PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title: MSc Special Needs
Final award (BSc, MA etc): MSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme Ongoing
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body: University College London
Teaching institution: University College London
Faculty: BMS
Parent Department: UCL Eastman Dental Institute
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address: http://www.eastman.ucl.ac.uk/
(if applicable)
Method of study: Part-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the See: http://www.eastman.ucl.ac.uk/eep/index.html
programme:
Length of the programme: 2 calendar years
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher M
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement N/A
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the Programme includes a structured lecture series, seminars, clinics,
clinico-pathological conferences, and a research project leading to a
programme and its assessment dissertation. Assessment is by monthly essays and mock
methods: examinations.
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners: i) Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc in Special Needs Dentistry
Professional body accreditation Faculty of General Dental Practitioners Date of next scheduled
(if applicable): accreditation visit: N/A
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aim of the MSc programme is to extend the knowledge and skills in Special Needs Dentistry
beyond that obtained as an undergraduate to allow the candidate to become a competent
practitioner in the field of Special Needs Dentistry within and outwith the United Kingdom.
In particular, the MSc in Special Needs Dentistry aims to provide:
1. An understanding of the aetiology, epidemiology and clinical presentation and management of
common systemic disorders likely to be of implication for routine dental care
2. An understanding of the appropriate management of patients with systemic disease likely to
complicate dental treatment
3. An understanding of the process of learning and the dissemination of clinical knowledge
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of: Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Special Needs Dentistry Lectures, seminars, clinical teaching sessions and
consultant clinics.
Assessment:
Essays
Internal multiple choice question paper
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills: Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Treatment planning and clinical problem Clinical in Special Needs Dentistry
solving Journal clubs
Research planning/protocol writing Dissertation
Self-directed learning is encouraged by
monthly essay writing.
Assessment:
Multiple choice assessment
Dissertation
Termly academic and research progress
assessments through internal graduate
appraisal process
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to): Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Demonstrate clinical diagnostic and Supervised clinical work
management skills Diagnostic clinics
Demonstrate diagnostic skills Dissertation
Apply skills in a clinical scenario
Undertake a relevant research
Assessment:
Monthly essays
Multiple choice assessment
Dissertation
Termly academic and research progress
assessments through internal graduate
appraisal process
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to): Teaching/learning methods and
Library skills strategies:
IT skills Dissertation
Presentation skills Journal club
Self-directed learning Oral presentation of research
Assessment:
Dissertation
Oral presentation of research
Termly academic and research progress
assessments through internal graduate
appraisal process
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp;
the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/default.asp);
the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
UCL teaching and learning policies;
staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by
UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s) S Porter
Name(s):
Date of Production: June 2003
Date of Review: February 2009
Date approved by Head of June 2003 (review approved February 2009)
Department:
Date approved by Chair of June 2003 (review approved February 2009)
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty June 2003
Teaching Committee