MSc MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PRINCIPLES OF REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA
MSC MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PRINCIPLES OF REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA
As a student on this course, you’ll take part in fully-online, tutor-mediated discussions, centered around realistic cases, within our VLE. This innovative course is based around six advanced modules, covering all areas of Regional Anaesthesia and a host of relevant transferrable skills. The course is designed to complement your day-to-day clinical practice, so each session is delivered asynchronously, meaning that you won’t need to log-on at set times. For each module you will be expected to actively contribute to the online forum, which will focus on clinical discussions of cases. Each module comprises several topics spanning the knowledge base in that specialist area, each bringing with it new expertise and insights, which will prove directly applicable to your own clinical practice. As such, each forum discussion will take on a life of its own, fueled by the shared reading, personal experience, and tutor guidance.
About
This modular course has been designed specifically for anaesthetists advancing in the field of Regional Anaesthesia. The course combines in-depth clinical modules with leadership and research to provide a relevant qualification in RA. The course offers excellent credentials to trainees and consultants in this increasingly important anaesthetic specialism.
The immersive interactive format covers all aspects of RA, strengthening clinical knowledge, critical thinking and decision making skills. The course is delivered entirely from within a thriving online learning community of clinical peers and senior e-tutors.
The Masters offers both trainees and consultants based anywhere in the world the opportunity to study for a PG Certificate, PG Diploma or Masters in RA through a rigorous educational programme lead by experts in the field.
The course employs a gold-award winning educational approach underpinning a range of specialist medical and surgical courses offered by the UEA. Our internationally-friendly programme is designed to enhance your consultant level critical thinking through engagement with realistic clinical cases and continual assessment. Modules will provide CPD or, on successful completion, accrue university credits that can build towards an MSc, PGDip or PG Cert.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.After the Course
This course attracts both trainees and senior consultants seeking to acquire or hone skills and credentials in an ever-more competitive, global arena. Our graduates tell us that they feel more confident, knowledgeable and better equipped for their roles. To discover more about the course, please email the admin team on: specialist.courses@uea.ac.uk.
Career destinations
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

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Modules commence in January, May and September. Students will be permitted to select one or both modules that are available at each start point (January: 7073E and 7076E, May: 7074X and 7066X and September: 7075D and 7065D).
Modules Available Starting in January
Code: MED-7073E Credits: 20
This anatomy module includes immersive clinical case discussions to develop in-depth knowledge around the anatomical considerations for the regional anaesthetist. Topics include: 1. Awake Shoulder Surgery 2. Elbow Replacement Surgery 3. Complex Dupuytren’s Release 4. Mastectomy 5. Revision Hip Surgery 6. Anterior Cruciate Reconstruction / Complex foot surgery 7. Complicated Patients, Abdominal Operations 8. The Cervical Plexus / Anatomical Variations
Code: MED-7076E Credits: 20
This module covers Quality, Training, Assessment, Human factors and non-technical skills, Safety and sterility, Risk, consent and contraindications to regional anaesthesia and Enhanced recovery and perioperative medicine
Code: MED-7096X Credits: 60
The aim of the Research Dissertation is to enable students to demonstrate their depth of knowledge developed through the whole programme and to demonstrate insight into the rigorous process of research. The focus of the dissertation is determined within each programme of study and to demonstrate skills in critical appraisal and systematic review, where appropriate. This should give practitioners experience of designing, conducting and reporting research.
NOTE: Dissertation can only be commenced following successful completion of the preceding 6 modules.
Modules Available Starting in May
Code: MED-7074X Credits: 20
Why do patients undergoing surgery continue to complain of uncontrolled pain despite being prescribed analgesia? Why do different types of surgery or trauma produce different pain complaints? Can we influence outcome with pain relief and what are the risks? Throughout the module you will discover the complexities of the mechanisms underlying preoperative pain. You will gain a better understanding than you ever thought possible of the relevance of the basic science mechanisms underlying pain perception and how this may be influenced by coexisting disease and psychological factors. This will ultimately enable better targeting of appropriate analgesic strategies to your patients. Using problem-based learning you will begin with a detailed exploration of relevant neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and pharmacology; explore how drug and anaesthetic regimes can interact with these systems advantageously and sometimes adversely. We will then introduce the complexities of preexisting pain states and particular conditions associated with high risk of ongoing term pain. Ultimately the goal is to be able to identify optimal interventional and pharmacological strategies that optimise immediate and long term outcome.
Code: MED-7066X Credit: 20
The aim of the module is to develop a depth of knowledge of designing audit, service evaluation and practical research.
Modules Available Starting in September
Code: MED-7065D Credits: 20
This module provides students with the skills set necessary to undertake a substantial research project; from identifying the types of project, understanding the research data, undertaking the necessary procedures around IRAS (ethics), statistics, participant information and communicating findings.
Code: MED-7075D Credits: 20
This module covers Ultrasound principles and needle technology, Peripheral nerve stimulator and landmark techniques, Catheters, Choosing and managing your block, Extremes of age, Centroneuraxis and Modern techniques.
Important Information:
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.
This course is comprised of six 16-week-long online modules, providing advanced learning in the following specialist areas:
- Anatomy and applied anatomy applicable to regional anaesthesia
- Neuropharmacy/physiology of perioperative pain medicine
- Applications of regional anaesthesia
- Delivering a high quality service in regional anaesthesia
- Integrated Research 
- Clinical Leadership and management     
Each module is delivered in two-week topics, with learning outcomes mapped to current UK practice. You will also be required to undertake approximately 10 hours of independent study each week, including:
- Reading core texts and the latest clinical papers
- Discussing an online clinical case with your peers to draw out learning opportunities and evidence-based practice
- Completing formative assessments to aid your learning, including multiple choice questions and script concordance tests
- Constructing a personal management plan for the clinical case to demonstrate your understanding of the topic
- You will need to demonstrate a minimum of 80% online engagement to receive CPD accreditation for each module.
You will also have the option to take a summative written assessment for each module; complete it successfully and you’ll be awarded 20 university credits. Acquire 60 credits and, in addition to your CPD accreditation, you’ll also be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate. Successfully complete assessments for 6 modules and you’ll acquire 120 credits and receive a Postgraduate Diploma. If you then decide to complete a 60 credit dissertation project, you’ll achieve 180 credits in total, and a Master’s in Principles of Regional Anaesthesia degree.
All teaching will take place online, using range of teaching techniques, including peer-group (PBL) discussion and specialist formative testing.
Our e-tutors are all highly experienced senior clinicians working both in the UK and internationally, so you will be able to maximise your exposure to global discussions and comparisons of best practice.
Independent Study
You will complete the course in parallel with your clinical duties in Regional Anaesthesia. We allocate time for background reading and will provide you with access to the UEA online library to facilitate your evidence-based learning.
Each module is undertaken in isolation without an assessment component, allowing you to gain CPD evidence for your portfolio. However, if you do want to obtain formal university credits to contribute towards a postgraduate qualification, you will need to successfully complete a written assessment for each module. The summative assessment comprises of a written reflective essay-style assessment, which will be submitted and marked online. The research and management modules will require the online submission of a piece of written work, which will be marked according to the UEA postgraduate senate scale, the national scale for higher education marking.
Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Pass, Merit or equivalentDegree subject
MBBS or FRCA or equivalentAdditional entry requirements
GMC registered, MRCS or equivalent. Applicants must be a practising Anaesthetist.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit fully from postgraduate study – which are conducted in English - we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:
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IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 7.0 in each section )
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PTE (Pearson): 76 (minimum 76 in each section)
All scores must be less than two years old.
Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The intakes for the course are January, May and September each year.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2023/24 are:
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UK Students: £7,500 (full-time)
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International Students: £7,500 (full-time)
(£1000 per 20-credit module. £1500 for the 60-credit dissertation module)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
Core recommended textbooks are cited throughout the modules, which can be obtained locally through medical libraries, but you may wish to purchase your own.

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How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University. Students apply for one stand-alone module initially by applying online. Students wishing to take additional modules in the future can then do so through the UEA Learning and Teaching Service, without needing to reapply.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.

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