Programme Overview:
- Duration:
- 9 Months
- Attendance:
- Part Time
- Mode of Delivery:
- Online
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 September
- Contact Name:
- Contact Number:
- Fees:
- Fee Information
When: 19:30 on Thursdays,
Course Duration: Autumn-Spring 2-Trimesters (September intake)
Location: Online via Zoom
Dermatological (skin and hair) issues comprise up to 25% of a General Practitioner’s workload, however dermatology remains poorly represented in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
The majority (80%) of dermatology diagnoses in primary care represents just 10 conditions.
The Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology incorporates 2 course modules both separately (NFQ Level 9, 10 credits) in total (NFQ level 9, 20 credits)
Both Course modules are entirely online distance learning, (September to May) and designed for busy healthcare professionals.
This programme consists of approx. 20-hours of consultant delivered teaching. Four lecture blocks, covering a comprehensive knowledge -base of clinical dermatology incorporate an introduction to dermatological terminology, common cutaneous malignancies, infectious dermatoses, inflammatory dermatoses, scarring and non-scarring alopecia.
This programme consists of approx. 20-hours of consultant delivered teaching. Four lecture blocks, covering a comprehensive knowledge -base of clinical dermatology incorporate Neutrophilic dermatoses, chronic pruritus and skin of the elderly, vasculitis and lichenoid eruptions.
Participants will develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of common dermatological diseases and enhance their knowledge of the scientific basis of clinical dermatology. They will also develop an understanding of the impact of dermatological conditions, referral pathways and management.
Lectures will be delivered by approximately 25 of Ireland top Specialist Registered Consultant Dermatologists, in addition to an introductory skin biology lecture by Institute Director Professor Tobin.
Webinars are live and interactive, with a Question & Answer session after each. Clinical image based vignettes will be made available at least once a month, encouraging self-directed learning and a blended learning approach.
Each consultant led lecture will be followed by a brief clinical pearls session, delivered by a dermatology registrar in training.
Clinical image based scenarios will be made available at least once a month.
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.
Preparing your PC or Laptop for Online Assessment
This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology. After completing both High Yield 1 and High Yield 2 courses 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.
Clinical Masterclass (Optional) 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.
1) Apply from the outset to the Professional Diploma course and complete the two certificates High Yield Dermatology 1 and High Yield Dermatology 2 in 1 year if allowed to do so.
or
2) Apply and complete the first Professional Certificate, High Yield Dermatology 1 and subsequently the Professional Certificate High Yield Dermatology 2. Upon completion of both modules, participants may receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for the first module.
or
3) Apply and complete the second Prof Cert, High Yield Dermatology 2 module, and subsequently the High Yield Dermatology 1 module and then receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for module
Please note : Applying and completing the two Prof Certs separately is possible but be aware without applying for a recognition of prior learning for the first module completed, this would result in two separate Prof Certs and a Diploma would not be awarded a Prof Dip.
Curricular information is subject to change
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
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
The route to a Diploma in Clinical Dermatology is via successful completion of both Professional Certificate-level courses that cover 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 in total will consist of 40 hours of webinar-based interactive teaching and 500 hours of autonomous student learning.
The two certificate courses will run on alternate Thursdays over 2 Trimesters during the academic year.
Trimester 1 (September to December) : Precise order subject to change
● Introduction to Skin Biology (and dermatological terminology)
● Terminology and how to approach the patient
● Hidradenitis Suppurativa
● Acne
● Melanocytic lesions
● Non-melanoma skin cancers
● Infestations : Viral and Parasitic
● Infestations : Bacterial and Fungal
Trimester 2 (January- May) : Precise order subject to change
● Melanoma
● Rosacea
● Atopic dermatitis
● Contact & Stasis dermatology
● Urticaria
● Psoriasis
● Connective tissue disease
● Alopecia: Non-scarring
● Alopecia: Scarring
Trimester 1 (September to December) : Precise order subject to change
● Other papulosquamous
● Vulvar Dermatology
● Vasculitis
● Drug rash
● Immunobullous
● Lichenoid eruptions
● Neo-natal eruptions and vascular birthmarks
Trimester 2 (January- May) : Precise order subject to change
● Neutrophilic dermatoses
● Photobiology & Photodermatology
● Skin of colour
● Psychodermatology
● Chronic pruritus and skin of the elderly
● Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease
● Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy
● Nurse treatment
*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 Zoom on Thursdays at 19:30 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.
For further course information at dermatologyeducation.charles@ucd.ie
Academic Programme 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.
This programme leads to a University award of a Professional Diploma in Clinical Dermatology. After completing both High Yield 1 and High Yield 2 courses 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.
Clinical Masterclass (Optional) 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.
1) Apply from the outset to the Professional Diploma course and complete the two certificates High Yield Dermatology 1 and High Yield Dermatology 2 in 1 year if allowed to do so.
or
2) Apply and complete the first Professional Certificate, High Yield Dermatology 1 and subsequently the Professional Certificate High Yield Dermatology 2. Upon completion of both modules, participants may receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for the first module.
or
3) Apply and complete the second Prof Cert, High Yield Dermatology 2 module, and subsequently the High Yield Dermatology 1 module and then receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for module
Please note : Applying and completing the two Prof Certs separately is possible but be aware without applying for a recognition of prior learning for the first module completed, this would result in two separate Prof Certs and a Diploma would not be awarded a Prof Dip.
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.
Each certificate course is set at Level 9 National Framework Qualification and is a 10-credit award.
The diploma on completion of both courses will be a Level 9 National Framework Qualification and is a 20-credit award.
1) Apply from the outset to the Professional Diploma course and complete the two certificates High Yield Dermatology 1 and High Yield Dermatology 2 in 1 year if allowed to do so.
or
2) Apply and complete the first Professional Certificate, High Yield Dermatology 1 and subsequently the Professional Certificate High Yield Dermatology 2. Upon completion of both modules, participants may receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for the first module.
or
3) Apply and complete the second Prof Cert, High Yield Dermatology 2 module, and subsequently the High Yield Dermatology 1 module and then receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for module
Please note : Applying and completing the two Prof Certs separately is possible but be aware without applying for a recognition of prior learning for the first module completed, this would result in two separate Prof Certs and a Diploma would not be awarded a Prof Dip.
ProfDip Clinical Dermatology (X991) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3330
nonEU fee per year - € 5510
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 1600
nonEU fee per year - € 2620
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
-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.
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
Maureen Connolly Consultant Dermatologist, Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College Dublin
Eleanor Higgins Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists®, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Rosalind Hughes Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Brian Kirby Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Aoife Lally Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Patricia Lenane Consultant Dermatologist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Maeve McAleer Consultant Dermatologist, St James's Hospital, Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin
Collette McCourt Consultant Dermatologist, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Antrim
Ian McDonald Consultant Dermatologist, Mater Miserocordiae University Hospital, Dublin and University College Dublin
Benvon Moran Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists®, Dublin and St. James’s Hospital
Bláithín Moriarty Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Donal O'Kane Consultant Dermatologist, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast
Caitriona Ryan Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists®, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Dimitri Wall Consultant Dermatologist, Hair Restoration Blackrock, and University College Dublin
Ali Alsharqi Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin
Julianne Clowry Dermatology Specialist Registrar, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin and Trinity College Dublin
Karen Eustace Consultant Dermatologist, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
Catherine Foley Consultancy Dermatologist, Beacon Hospital, Dublin
Rosalind Hughes Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Trevor Markham Consultant Dermatologist, University Hospital Galway and National University of Ireland, Galway
Ian McDonald Consultant Dermatologist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Fergal Moloney Consultant Dermatologist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Susan O'Gorman Consultant Dermatologist, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin
Nicola Ralph Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists®, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Aisling Ryan Consultant Dermatologist, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin and University College Dublin
Eoin Storan Consultant Dermatologist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, and University College Dublin
Anne Marie Tobin Consultant Dermatologist Tallaght University Hospital, Clinical Associate Professor Trinity College Dublin
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.
1) Apply from the outset to the Professional Diploma course and complete the two certificates High Yield Dermatology 1 and High Yield Dermatology 2 in 1 year if allowed to do so.
or
2) Apply and complete the first Professional Certificate, High Yield Dermatology 1 and subsequently the Professional Certificate High Yield Dermatology 2. Upon completion of both modules, participants may receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for the first module.
or
3) Apply and complete the second Prof Cert, High Yield Dermatology 2 module, and subsequently the High Yield Dermatology 1 module and then receive a Professional Diploma award through recognition of prior learning for module
Please note : Applying and completing the two Prof Certs separately is possible but be aware without applying for a recognition of prior learning for the first module completed, this would result in two separate Prof Certs and a Diploma would not be awarded a Prof Dip.
Q.What is the difference between the 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 Diploma 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 20 ECTS and is equivalent to approx. 500 hours of total student effort hours.
Q. How many hours of lectures are there in total to complete the diploma?
A There are 32 hours of lectures, 15 in Trimester 1 and 17 in Trimester 2. 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 Diploma in Clinical Dermatology, worth 20 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 Diploma in Clinical Dermatology is a 20-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. Dip ‘ and name of programme after your name or in brackets.
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. The Professional Diploma is a new award 2023 now incorporating the completion of 2 modules.
To date over 350 students have completed the Professional Certificate in Clinical Dermatology. (correct as of June 2023)
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 see here- https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/studywithus/applicationprocess/applicationfaq/
https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/researchstudenthub/newgraduatestudents/