Masters courses in psychiatry

Abstract

The variations in structure and content between Masters degree courses offered to psychiatry trainees around the country are documented. Most courses are integrated to some degree with statutory Membership teaching. The extent to which courses differ is likely to surprise readers. The implications for the junior trainee as well as for consultant or senior registrar appointment committees is discussed. Universities act autonomously, hence a Masters degree awarded by one may bear no relation to that awarded by another.

MRCPsych courses: the national picture

“…The number of courses offering a masters degree is falling: 11 were identified in 1995, 3 their course together with individual trainee feedback, few seemed to monitor these results. Masters courses had more robust evaluation systems that reflects the more systematic approach that universities take to evaluating teaching.…”

Membership course or Masters course?

“…One could argue that at least the study leave is protected and guaran teed, and that few trainees otherwise use the whole of the study leave time. The cost of Masters courses is variable (Shoebridge & McCartney, 1995), but they do tend to consume the entire study leave budget for the trainee -at least.…”

“…The universities of Bristol and Sheffield are also considering creating Masters courses. The varia tions in these courses are outlined by Shoebridge & McCartney (1995). Some are optional, but most also function as the only available training for the MRCPsych examinations and have replaced the membership course completely.…”