UCL to offer global first aesthetics masters courses
University College London (UCL) is to launch two new Masters courses in aesthetics this year. Becoming the first global academic institution to offer such a programme, the two new courses will launch in September 2021 and are MS Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery) and MS Aesthetics (Minimally-Invasive Aesthetics).
Part of UCL’s Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, the programme will be led by Professor Afshin Mosahebi and Dr Eqram Rahman. The two courses will comprise a mix of lectures, tutorials, expert forums and workshops, with a blend of online learning, self-study and intensive simulated operative skills training.
MS Aesthetics (Minimally-Invasive Aesthetics) will include principles and practice of aesthetics and research context, epigenetics and regenerative aesthetics, fundamentals of minimally-invasive facial aesthetics, minimally-invasive aesthetic practice and advanced minimally-invasive aesthetic practice.
Applicants must have an undergraduate qualification (BDS) in dentistry or be an advanced nurse practitioner registered with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), or a prescribing pharmacist registered with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council).
The MS Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery) course will cover the above in addition to advanced aesthetic surgery of the breast and torso and advanced aesthetic surgery of the head and neck. Applicants must be medical graduates with a primary medical qualification and a minimum of two years’ training in general, plastic or dermatological surgery.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) is lending its support to the programme, with Professor Afshin Mosahebi a council member. Past BAAPS presidents Mr Rajiv Grover and Mr Paul Harris have been involved in developing content and running the modules, while current BAAPS president Miss Mary O’Brien is the external examiner. Professor Mosahebi said, “As this sector of medicine is outside of the NHS in the UK, its governance and standards of care have been the focus of much debate over recent years.
“In an attempt to put some rigour into this area, there is a growing push to fully legitimise this sector of medicine, with The British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons advising patients to ensure that their surgeon or practitioner is fully licensed and accredited – and they are in full support of the UCL programme.”