PPD

Postgraduate Professional Development

At the University of Edinburgh you can choose to study single or multiple courses via the Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme.  PPD is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Master’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.  You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme.  These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.  Alternatively, upon successful completion of one or more PPD courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.  Any time spent studying PPD courses will be deducted from the amount of time you have remaining to complete a Master’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

If you successfully complete a 5 week course you will be awarded 10 credits at SCQF Level 11 and if you successfully complete a 10 week course you will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 11.

Format

All of our PPD courses offer a flexible way to study while maintaining work and personal commitments.  Each week course content is released; you can then review, print, read, and engage with that material.  Your tutor joins the class online for discussions about the topics raised and provides the focus for that week’s learning activities.  You are encouraged to discuss with your class, ask questions and raise important points for feedback.  This discussion is a key component of the learning process and the more you can engage with other learners and tutors, the more productive and enjoyable your learning will be.

Unlike Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) courses require you to successfully complete all of the assessed assignments for that individual course.  Specific assignments may vary between courses as they are designed to meet the learning outcomes of each course, however, all will include a written element – usually in the form of an essay, case study or literature review.  Each course will also include weekly assessed online activities which involve regular contribution.

PPD registration grants you student status for two years from the date of registration and allows you full access to the University library during that time.

Delivery

The PPD courses are delivered using a blend of online learning methods supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.

They are online learning courses, but you won’t feel isolated - you will have the opportunity to work closely with your fellow students and tutors in a well-supported, collaborative and vibrant online learning environment.  With access to the internet, you will be able to study at the times and in the places which suit you best.

Induction

There will be an induction period prior to the commencement of a PPD course where you will be introduced to the virtual learning environment.  During this time, learning materials and tasks will be available for you which will help to familiarise yourself to the online learning environment.  This will include navigation of the online learning environment, accessing and using learning resources, using the online course tools and familiarisation with accessing the University of Edinburgh library e-resources.

Entry Requirements

This programme is suitable for graduates in dentistry, who are working in general dental practice.  Some of the courses are suitable for graduates in dental therapy (marked with an asterisk) but applicants should be aware that the full dgree programme is not available for dental therapy graduates. Those considering PPD should note that the University of Edinburgh postgraduate entry requirements apply including evidence of recent academic achievement and evidence of English language ability.

• Academic Achievement

  A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in dentistry or dental therapy.  

• Postgraduate entry requirements
• English language requirements

To Apply

Please go to our applications and fees page to apply: Restorative Dentistry (Online Learning) (select the PG professional development application option)

Courses available

• MRES11001 Introduction to Clinical Evidence
• MRES11002 Introduction to Dental Clinical Photography
• MRES11003 Oral Health Assessment and Diagnosis

The above courses commence in September of each year to coincide with Semester 1 of the University calendar. Please contact us to receive a more detailed timetable.