechanisms of skin ageing, including photobiology and sun exposure.
- Develop scientific knowledge behind the mechanism of action of non-surgical topical anti-ageing treatments.
* Learners will need to successfully complete the Fundamentals of skin ageing course unit before progressing onto further units.
Upon completition of this unit, you will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature and value of different research approaches, designs and methods within the context of aesthetic medical research and practice.
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Skin rejuvenation (15 credits)
- Consider the scientific basis and indications for the latest skin rejuvenation techniques.
- Analyse these techniques and their appropriateness for individuals.
- Understand the importance of evidence-based practice.
Through this unit, you will utilise appropriate theoretical frameworks and evidence-based constructs to formulate proposals to advance aesthetic medical practice that is responsive to the diverse needs of patients. Using core skills in aesthetic practice, you will undertake and record systematic, accurate and comprehensive assessments of the needs and strengths of individual patients, formulate goals and devise treatment strategies based on best available evidence.
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Injectables in aesthetic medicine (15 credits)
- Build skills in evidence-based approaches to treatment including botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments.
- Critically analyse the latest research and practice in this area to offer high-quality patient-centred care.
Through this unit, you will critically reflect on and challenge your own practice, the practice of others and the organisation and delivery of aesthetic medical services in order to ensure use of appropriate values and best evidence in delivering patient centred care and management.
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Lasers in aesthetic medicine (15 credits)
- Enhance skills in assessing and managing patients undergoing treatment with laser devices.
- Develop sound critical analysis skills through e-learning, discussion forums and expert-led tutorials.
By the end of this unit and through effective partnership working, you will contribute to the implementation and evaluation of a range of evidence based strategies and interventions to promote high quality care in aesthetic medicine.
Course structure
The course is delivered exclusively online and is designed to enable you to work and study simultaneously. You will receive a high level of support from the programme team and will have the opportunity to benefit from peer support by establishing a professional network with fellow students.
The flexibility of this course means you can adapt it to suit your needs. You can choose to complete all four units within 12 months to receive a PGCert, or opt to take one or more as standalone CPD units. All students must successfully complete Unit 1 to progress onto other CPD units.
Course learning aims
- The application of skin anatomy and physiology in relation to aesthetics and ageing.
- An ability to assess patients' requirements and suitability for aesthetic intervention.
- An ability to critically appraise quality research in aesthetic medicine related to skin ageing.
- Develop a critical understanding of the psychosocial impact of skin ageing on individuals
- Develop a working knowledge of frameworks for safe and competent practice including effective communication, assessment, management, implementation and evaluation.
- Understand the application of consent and ethical practice in aesthetic medicine.
- Develop a knowledge of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures including rejuvenation techniques, dermal fillers, injectables and some lasers, and to understand the assessment and treatment of complications associated with these procedures.
- Develop an evidence based approach to anti-ageing strategies in aesthetic medicine and practice.
Teaching and learning
Our fully-online PGCert includes both science and clinically-focused elements and this course is led by an experienced interdisciplinary team of dermatology consultants and research scientists in the field of wound healing and skin ageing research. You will be taught by a team that has successfully delivered the Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine Master's programme.
This course has been designed using established educational theory and practices to enhance the learning experience. The University of Manchester's virtual learning environment guides participants through unit content, assessment submission and programme information. The course contains e-learning case work, small group work, interactive forums and clinical debriefs.
The course comprises 4 units. Unit One (Fundamentals of Skin Ageing) is the pre-requisite to all other units:
Course Units:
- Unit One - Fundamentals of Skin Ageing
- Unit Two - Skin Rejuvenation
- Unit Three - Injectables in Aesthetic Medicine
- Unit Four - Lasers in Aesthetic Medicine
Coursework and assessment
This course has no exams. Each unit on this PGCert in Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine is assessed through a number of methods including presentations, papers and other coursework, both individually and in groups.
Coursework and assessments are tailored to the specific learning objectives of each unit. These allow you to demonstrate your progress, showing your ability to gather and critically analyse relevant information to form logical, coherent arguments.
Throughout the course, you will be able to take online quizzes and self-assessment tests to gauge your progress and potential areas for improvement.
Admissions information
From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you’ll receive all the support you need. We can support you with enrolment and subject assistance, administrative logistics and fee options, online learning skills, workload management and special circumstances including a possible professional entry route.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
Candidates for the Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine Postgraduate Certificate course will need to hold a medical or dental degree (eg MBBS, BDS, LDS, MBChB) or overseas equivalent from an institution that is recognised and approved by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) or the General Dental Council (GDC) or Nurse Prescriber's who have successfully completed an Nursing and Midwifery Council Independent Nurse Prescribing Course (also known as V300 course) and are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as an Independent Prescriber.
English language
We require a minimum of:
- IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing, or equivalent. Discover more about English Language requirements
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Begin your online application here
Advice to applicants
To help us to speed up the application process, please submit the following documents with your online application form:
1. Copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations in addition to your official certificates and transcripts.
2. A copy of your CV detailing your full work experience.
3. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide contact details for one referee, professional or academic. The University will contact your referee directly after you submit your application and direct them to complete our online reference form.
4. Personal statement (no more than 500 words)
5. Evidence of English language to demonstrate your competency.
Fees and funding
Fees for Sept '24 entry have not yet been set. Total course tuition fee in Sept '23 were:
- PG Cert: £5,000 (UK/EU/International)
- CPD: £1,250
Please note the tuition fees are subject to an incremental rise in September.
Employer funding
If you are looking to secure funding from your employer, we can help you build a business case or talk to your employer directly. Contact us on studyonline@manchester.ac.uk to arrange a consultation.
Payment by instalments
During registration you will have the opportunity to pay your fees in three equal instalments. Learn more.
Additional cost information
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.