MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine (Diving Medicine)

This programme can contribute to professional development for senior positions as a medical doctor or for any allied health professional. The course can help to prepare you for a clinical role within the field of diving and expedition medicine, with organisations specialising in recreational or commercial diving, adventure tourism and scientific expeditions. There is a strong leadership component which will stand you in good stead for all career pathways applicable to your chosen field.

• Year 1

• The MSc programme comprises of 180 Higher Education Institution (HEI) credits at Level 7 and PgCert programmes comprise of 60 credits. Other than a 40 credit dissertation module, all modules are worth 20 credits.

  The programme will be offering the following modules as either core or elective modules, depending on the pathway chosen.

  Core modules

  CLE731DL
  Research Design and Development

  This module provides an introduction to the research design, development and knowledge transfer process. You will be supported in generating a research idea and developing it into a coherent and achievable research proposal for a Masters dissertation.

  CLE732DL
  Research Project Dissertation

  This module is the dissertation associated with the Masters programmes (ClinEd, HMLI, GH , EMM) and is designed to enable students to produce a project dissertation under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation and synthesis skills.

  EMM710
  Remote and Expedition Medicine

  This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of remote and expedition medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a remote clinical practitioner.

  EMM712
  Marine Medicine

  This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of marine medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a healthcare professional in marine environments.

  EMM713
  Fundamentals of Diving Practice

  This module equips students with the foundations of knowledge and skills that underpin diving medicine. They will gain understanding of the characteristics of gases relevant to diving and the physiological principles of immersion and exposure to pressure. Students will learn how these principles translate into modern diving practice and the relevant technical, operational and legal framework of how this is practised safely, in a commercial and recreational settings.

  EMM714
  Fitness to Dive

  This module provides the student with an understanding of the assessment of fitness to dive and the practical skills to be able to perform an assessment. The student will build on their knowledge from EMM713 relating to physics, physiology and diving techniques and apply this to common medical problems, in order to minimise risk, utilising case discussion and simulation.

  EMM715
  Diving Accidents

  In this module student will learn about the assessment and treatment of injured divers. The student will develop an in depth understanding of illnesses seen in divers and will develop the clinical skills required to assess a diver, including history taking and examination. Using case discussions and high-fidelity simulation students will become familiar with the management of diving injuries and the operation of a hyperbaric chamber.

  Optional modules

  CLE723
  Design and Development of HealthCare Education

  In this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.

  CLE723DL
  Design and Development of HealthCare Education

  In this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.

  EMM711
  Human Factors in Extreme Environments

  This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of how human factors relating to psychological processes and environmental factors can impact both positively and negatively on the provisions of effective healthcare in expedition and marine medicine. It will analyse the role of non-technical skills systems, from a broad range of disciplines, to encourage their utilisation in professional practice to reduce human error in challenging environments.

  GH715DL
  Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

  This module explores the management models of healthcare provision in response to humanitarian emergencies, resulting from both natural and human-induced crises. By evaluating the history of the humanitarian movement and factors affecting the current delivery of national and international aid programmes, this modules aims to review potential strategies for implementing sustainable healthcare programmes in LMICs.

  HML717
  Quality Improvement and Innovation

  This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of tools and theories for quality improvement and innovation, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on the applicability of these to past, current, and future healthcare challenges. Students will develop confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation individually and collaboratively.

MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine Programme Specification 25-26_7781

This programme is applicable to healthcare professional graduates and clinicians who wish to advance their career in the fields of expedition and marine medicine. It is also suitable for intercalating medical students between years 4 and 5 of their undergraduate course.

A recognised first degree or equivalent will usually be required, with a minimum of an upper second / 2:1 class honours degree in a health professions related subject (eg. Medicine, Nursing, Paramedic Science, Dentistry, Allied Health Professionals etc).

Clinicians who achieved a lower grade from their first degree or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible to apply. Please contact the admissions or programme team for further information.

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.