New era for travel medicine following launch of Master’s qualifications

26 Jun 2023

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) have announced the opportunity for medical professionals to demonstrate their skills and experience through two new Master’s qualifications at GCU.

The new MSc Advanced Practice (Travel Medicine) and MSc Advanced Practice (Expedition and Wilderness Medicine) will enable clinicians to professionalise their experience in the prevention and treatment of illness and trauma in travellers.

Taught by travel and expedition medicine leaders, the qualifications respond to the need for formal qualifications to demonstrate professionalism and ultimately, protect patient safety.

The qualifications are open to healthcare professionals with a relevant degree and an interest in pursuing academic study in these disciplines, and enable diplomates to join the Faculty of Travel Medicine as Members of the College. 

Professor Anita Simmers, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences and Interim Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, GCU, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this partnership in such a unique area of clinical expertise and look forward to working with the Royal College’s Diplomates towards their GCU Master’s Qualifications.”

Dr Sam Allen, Dean of the Faculty of Travel Medicine at the College, said: “The new Masters qualifications combine practical learning and academic capability, and the travel medicine Masters is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe. This is a monumental achievement driven by our valuable partnership with GCU, and the hard work of educators, trainers and leaders

“Those undertaking the courses will join a professional network and acquire academic skills and capability that will enable them to be the travel and expedition medicine leaders of the future.”

The Master’s follow on from existing RCPSG Postgraduate Diplomas in Travel Medicine or Expedition and Wilderness Medicine, which are credit-rated by GCU, and are completed over 18 months.

Candidates can then progress to a 60-credit dissertation module at GCU, completed over two trimesters in a six-month period, to gain an MSc Advanced Practice (Travel Medicine), or an MSc Advanced Practice (Expedition and Wilderness Medicine.)

Michelle Rutherford, Senior Lecturer and MSc Advanced Practice Programme Co-Lead, said: “The MSc Advanced Practice Programme Team at GCU are delighted to be involved in this exciting partnership with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow.

“Our post-registration programmes provide the opportunity for learners to evidence their advancing specialist knowledge and skills across all four Pillars of Practice, leading to extended and advanced roles within the health and social care sector. We look forward to warmly welcoming the Diplomates from the Royal College as they undertake the Dissertation module here with us at GCU.”

Further information on the MSc Advanced Practice programmes can be found on the GCU website.

RCPSG diplomates who wish to apply for the MSc Advanced Practice should contact Esther.Malcolm@rcpsg.ac.uk

For further information and to apply for the RCPSG PG Diplomas, visit the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow website.  

Category: College