Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and Master (MSc) in Family Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and Master (MSc) in Family Medicine
Aim of the program
Today’s healthcare challenges–whether strengthening health systems, improving the quality of our patient care, or enhancing access to healthcare–require strong
primary care. Strong primary care in turn requires competent family doctors who are forward thinking and keen to develop new relationships with patients and
other health professionals in primary and secondary care.
The University of Nicosia offers a PgDip and MSc in Family Medicine, validated and concurrently awarded by St George’s, University of London. It is a structured continuing professional development programme for doctors working as Family Doctors or in the community with a specialist role in internal medicine, paediatrics, or gynaecology.
The programme aims to enhance knowledge, advance clinical skills and develop professional behaviour and attitudes towards a comprehensive, holistic and evidence-based approach to medical practice.
The course is delivered through a high-quality blended learning format that combines flexible e-learning with relevant face-to-face teaching once per semester. The minimum full time duration of the MSc programme in Family Medicine is 18 months (three semesters), with a flexible part-time option of up to four academic years. The first two semesters consist of eight core clinically focused modules. Semester three is primarily research-oriented, offering an opportunity for students to develop their research skills. Students who do not wish to continue with the third semester can receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine following the successful completion of the first two semesters.
Students successfully completing the first two semesters and meeting the clinical experience eligibility criteria of the UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) will also be entitled to enter and complete the assessment for becoming an International Member of the RCGP.
Admissions Requirements
1. A medical degree granted by an institution recognised in the country where it is offered. Furthermore, you must be involved in medical practice throughout the duration of your enrolment in the programme.
2. English Language requirements If English is not your first language and you have not undertaken a previous degree taught in English you need:
6.5 overall in the IELTS (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other elements) Or: 213 overall in the computer-based TOEFL (550 paper based, 79 internet based)
Or: grade Β in the GCSE Or: a score of 5 in English in the International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL) Or: a score of 70% in English in the European Baccalaureate.
3. An interview – either in person or through video conference which assesses your professional ability and commitment, empathy, initiative and resilience, communication skills, organisational and problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Program Stucture and Duration
The duration of the programme is 18 months (three semesters) with a flexible part-time option of up to four academic years. The course consists of 12 modules and its curriculum has been mapped against the core competences of a Family Medicine practitioner as defined by the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations (WONCA) of Family Medicine.
The first two semesters are clinically focused, encompassing modules on Communication and Consultation Skills in Primary Care, Evidence-Based Practice in Family Medicine, Managing Adults’ Common Diseases and Multi-Morbidity in Primary Care, Mental Health in Primary Care, Acute Serious Illnesses and Traumatic Conditions in Primary Care, Common Musculoskeletal Conditions in Primary Care, Paediatrics and Child Health Surveillance and Women’s Health.
Lessons
FIRST SEMESTER
(30 ECTS, all courses required)
Course code/Title
FMED-511 Communication and Consultation Skills in Primary Care (teaching is spread out during Semester 1&2)
FMED-533 Managing Adults’ Common Diseases and Multi-Morbidity in Primary Care
FMED-521 Evidence-based Practice in Family Medicine
FMED-534 Mental Health in Primary Care
SECOND SEMESTER
(30 ECTS, all courses required – PgDip in Family Medicine for those students who do not wish to continue with the MScFM)
Course code/Title
FMED-514 Acute Serious Illnesses and Traumatic Conditions in Primary Care
FMED-531 Women’s Health
FMED-532 Paediatrics and Child Health Surveillance
FMED-535 Common Musculoskeletal Conditions in Primary Care
THIRD SEMESTER
(30 ECTS, two required courses + two electives)
Course code/Title
FMED-590 Research Methodology in Family Medicine (Required)
FMED-591 Primary Care Research Project (Required) 2 elective courses are chosen from the following:
FMED-513 Chronic Disease Management in Primary Care
FMED-536 Medical Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare
FMED-537 Learning and Teaching in Healthcare
FMED-512 Epidemiology, Prevention and Health Promotion
FMED-522 Informatics for Primary and Community Health Care
FMED-523 Implementing Change in Primary Care