MSc in Trauma Sciences (online)

Provided by

About the course

Overview

This online programme will provide you with a broad and critical understanding of the most up-to-date science and practice of trauma care. In London, we are at the forefront of trauma care, and you can develop your skills to help patients have the best possible outcome.

The programme is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England and is delivered in collaboration between London's most established major trauma centre at the Royal London Hospital, the UK's lead centre for research into Complex Trauma Care and one of the oldest medical schools in the world.

This programme will:

  • give you a thorough understanding of the pathophysiological principles underlying traumatic injury
  • allow you to gain a broad and critical understanding of developments in the acute aspects of trauma care
  • introduce you to critical appraisal of trauma evidence including the completion of a research dissertation
  • give you hands-on training at an optional summer school consistent with your scope of practice.

Background

Trauma is a leading cause of global death and disability. Changes within populations, societies and climates are all increasing the incidence and severity of trauma. Severe injury triggers a sequence of changes within the cells of the body and can lead to critical and disabling illness or death. Organised trauma systems aim to deliver timely, effective trauma care to ensure the best outcomes for injured patients. Understanding which interventions prevent or minimise death and return survivors to full health and function is essential.

Structure

7 core modules:

  • Trauma; the disease
  • Haemorrhage and response to injury
  • Brain and spinal cord injury
  • Research methods
  • Torso trauma
  • Extremity and vascular trauma
  • Critical care and trauma

1 elective module:

  • Burns and wound healing, or
  • Military and humanitarian

3,500-word dissertation:

In the final year, you will undertake a dissertation project on a topic within the science and practice of trauma care within your specialism and career aspirations. You will be supervised and receive guidance. Through the dissertation, you will synthesise various aspects of the knowledge you will have obtained through the degree and demonstrate your ability to conduct and present high quality original research.

Summer School

You can also attend an optional two-week Summer School in London. This incorporates simulated scenario training (consistent with your scope of practice) and will complement the didactic learning to provide practical knowledge and experience of decision-making, along with the safe, professional management of seriously injured patients.

Military and Humanitarian pathway

As part of this programme, you can choose the Military and Humanitarian elective module if you wish. However, if you want to exit with a dedicated award title containing 'Military and Humanitarian', you should apply for our Online MSc in Trauma Sciences (Military and Humanitarian).

Opportunities for the training of military trauma care specialists are extremely limited, and many defence agencies rely on the deployment situation as the primary training for their personnel. With global disasters, humanitarian crises and mass casualty events on the rise, the importance of specialist training in the science and management of these events is increasingly important.

Who is it for?

The MSc in Trauma Sciences (including the Military and Humanitarian pathway) is tailored to meet the needs of international graduates from all healthcare and health sciences backgrounds including surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, operating department staff, allied health professionals and those with a specialist interest in trauma education and training. It is intended to provide high-quality learning, no matter where you are in the world, in order to develop the future leaders in the science and practice of trauma sciences.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in Nursing, Paramedical Science or a Medical degree (non-UK medical degrees marked on a grading scale must be equivalent to a UK 2:2 degree). Professional clinical experience in managing patients with traumatic injury is desirable. 

Applicants with Nursing, Paramedical Science, Medical degrees below this level and those working in a relevant medical field will be considered on an individual basis if there is strong evidence of suitable professional experience.

Related programmes

Related article

Donna Cummins offers guidance for budding dermatology trainees looking for the right course or event to match their interests and stage of training