MSc Respiratory Medicine

01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028

Course Leader Karl New
Course Team
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions Learna Ltd
Modes of Study Part Time

Document Version

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

SCE in Respiratory Medicine

Educational Aim

The course aims to enable graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of Respiratory Medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study.

The course aims to:

Enable graduates to articulate professional decisions, incorporating an evidence based rationale, in a variety of diverse and complex situations

Equip graduates with an in-depth knowledge of Respiratory Medicine who are equipped to work and lead in the delivery and advancement of related care.

Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to work in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.

Develop leadership and evaluation skills in the delivery of care to their patients, colleagues and the general public.

Extend the knowledge of research methods and application to practice at MSc level.

Exploring a professional subject area in more depth utilising knowledge gained in the previous modules.

Learning Outcomes

A1 A systematic understanding of the care of patients in Respiratory Medicine.
A2 A critical awareness of current issues affecting the care of patients undertaking Respiratory treatments.
A3 An advanced knowledge of Respiratory Medicine and other associated conditions that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations.
A4 An ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of health care systems.
A5 An applied understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in an appropriate clinical setting.
A6 An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research.
B1 An ability to critically evaluate current research in Respiratory Medicine.
B2 An expertise in independent learning using the exploration of knowledge and enquiry to underpin practice.
B3 A demonstration of self-direction and creativity in tackling and solving specialty problems.
B4 Demonstrates advanced level critical skills designed to deal with complex problems.
C1 Ability to deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with Respiratory conditions.
C2 Develop in depth understanding of the scope and delivery of Respiratory treatments including horizon scanning of potential new treatments for the wider population.
C3 Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge and competence in Respiratory Medicine.

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
PE4D026 MOD009245 Professional Project: Respiratory Medicine Running 40 optional
PE4S099 MOD009246 Respiratory Medicine – Symptoms, Signs and Investigations Running 20 specified
PE4S100 MOD009247 Asthma and Allergy Running 20 specified
PE4S101 MOD009248 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Running 20 specified
PE4S102 MOD009249 Thoracic Oncology and Pleural Disease Running 20 specified
PE4S103 MOD009250 Respiratory Infections; Diagnoses and Management Running 20 specified
PE4S104 MOD009251 Wider Respiratory Horizon Running 20 specified
PE4S105 MOD009252 Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Respiratory Medicine Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

PGDipEach module has the same format. Using an online platform and one tutor per 10-15 students, the self-directed distance learning is guided by tutor stimulated discussion based on clinically rich case scenarios. Group projects are undertaken alongside independent projects. Reflective practice is recorded in a reflective portfolio to help students consider how the learning can be translated into everyday work and practice.MScThe Research module of the MSc follows the components above whereas the Professional Project module requires students to undertake an individual, self-directed exploration of a topic under the guidance of a tutor.

Employer Engagement

Students learn within their employment as well as independently within the course. Formal employer engagement is not required.

Means of Assessment

PGDip

Online tutor assessment for the modules based upon student contributions to the individual components comprising of:

Weekly case based scenarios and discussion: 40%

Reflective portfolio: 10%

Group activity: 20%

Time limited, multiple choice, case based exam 30%

MSc Module 2

Professional Project – an in-depth exploration of a relevant topic

 

Learning Support

Student induction includes Library induction, navigation of the learning platform Moodle, and access to Blackboard and study skills support.

Each module is six weeks in duration. Students have access to the online module all the time for the duration of the module with regular interaction between them, their fellow students and their assigned tutor.

Students also have access to:

The full range of University support facilities including

a student drop-in centre, student services, the Faculty Advice Centre and USW chaplaincy services

A Student Handbook

An on-line tutor

The Learna student administration team

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Master of Science 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final
Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Intermediate
Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Intermediate

Progression Route

PhD study

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

First degree or equivalent (including international qualifications).

Relevant professional healthcare (e.g. doctor, nurse) qualifications.

Those without recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. The RPL process is in line with the University of South Wales’ Regulations and students seeking to access this mechanism will submit evidence to the Course Director at Learna Ltd. The portfolio will subsequently be examined in liaison with the Course Link at the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education.

RPL into the one year top up MSc course will be considered on an individual basis dependent on students demonstrating that they have met the learning outcomes of the USW PG Diploma.

Language requirements for overseas applicants are in line with USW requirements for post-graduate study.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A

Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A

Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A