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Clinical Dermatology

ProfDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Dermatological (skin & hair) issues comprise up to 25% of a General Practitioner’s workload. The majority (80%) of dermatology diagnoses in primary care represents just 10 conditions. The 20-credit Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology incorporates is a NFQ Level 9 course and is designed for busy healthcare professionals. The course is entirely online September to May. The course requires completion of all content.  Graduates are free to use both the award and their official transcript as evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The Diploma course will consist of 40 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 500 hours of autonomous student learning.

Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (Fully Online Webinar-Based/Part-Time) 

When: 19:30 GMT on Thursday Evenings

Course Duration: Autumn-Spring 2-Trimesters (September intake)

Location: Online via Zoom

Course Features:
  • Weekly online lectures on Thursday evenings
  • Interactive webinars with Q and A
  • Delivered by expert Consultant Dermatologists
  • Topics in mini-modules;  Introductory modules  Medical dermatology  Skin cancer/lesions Paediatrics Skin ageing/aesthetics Hair
  • Runs from September to May
  • Assessments (online) in Dec & May by (e-proctored) MCQ examinations. 
Autumn Term

Approximately 20 hours of consultant delivered teaching, covering common topics for GP's including acne, eczema, psoriasis, paediatric dermatology.

Spring Term

Approximately 20 hours of consultant- delivered teaching, covering common topics for GP's including skin lesions, skin cancer, dermatology emergencies , skin ageing, aesthetic dermatology, hair disorders.

Minimum IT Requirements:

Enrolled students will have to meet the minimum IT requirements for Zoom as well as ensuring they have prepared their laptop/PC before taking an online assessment. Students will also need an integrated webcam and microphone on the device they will be using to take the exam for e-proctoring purposes. 

Zoom System Requirements

Preparing your PC or Laptop for Online Assessment

This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology. After completing the course worth 20 ECTS in total, graduates are free to use both the award and their official transcript as evidence of CPD / CME activity as part of their professional body annual or biennial returns. As this is a full university programme, leading to an award, we do not separately apply for CPD / CME points from professional bodies.  The Diploma course in total will consist of 50 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 500 hours of autonomous student learning.

About This Course

This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology. After completing Autumn and Spring terms worth 20 ECTS in total, graduates are free to use both the award and their official transcript as evidence of CPD / CME activity as part of their professional body annual or biennial returns. As this is a full university programme, leading to an award, we do not separately apply for CPD / CME points from professional bodies.  The Diploma course in total will consist of 40 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 500 hours of autonomous student learning.

Assessment and Qualification

There will be two online case-based scenario MCQ exams, one held at the end of each trimester for each of the modules, which will present various clinical based scenarios, to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The exams will be e-proctored to ensure academic robustness. Students will need a device with integrated webcam and microphone, which meets the e-proctoring software minimum system requirements for invigilation purposes.

  • Both MCQ exams for each course are Must-Pass components (i.e. failure in one cannot be compensated with excellent performance in the other)  
  • Students will receive an overall Pass/Fail mark at the end of the course.

On completion of Autumn and Spring terms the diploma will be a Level 9 National Framework Qualification and is a 20-credit award.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDCS42390 High Yield Dermatology 1 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDCS42480 High Yield Dermatology 2 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10

Student Testimonials:

-VHI Swiftcare Urgent care Doctor-

I really enjoyed the flexibility this course gave me as a student, being able to take this course from the comfort of my home. I have been looking for a course like this for a long time and the overall learning experience was a very nice one

The course has excellent content throughout and has given me the confidence to diagnose and treat dermatological conditions in my own current practice. The teaching faculty were great and were always happy to answer questions, either via the live webinars, or directly by email.

The assessment for the course was concise and accurately reflected the content of the lectures, which meant I did not find it difficult on the day of the exam.

A big thank you to UCD and Charles Institute of Dermatology.

SHO Doctor: 

I found the dermatology course very informative. As an SHO with an interest in Dermatology, the course gave me a greater understanding of common dermatological conditions and more confidence in approaching them from a diagnostic and management point of view. 

Very interesting and engaging weekly lectures with up to date literature delivered in an easy to understand format. I’d highly recommend it!

-SHO Doctor.

Teaching Faculty Testimonials:

This course is for everyone with a medical qualification – even psychiatrists (dysmorphic disorders and dermatitis artefacta).  It is not just for GPs, though they can benefit particularly as up to 25% of their referrals are skin-related. Internists can get vital information about systemic disease from the skin and rather than merely looking through it.  Plastic surgeons can learn about more than just the skin’s pliability when cutting through it.  NCHDs at the start of their career will get a broader view of the whole patient and may be inspired to pursue a career in dermatology.  The course is taught by over 20 consultant dermatologists who enthusiastically share and impart their knowledge on this exciting course. -Prof. Sarah Rogers  

The course will provide medical graduates with comprehensive knowledge on the diagnosis and management of skin disorders. While this online interactive course has particular relevance for General Practitioners, it is also of great benefit for Internal Medicine physicians, Paediatricians, Plastic Surgeons, Allergists, Immunologists and junior doctors who wish to pursue a career in Dermatology. -Assoc. Prof. Caitriona Ryan

ProfDip Clinical Dermatology (X991) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 3410
nonEU    fee per year - € 5510

***Fees are subject to change

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


Students must have been awarded a Medical Degree from a recognised Irish/EU or international Medical School.Applicants must also meet UCD’s English Language Requirements. UCD may accept a degree that was completed in English as proof of language proficiency. We will also accept proof of IMC registration, proof of  MCRP I & MCRP II completion from students as proof of english language proficiency. Please Note: Podiatry is not accepted as proof of medical degree


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Clinical Dermatology:

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X991
Clinical Dermatology
Professional Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
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