Epilepsy - An Introduction 10 credits

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to current developments in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy and epilepsy-associated behavioural symptoms.

The module covers the epidemiology, classification, aetiology, and pathophysiology of epilepsy. It considers the medical, psychological and social consequences of having epilepsy and the varying needs of different demographic groups of patients. The module also focuses on the main psychiatric co-morbidities, as well as the most important behavioural effects of antiepileptic drugs.

On completion, you should be able to:

• Describe the epidemiology and classification of seizures and epilepsy;
• Describe the aetiology and pathophysiology of epilepsy;
• Describe the methods of investigation of seizure activity, including the importance of proper description and observation;
• Describe the basic principles of treatment of epilepsy;
• Describe the medical, psychological and social consequences of having epilepsy;
• Understand that people with epilepsy who are children, elderly or women have different needs;
• Describe the main psychiatric co-morbidities of epilepsy;
• Describe the most important behavioural effects of antiepileptic drugs.

Course dates

Dates for 2025/26 are TBC. The course normally runs in February.

Attendance required

3 days - block teaching, usually 10.00 - 16.30.

Assessment

One 1,500 word essay

Credits

10 credits

Please contact the programme team,+44 (0)121 415 8118 or email  clinicalneuro@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Fees for 2025/26 entry

Microcredential (Home): £605

Microcredential (International): £1,687

Non-credit: £505.60

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.