Phase 1: Coursework
Phase 1: Coursework
The first phase of your clinical doctorate focuses on coursework.
During this phase, which you can study either full-time on campus or part-time online while still in your home country, you will undertake 10 coursework modules.
Two of these modules – Professional Studies and Research into Practice – are 30-credit year-long modules that you will study online, alongside all of the other students in the DClin programmes. They have been designed to scaffold your learning and prepare you for the Clinical Placement and Research components of the programme. If you are studying full-time, you will take both of these modules in your first year. If you are studying part-time, you will take one in your first year and one in your second year. We’ll take a closer look at these two modules below.
The remaining eight modules are 15-credit modules that you will select in pre-planned tracks. You may select either the Healthcare Research Methods track or the Global Public Health track. Both tracks can be studied either on campus or online. If you are studying part-time online, you may also select the Genomic Medicine track.
If you are studying full-time, you will take all eight 15-credit modules in your first year. If you are study part-time, you will take four of the modules in your first year and the remaining four in your second year.
You can find out more about each track and the associated modules on the next page - Phase 1: Optional tracks.Professional Studies
Professional Studies is a year-long 30-credit online module designed to help you develop the skills and reflective, reflexive approach to practice you will need to become a leader in healthcare. It will also prepare you for the Placement component of your programme. In this module you will learn about healthcare and clinical practice in the UK, develop your skills in reflective and evidence-based practice and create a plan for your professional development and career progression. This module will also help you prepare everything you need for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), essential for your placement.
Whether you are studying the programme full-time or part-time, you will undertake Professional Studies in your first year.
Research into Practice
Research into Practice is also a year-long 30-credit online module. In this module you will explore the role and value of research in healthcare and clinical practice, explore different research methods and approaches, and develop your own research skills. Throughout the module, and with the support of a supervisor, you will undertake a desktop- or literature-based study into an aspect of healthcare or clinical practice of interest to you.
If you are studying the programme full-time, you will undertake Research into Practice alongside the other coursework modules in your first year. If you are studying part-time, you will study Research into Practice in your second year.
When do I chose my Phase 1 track?
Successful candidates will need to choose their Pathway Track for Phase 1 including study options full-time/part-time and location after confirmation of successful interview outcome.
