Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I apply to the Scottish MSc in Primary Care?
- What does it cost?
- How long does the programme take to complete?
- Can I apply to the programme at any time during the year?
- Can I complete the SSPC MSc in Primary Care by distance learning?
- How many modules will I have to complete?
- Is the SSPC MSc in Primary Care suitable for International students?
- What are themes?
- Do I have to study modules from each of the themes?
- Can I accredit SCQF points from modules previously studied to my SSPC MSc in Primary Care?
- Can I study elective modules from other masters programmes and accredit these to my SSPC MSc in Primary Care?
- How do I enrol on a module delivered by an institution other than the one I'm enrolled with?
- Can i graduate from any of the partner institutions?
- What is the difference from a full partner and an asscociate partner institution?
- Do I have to complete both the core module and my dissertation at my awarding institution?
- When can I register for my dissertation?
- Can I access University libraries?
- Can I access libraries at other Universities or Higher Education institutions?
- How can I apply to the Scottish MSc in Primary Care?
To apply to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care please contact Claire Neillie secretary to the MSc in Primary Care on tel. 01382 420045
Back to top - What does it cost?
The SSPC MSc in Primary Care can be paid for on a module by module basis, so there is no large initial outlay. The only initial cost is the SSPC registration fee of £50 (non refundable).
The cost of each module is set by the providing institution and can vary; an average MSc module is worth 15 or 20 SCQF points and the will range in price from: £260 - £700 for a 15 SCQF point module to £400- £850 for a 20 SCQF point module.
The fee for the core module has been standardised across all of the providing institutions i.e. £460 for 20 points (inclusive of the reflective essay) and £345 for 15 point module.
On average, the full Masters in Primary Care would currently cost around £4,000 - £5,500, depending on the modules a student selects and the time period over which the programme is studied.
(If you are seeking sponsorship from any source to finance your study, you are advised to build in an element for price increases over the duration of your study of approximately 15-20%.)
Back to top - How long does the programme take to complete?
The SSPC MSc in Primary Care is designed to be undertaken on a part-time basis and will normally take 3-5 years to complete. If you are concerned about approaching the 3-5 year completion limit, please do not hesitate to contact the Academic Tutor at your awarding institution to discuss this further.
Back to top - Can I apply to the programme at any time during the year?
Yes, but it is worth bearing in mind that the majority of modules accredited to the Scottish MSc in Primary Care are offered face-to-face and are therefore tied to the academic session (which runs from September to June)
Back to top - Can I complete the SSPC MSc in Primary Care by distance learning?
Not entirely, there are a number of modules accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care which are offered by distance learning. However, the majority are delivered face-to-face within SSPC higher education institutions. Indeed the compulsory core module: 'Primary Care: Working Together Creatively' is offered face-to-face and requires attendance at one of the four full partner/ awarding institutions.
Back to top - How many modules will I have to complete?
The number of modules you complete will depend on which award you wish to exit with (Certificate - 60 SCQF points, Diploma - 120 SCQF points or Masters - 180 SCQF points) and the SCQF accreditation of the modules you choose.
Modules accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care vary in SCQF accreditation from 3 SCQF point modules to 60 SCQF points for the Masters dissertation. However an average module is worth around 15-20 SCQF points.
If you were doing the full Masters programme you could, for example, complete the following options to complete the 120 SCQF point accreditation before embarking upon the Masters dissertation:
Back to topOption No of modules Combination of SCQF accreditation 1 5 2 x 30 SCQF points + 3 x 20 SCQF points 2 6 6 x 20 SCQF points 3 8 8 x 15 SCQF points 4 11 1 x 30 SCQF points + 5 x 15 SCQF points + 5 x 3 SCQF points - Is the SSPC MSc in Primary Care suitable for International students?
Many of the SSPC MSc in Primary Care modules are designed for primary care professionals who practice (or will practice) within a primary care setting in the UK i.e. the content is specific to current legislation and working practices within the UK.
The programme will also require the student to attend at least one of the seven providing SSPChigher education institutions. You would therefore be strongly advised to discuss any proposed study requirements with an Academic Tutor before applying to the course.
Back to top - What are themes?
When a module is accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care it is allocated to one of five themes. The five themes describe the broad content of a module and are allocated to help students select a balanced suite of modules. Select from:
- Practice
- Research
- Management, Educational Development
- or Special Interest
- Do I have to study modules from each of the themes?
No, but you must select modules from at least two of the five themes, one of which we recommend be a research module, to help you cope with the research demands of the other modules and dissertation (if you are completing the full Masters). You must also complete the compulsory core module: 'Primary Care: Working Together Creatively'.
Back to top - Can I accredit SCQF points from modules previously studied to my SSPC MSc in Primary Care?
You can apply to accredit SCQF points from modules previously studied to your SSPC MSc in Primary Care through APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning). Again, you must satisfy two conditions. First, the module must be SCQF accredited at Masters standard and second, the module cannot already be accredited to another award (i.e. you must not double count SCQF credits). Any applications to APEL should be made in consultation with your Academic Tutor.
Back to top - Can I study elective modules from other masters programmes and accredit these to my SSPC MSc in Primary Care?
Strictly speaking we would advise you to select modules which are accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care programme. However, in consultation with your Academic Tutor you may negotiate to complete 'electives' (modules which are not accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care). If you do wish to complete an elective you must satisfy two conditions. First, the module must be SCQF accredited at Masters standard and second, you must seek the agreement of your Academic Tutor prior to the commencement of the module. Final decisions regarding the study of electives are the responsibility of the Academic Tutor.
Back to top - How do I enrol on a module delivered by an institution other than the one I'm enrolled with?
To enrol on a module you must be a current SSPC MSc in Primary Care student who is matriculated at the providing institution. For advice on how to enrol upon a module accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care please contact Claire Neillie, MSc Co-ordinator.
Please note students who wish to graduate with an award from the University of Aberdeen should discuss each of their module choices with either Alan McLauchlan or George Shirriffs before embarking on that module.
It is good practice for all students to discuss module choices with the Academic Tutor from their awarding institution.
Back to top - Can i graduate from any of the partner institutions?
No, you may only graduate from one of the full partner/ awarding institutions. The four institutions who can provide the final award are:
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Dundee
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Queen Margaret University
- What is the difference from a full partner and an asscociate partner institution?
The partnership consists of seven higher education institutions which offer a range of modules accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care.
There are four full partner and three associate partner institutions. Full partners are awarding institutions that offer a range of modules which are accredited to the programme. However, in addition they offer the core module: 'Primary Care: Working Together Creatively', the dissertation module and can award students a Certificate, Diploma or Masters Degree in Primary Care. Associate partners offer a range of modules which are accredited to the SSPC MSc in Primary Care.
Back to top - Do I have to complete both the core module and my dissertation at my awarding institution?
No, you must complete the dissertation at your awarding institution but it is possible to complete the core module at one of the other full partner institutions. However, it is worth bearing in mind that you must complete the majority of your final award at the institution you intend to graduate from. For example if you wish to exit with a certificate then you should complete at least 30 SCQF points at your awarding institution; if you intend to exit with a diploma you must complete at least 60 SCQF points and for the MSc at least 90 SCQF points.
Back to top - When can I register for my dissertation?
If completing the full Masters, you would be expected to complete 120 SCQF points before embarking upon your dissertation. Further guidance regarding the dissertation is available within the Dissertation pages of this website or can be sought from the Academic Tutor at your awarding institution
Back to top - Can I access University libraries?
To access any of the partner institution libraries you must hold a current matriculation card for that particular institution. Matriculation cards are provided by the partner institutions each academic session (if you experience any problems in obtaining a matriculation card, please contact Claire Neillie Secretary to the MSc in Primary Care on tel. 01382 420045).
Each of the seven providing institutions will provide slightly different library services to part time students. For further information please contact the central library at your particular institution.
Back to top - Can I access libraries at other Universities or Higher Education institutions?
There is a service provided by UK Libraries Plus (a co-operative venture between higher education libraries) which allows part time and distance learning students to use libraries conveniently near to home or work - at no admission fee. There are currently 144 Institutions participating in the UK Libraries Plus Scheme.
For details of participating libraries near you, please visit the UK Libraries Plus website at http://www.uklibrariesplus.ac.uk/index.htm
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