At World Extreme Medicine, we are proud to partner with the University of Exeter to offer the world’s first postgraduate course in Extreme Medicine. This groundbreaking programme is designed to equip medical professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality care in the most challenging environments.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what extreme medicine entails, the structure of our MSc programme, and the exciting opportunities it presents for students and graduates.
Watch: Discover MSc Extreme at the University of Exeter…
What is Extreme Medicine?
When you first hear the term “extreme medicine,” it might conjure up images of dramatic, impromptu life-saving acts in unusual circumstances. However, as Malcolm Hilton, the programme lead for the Extreme Medicine MSc, explains, it’s quite the opposite.
Extreme medicine is about applying the strict standards of high-quality contemporary medicine and care in the most enormously challenging environments you can imagine. It’s not just about glamorous heroics, but rather a disciplined approach to delivering excellent healthcare in demanding situations.
To prepare medical professionals for these challenges, our MSc programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
The Extreme Medicine MSc Programme
Our MSc programme, offered in collaboration with the University of Exeter, is a flexible course that allows students to choose between full-time and part-time study options. The programme comprises a mix of immersive residential modules and distance learning, enabling students to complete assignments from anywhere in the world.
→ Download Programme Factsheet
The various modules cover a wide range of topics, such as jungle medicine in Costa Rica and polar medicine in Norway, providing students with diverse learning experiences. These modules are carefully crafted and delivered by our expert faculty members, who bring their extensive knowledge and real-world experience to the programme, ensuring that students receive the highest quality education and training.
Expert Facilitators and Authentic Learning Environments
One of the key strengths of our Extreme Medicine MSc programme is the expertise of our teaching staff. “All of our courses are taught, facilitated by people who are recognised as experts in their area, nationally, internationally,” Hilton emphasises.
Our faculty members are not only renowned experts in their respective fields but also experienced educators who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills with the next generation of extreme medicine practitioners. They work closely with students, providing guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the programme.
Additionally, our residential modules are delivered in authentic environments relevant to each subject discipline. “If you’re learning about tropical medicine, you will be in a jungle camp in Costa Rica, if you’re learning about cold weather medicine, you may be spending part of your time in a snow hole in Northern Norway,” Hilton adds.
This immersive approach to learning allows students to gain firsthand experience of the challenges they may face in their future careers and develop the practical skills needed to deliver high-quality care in extreme environments. By learning from expert facilitators in authentic settings, students are better prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations.
Research and Knowledge Creation
The Extreme Medicine MSc programme presents a unique opportunity for students to be at the forefront of creating academic knowledge in this emerging field. As Malcolm Hilton notes, “It’s a very exciting time, students in terms of, particularly masters dissertations, they’re often producing new knowledge in an emerging subject field.”
This emphasis on research and knowledge creation prepares graduates not only for the practical challenges of delivering healthcare in extreme environments but also for contributing to the growth and development of this innovative field. By conducting original research and producing new insights, our students are well-positioned to become leaders and innovators in extreme medicine.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our Extreme Medicine MSc programme are equipped with a versatile skill set that opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Many of our graduates pursue careers in humanitarian work, expedition medicine, and other fields that require the ability to deliver high-quality care in challenging environments.
The skills and knowledge gained through the programme can also complement conventional medical roles. “Most people that I come across in this field, most people learning and studying as well, they have what we might call a conventional, conventional medical role as well, whether that’s a hospital or a clinic type of arrangement and use their portfolio of skills to go off and contribute to this type of work, on a part-time basis,” Hilton explains.
This flexibility allows our graduates to maintain their existing medical careers while also pursuing their passion for extreme medicine. Whether they choose to work full-time in extreme environments or contribute on a part-time basis, our graduates are well-prepared to make a significant impact in their chosen fields.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
If you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey and become a leader in the field of extreme medicine, we invite you to apply for our Extreme Medicine MSc programme.
To learn more about the programme, including application requirements and deadlines, please visit here or for full course information please visit the University of Exeter.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way and help you achieve your goals in this exciting and rewarding field.
→ Discover the Benefits of Studying Extreme Medicine: Insights from Our Students