September 2026 – June 2027
Distance learning
Fellows and Associate Fellows of the College can enter via advanced standing into Stage 3 of Aston University’s MSc in General Dental Practice; with their attainment recognised as equivalent to 90 credits of relevant prior learning at level 7, a Master’s degree can be achieved after a single year of part-time distance learning.
The arrangement applies regardless of dental team role or location, so long as the applicant meets the university’s standard postgraduate admissions criteria.
Successful completion of the MSc in General Dental Practice also satisfies the Research & Publications domain of Fellowship, enabling Associate Fellows to become Role Fellows or take a step closer to full Fellowship.
The course consists of a 30-credit taught module in advanced research methods followed by a 60-credit individual research project pertaining to clinical dental practice.
The programme develops competence in research skills including:
- development of hypotheses
- research design
- research execution
- data analysis and interpretation
- critical evaluation of literature
- understanding of ethical issues
- reporting of an empirically-based project
On completion of the taught component, students will be able to select and implement appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques for different research questions and designs, and will know how to manage their time and resources when undertaking research independently. They will then develop a suitable research question for their topic of choice within the field of general dental practice and plan a programme of research.
Learning methods include online lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group activity, independent study, assignments and reflections on assignment feedback. Assessment will be through a combination of continuous assessment, logbook, research proposal, presentations and a dissertation.
Led by Dr Stuart Ellis FCGDent, a former FGDP(UK) examiner and Clinical Director of a five-surgery general dental practice, the programme is delivered by the Cambridge Academy of Implant Dentistry.
The one year course costs £15,000, payable in instalments. Tuition loans are available to those without an existing master’s degree or higher qualification.
For further information, and to apply, email professionalcpd@aston.ac.uk, call 0121 204 3200 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm), or click the button below: