Overview of the MSc in Allergy

Having successfully completed the PG Cert you have the opportunity to continue your postgraduate studies in allergy by studying for the MSc.

The MSc in Allergy consists of 8 modules:

Year 1 - 3 core modules which comprise   the PG Cert:

• The Scientific Basis of Allergy 
• The Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergy 
• The Cutting Edge of Allergy
  

Year 2 - a choice of 4 out of 6 taught modules:

• Allergic Airways Disease
• Rhinitis and Hayfever
• Allergic Skin Disease
• Allergic Gastrointestinal Disease
• Food Hypersensitivity
• Paediatric Allergy

Year 2 or 3:

• Research methods and statistics module
• A Research Project leading to Dissertation

Allergic Airways Disease

(12 cpd credits from the Royal College of Physicians)

This module will cover the normal structure and function of the lung and how this is altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of airway disease and provide experience of the skills and techniques required to diagnose and monitor respiratory problems and deliver appropriate management plans in both adult and paediatric situations. Current research themes with a potential impact on diagnosis and treatment will be explored.

Rhinitis and Hayfever

(12 cpd credits from the Royal College of Physicians)

This module will cover normal nasal physiology and anatomy and how this is altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of nasal disease and promote competence and practical skills in its diagnosis and assessment as well as informing selection of treatment regimens. Current research themes with a potential impact on diagnosis and treatment will be explored.

Allergic Skin Disease

(12 cpd credits from the Royal College of Physicians)

This module will cover normal structure and function of skin and how this is altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of allergic skin conditions and promote competence and practical skills in their recognition and management. Current research themes with a potential impact on diagnosis and treatment will be explored.

Allergic Gastrointestinal Disease

(12 cpd credits from the Royal College of Physicians)

This module will cover normal structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract and how this altered by allergic disease. It will develop knowledge of the immunological and physiological mechanisms of a range of allergic gastrointestinal diseases, including both IgE and non-IgE mediated hypersensitivities and promote competence in their recognition and current management as well as investigating potential future strategies indicated by current research.

Food Hypersensitivity

(12 cpd credits from the Royal College of Physicians)

This module will cover both food hypersensitivities and intolerances and will develop the skills to discriminate the physiological differences between them. It will promote knowledge and practical skills in the dietary and nutritional management of hypersensitivity and intolerance reactions to foods and investigate potential new strategies indicated by research programmes for their treatment and possible prevention.

Paediatric Allergy

(12 cpd credits from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health)

This module will address the areas of allergy that require specific knowledge of paediatric processes including immune mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, management and family issues. Specific topics will include: The Allergic March, infant wheeze, food allergies and intolerances in early life, eczema and early differential diagnosis, paediatric allergic gastrointestinal disease, child protection issues and general paediatric problems presenting in an allergy clinic.

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Each of these optional modules includes 3 days of face to face teaching (2 days of lectures, tutorials and workshops and 1 optional day of clinic attendance) followed by 4 weeks of structured e-learning tasks which are all available on the web for distance learning.

Dissertation Project

The research project can either be carried out wholly in year 2 or over years 2 and 3 depending on time available for study. The module commences in September following the completion of the PG Cert and comprises training in research methods and statistics structured to enable you to design, conduct and present a research project by Dissertation. Through completion of an MSc thesis, you will have gained experience in research methodology and techniques, design of a research project, data analysis and presentation, literature searching, critical appraisal and presentation of work for publication and at scientific and clinical meetings. In addition, you will have studied in depth an allergy research project within your working environment.

Projects can either be carried out at Imperial College or at your own institution provided appropriate supervision can be established. An Imperial College based on-site supervisor will be identified to oversee the project and to make sure it stays on track. Supervisors will be confirmed at the beginning of the course and regular meetings with the on-site supervisor are essential to monitor progress.
Students will be required to present their project proposals (in written format) before commencement of the project and these will be approved by the Programme Director.

Projects can be laboratory or community based or be a systematic review of an area having implications for allergic disease.

Assessment will be by both presentations of the written research Dissertation and a viva voce in September of the 2nd or 3rd year. Students will be required to give notification of submission by June of the year they wish to submit.