Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
PGCert Medical Mycology (Online)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | PGCert Medical Mycology (Online) | Programme code | PNC2BIOBIO01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Distance Learning Part Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
With the stated aim of equipping you with the competencies and capabilities to assess, analyse and take action against fungal disease, prolong life and promote health, the programme addresses the broad issues that contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and susceptible populations affected by fungal disease. Offered in collaboration with the British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM), our Master of Science (MSc) programme aims to deliver high quality, integrated, multi-disciplinary learning for leadership and problem solving across the broad field of Medical Mycology. This PGCert programme (part of the full MSc Medical Mycology (online)) couples online reflective learning with research-led teaching from world-leading academics and clinicians to achieve a rounded view of medical mycology – from the molecular to organismal level; from diagnosis to treatment.
The programme offers a collective learning environment in which professionals of all disciplines interested in Medical Mycology can study together to develop competencies. The programme is both for students who want to enter the field of Medical Mycology and for those already working as health professionals in medical mycology / microbiology or in clinical settings who want to progress their careers.
This unique programme builds on the relationship the Medical Research Council's Centre for Medical Mycology (University of Exeter) has with the leaders in Medical Mycology around the globe. The programme has been developed with specific reference to the expertise of the British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM). It is envisaged that this programme will build capacity in medical mycology in clinical environments and as such, the graduates will have a unique profile being well trained and skilled in medical mycology. Graduates will be directed towards careers in support of clinical services in the NHS and other healthcare providers around the world. The programme will build confidence in research skills and provide a network for students to engage with colleagues, enabling them to develop national and international profiles.
Students come to the programmes from a variety of backgrounds and so the course has been designed to provide a foundation to the subject, alongside in-depth knowledge and skills development activities, that are required to be a successful medical mycologist in the lab or at the bed-side. This programme will give students cutting edge insights into their own practices that will improve outcomes for patients and society at large.
The programme suits graduates who are planning or already undertaking a career within medical mycology, medical microbiology, clinical academia, or are working in areas of environmental health or drug discovery.
Your eligibility for a particular award will be confirmed by the final Assessment Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC) on the basis of the modules that have been completed. In order to graduate with a PGCert you will need to successfully complete the modules (and gain credits) as detailed further below.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The objectives of the programme are to provide knowledge in all aspects of medical mycology including:
- fungal taxonomy and nomenclature;
- physiology and metabolism of fungal pathogens;
- fungal cell structure and organisation;
- diagnosis of fungal infection;
- fungal pathogenicity;
- medically important fungi;
- fungal diseases;
- fungal genetics and evolutionary pathways;
- fungal diagnostic tools;
- molecular methods for diagnosis, identification, taxonomy and strain typing (laboratory track only);
- identification of fungi, microscopy and histology (laboratory track only);
- the epidemiology and changing spectrum of fungal disease;
- antifungal therapy, antifungal resistance and antifungal stewardship
- immunology of fungal diseases
- fungal diseases in specific patient groups
The programme is delivered online via taught sessions with H5P (integrated) formative assessments, and where appropriate skills based practical exercises, supported by additional on-line resources accessed via the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). Carefully selected tutors and guest lecturers will contribute to the programme via pre-recorded content offering up-to-the minute insights into diverse aspects of medical mycology.
4. Programme Structure
The online PGT programme in Medical Mycology is designed as a standalone course with exit points at Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or full Masters (180 credits). Each course is available as a part-time option, meaning that a maximum of 60 credits can be taken in any one year. The duration of the full MSc programme can therefore be from 3 to 6 years according to your preference and ability to manage workload.
All of the programmes specified are National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 awards (as confirmed against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Programmes are divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a fixed number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
For clarity, the full and interim awards are available as follows:
The one-year to two year Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Medical Mycology (Online) consists of 60 credits of taught modules.
The two-year to four year Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Medical Mycology (Online) is also offered, consisting of 120 credits of taught modules.
The three-year to six year Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Mycology (Online) consist of 180 credits, of which 150 are taught modules and 30 are based on a research project agreed between you, an external supervisor and the programme lead.
Note: There may be an additional fee associated with certain postgraduate modules that involve any placements with external providers – though free fully online alternatives will be provided where appropriate. It is important to note that the timing of any modules’ online contact sessions and assessments will be set for the programme and students will need to make sure they are available at specified times for these events following an initial discussion between the student and the module lead.
If after considering these factors, you would like to explore the options further, please discuss this with the MSc’s Programme Directors. The programme management team can then advise you about the application process, and how the programme will fit into your daily activities.
The full PGCert has the following structure:
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site: https://lifesciences.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/
The aim of this programme is to enhance the knowledge, skills and experience of individuals working in the field of medical mycology via distance and reflective learning. A series of online practical classes, will be part of the PGDip award and a research project / dissertation will be required for the Masters-level award. For the projects, students will need to have access to their own work-based laboratory, or agree a placement, or undertake an online piece of work to complete the required research project. Lab and clinical streams are indicated for guidance and alignment with students‘ interests / backgrounds.
Stage 1
60 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM700Z | The Principles of Medical Mycology | 15 | No |
| BIOM701Z | Medically Important Fungi | 15 | No |
| BIOM702Z | Fungal Diseases | 15 | No |
| BIOM703Z | Diagnosis and Antifungal Therapy | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Draw on a breadth of theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge in Medical Mycology to address key issues in healthcare and research / discovery | Pre-recorded lectures, seminars, masterclasses, Online group discussions and practical exercises, simulated case-studies and engagement with real-world scenarios, Web-based learning, resource gathering, and in-depth reading. | 1. Formative in-lecture/in video embedded interactive tests – ILOs 134 2. Completion of skills based online activities – ILOs 1-3 3. End of module MCQ assessments – ILOs 1-3 4. Writing of reflective reports and scientific report for project work – ILO 1-3 |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Develop a deep understanding of contemporary challenges in Medical Mycology and develop an evidence-based approach to dealing with them. | Pre-recorded lectures, seminars, masterclasses specialist tutorials; small group discussions via online portal, and project work; formative presentations; Peer-mentoring and coaching; preparation and writing of assignment(s). | 1. Formative in-lecture interactive tests – ILO 4 2. Completion of skills based online activities – ILO 4-6 3. End of module MCQ assessments – ILO 4-6 |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Communicate effectively with professional in the area of Medical Mycology reflecting on the purpose, outcomes and implications of leadership and resource and people management through channels including peers, specialists and lay audiences. | Workshops, masterclasses, specialist tutorials; small group discussions and project work; formative presentations; Peer-mentoring and coaching; preparation and writing of assignment(s). | 1. Formative presentations, case-based discussions at various stages in the course ILOs 7-10 2. Student presentations – ILOs 7-10 3. Reflective essays – ILOs 7-10 |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. The online programme also has a peer-to-peer networking facility allowing students to gain confidence in their studies in a mutually supportive environment.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision at post-graduate level.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
The programme will be offered to graduates with a degree in Microbiology (or another biomedical science / molecular biology degree / cell biology degree), and Medical and Dental graduates.
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
A limited number of Scholarships are available for international students from Low to Middle Income Countries – further details are available on request to the Programme Director.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
PGCert Medical Mycology (Online)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 60 |
ECTS credits | 30 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Biosciences
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 11/03/2022 |
Date of last revision | 10/05/2022 |
|---|
