Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. 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. We 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

Course Overview

This Professional Certificate-level course covers all aspects of clinical dermatology, with a comprehensive lecture schedule delivered by expert Consultant Dermatologists. Lectures will be delivered through an interactive webinar series and organised into relevant blocks. The course will consist of 28 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 250 hours of autonomous student learning.

Lecture topics covered include*:

Trimester 1 (September to December)

• Introduction to Skin Biology (and dermatological terminology)
• Non-melanoma skin cancers
• Melanoma
• Viral and fungal infections
• Bacterial and parasitic
• Melanocytic lesions and Melanoma
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa
• Psoriasis
• Other Papulosquamous disorders – (PRP, pityriasis rosea, PLEVA, PLC, parapsoriasis CTCL) 
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Contact Dermatitis
• Psychodermatology

Trimester 2 (January- May)

• Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease Part I
• Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy
• Lichenoid eruptions
• Neutrophilic dermatoses (Erythema nodosum, Sweets, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Bechet’s disease)
• Itch and urticaria
• Blistering Eruptions
• Photobiology, Photo-dermatoses, Sunscreens
• Connective Tissue Disorders
• Drug Reactions
• Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers
• Vulvar Dermatoses
• Vasculitis
• Scarring and non-scarring alopecias
• Neonatal rashes and birthmarks

*Precise order and topics in curriculum are subject to change.

A short revision period follows at end of each trimester, which culminates with online MCQ assessments.

Students who are selected (on a first come, first served basis) for the one-day Clinical Masterclass (which is non-credit-bearing) at the end of course will have the opportunity to observe real-life patients with common dermatology conditions at the end of course.

How/Where Will I Learn?

All aspects of the course delivery that are credit-bearing are online, via webinars broadcasted via Adobe Connect on Thursdays at 1930 Irish Standard Time(typically). As this is an interactive course with a Q & A session at the end of each live-streamed lecture, we strongly suggest that students attend the live sessions. However, webinars will also be available for  playback (during trimester period it was delivered in) unless otherwise specified.

• The online course will be delivered by over 20 of Ireland’s most respected Specialist Register Consultant Dermatologists.
• Course content will be delivered sequentially over 2 trimesters
• All relevant course materials, including lecture slides in PDF format (non-downloadable), and webinars (non-downloadable) will be made available on  UCD’s Virtual Learning Environment  (Brightspace). Content will be available to students for relevant teaching period it was delivered in and during revision periods
• Assessment will take place online (please see below for further information).
• The only on-site activity is the optional clinical masterclass (in Dublin).

Contact Us

For further course information at dermatologyeducation.charles@ucd.ie

Academic Course Director: Professor Desmond J Tobin, Charles Institute of Dermatology, UCD School of Medicine, UCD, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland. 

Module Coordinator: Dr Rosalind Hughes, St Vincent's Hospital & Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland.

Assessment and Qualification

There will be two online case-based scenario MCQ exams, one held at the end of each trimester, 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 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.

This course is set at Level 9 National Framework Qualification and is a 10-credit award.

View All Modules Here

ProfCert Clinical Dermatology (X877) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 1600
nonEU    fee per year - € 2620

***Fees are subject to change

For information on current course fees, please see the University Fees Office website

Applicants must have a Medical degree from a recognised Irish or International Medical School (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent).

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 Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology 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 for running this Professional Certificate.

SHO Doctor: 

I found the professional certificate in dermatology 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 UCD Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology 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

Trimester 1:

Trimester 2:

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

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Applicants can apply online here. If you are applying to UCD for the first time you must register an account. Returning applicants may sign into an existing account. Once logged in, to find our course go to ‘Course Finder’ and search for Clinical Dermatology and then apply.

Please note: Places are subject to availability and a strict closing date.

A detailed, step-by step guide to the online application process is available here.

• Having paid the application fee and received an e-mail receipt, you must continue to complete the application process by pressing “submit”. An e-mail confirming a successful application will be sent to you within 24 hours.
• You can track the status of your documentation online. Log in to your account. Click on your submitted application, which will bring up an application summary. The application requirements are listed at the end of the summary.

Q.Is this Professional Certificate equivalent to diploma or masters? 

A.No, this is a special purpose award  which is on Level 9 NFQ  worth 10-credits, whereas a higher diploma and masters programmes usually range from 90 credits, to 90-120 credits respectively and have more contact hours and a higher workload-  Please see here for more information:

https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/taughtprogrammes/degreetypes/

https://nfq.qqi.ie/

Q.What is the difference between this award (Prof.Cert) and  a Graduate Certificate qualification?  A.Graduate Certificate  is a minor award on Level 9 NFQ and has a credit range of between 30-40 credits, whereas this is a special purpose award worth 10-credits in total.

Q.What are  career pathways  available to me  after obtaining a Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology?

A.None that are automatic for this course .The course is primarily designed to inform GPs, but may be also useful for those who have an interest in entering dermatology training, if qualified to do so. This course does not qualify graduates to do so on its own as it is a dermatology education course. No comment can be made on whether this would help career prospects for those interested in entering  dermatology training, following graduation from this course.

Q. Is there any exposure/ lecture time spent on surgical techniques e,g dermoscopy, punch biopsies etc.

A.There are no surgery elements dealt with in course content, as the content delivered is educational-based, with such techniques beyond the remit of the course.

Q. How many ECTS is this course worth and what is the total credit hours/student effort time?A It is worth 10 ECTS and is equivalent to approx. 250 hours of total student effort hours.

Q. How many hours of lectures are there in total?

A  There are 28 hours of lectures, 14 in Trimester 1 and 14 in Trimester. Lectures take place once a week, on Thursday evenings at 19:30 Irish Time.

Q.Is this course eligible for CPD points?- 

A This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology, worth 10 ECTS, and 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". ( From Associate Dean of Graduate Studies)

Q Is this an internationally recognized postgraduate credential?

University College Dublin is a recognised awarding body, meaning the University has the authority to make awards in accordance with the National Framework of Qualifications. UCD courses are quality assured and are subject to periodic reviews of effectiveness of quality assurance procedures by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). UCD qualifications are recognised both nationally and internationally. In addition, UCD has strong global connections since it is a member of several international networks and collaborations within research and education.The Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology  is a 10-credit Level 9 NFQ award. 

Q. Can I get a post-nominal academic  title; post-nominal letters  beside my name following qualification?  

A.There are no formally assigned  post-nominals for specified purpose awards. If you are successful in gaining this  award, you may put  ‘Prof. Cert ‘ and name of programme after your name or in brackets.

Q. Can I continue with a dermatology diploma after I'm done with the certificate?

A.Please be advised that this is not something that UCD currently offers, so we can not comment on this (correct as of  January 2022)

Q. Are there any scholarship funding opportunities available to me?

A.  As this is an online course and part-time, it  is not subject to scholarship funding.

Q How many students have completed the course to date

A.To date over 200 students have completed the course (correct as of January 2022)
 

Q. Am I eligible to take this course?

A. Applicants must have a Medical Degree from a recognised Irish or International Medical School (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). Applicants must also meet UCD’s English Language Requirements. We 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. 

Q. Do I have to pay the application fee?

A.In most cases, yes. Please see here for exemptions.

Q. Am I eligible for EU Fees?

A We cannot comment on EU Fee eligibility, each application is considered on a case-by-case basis: Please see here for EU Fee Assessment: https://www.ucd.ie/students/fees/eufeeassessment/

There is option that allows you to take Fee Assessment eligibility reckoner which can help determine whether you are eligible Note: Students who have submitted an application will then have to make an official online application to be considered for EU Fees

Q. What do I need to provide in terms of document verification?

A.Please see here.

Q. If I obtain award, am I eligible to prescribe roaccutane as a GP?

A No, as this course is  an educational one and is not associated with any form of clinical training/competence scheme.',

General UCD Online Application FAQ

For Application Process FAQ, please seee here- https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/studywithus/applicationprocess/applicationfaq/

https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/researchstudenthub/newgraduatestudents/