Clinical Neurology

Entry requirements

For Route A you’ll need a 2:1 BSc degree in a biomedical science/health care subject or an MBChB degree. For Route B you’ll need an MBChB degree and you must be eligible for GMC registration. A DBS check will be required if you choose a Route A research project with patient contact or the Route B Clinical Neurology Experiential Learning Module (CNELM).

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

Lead academic 2016: Dr Thomas Jenkins

This course, offering practical clinical exposure, enables you to apply the fundamentals of neuroanatomy and physiology to better understand the clinical features of patients with neurological disease and learn how insights from the laboratory are translated into benefits for patients.

In small group teaching sessions and clinics, you’ll have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to patients with neurological disease. In the final term you may take a research option (Route A) or a Clinical Neurology Experiential Learning Module (Route B).

Students opting for Route A will choose from a range of clinical research projects based at SITraN or within the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Students opting for Route B will attend additional specialist clinics with patient-centred teaching from experts in the field who will emphasise recent advances in clinical practice.

Our study environment

You’ll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

Our research funding comes from many sources including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, and prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YCR, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you’ll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you’ll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Core modules

During the autumn and spring terms, you’ll take four taught modules worth 30 credits each: Applied Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neuroscience; Cerebrovascular Disease and Disorders of Consciousness; Neuroinflammation (CNS) and diseases of the PNS; Neurodegeneration.

Complementing the taught modules is a comprehensive programme of clinical demonstrations, integrated learning activities, themed clinics and neuro-anatomy dissection (autumn term) where students will be able to apply the taught theory and further substantiate their understanding of the topic area being studied.

Examples of optional modules

Either a research project (Route A) or a Clinical Neurology Experiential Learning Module (CNELM) (Route B) worth 60 credits is completed in the summer term.

Teaching and assessment

The taught component of the MSc is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations and student-led group work. Each of the 30-credit modules is assessed using a formal examination (15 credits) and ongoing assessments during the module (15 credits), including essays and oral presentations.

The research project (Route A) is assessed from the written dissertation and research presentation examination. The CNELM (Route B) is assessed by means of a portfolio (30 credits) and a 6,000-word dissertation (30 credits) on an aspect of the sub-speciality chosen for the module. The portfolio will contain a reflective log, anonymised details of cases seen, and work-based assessments.

Information for international students

Overall IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, 6.0 in Writing, 7.0 in Listening and 6.0 in Speaking, or equivalent.

Qualification and course duration

MSc

Course contact details