Primary Care Dermatology
Designed in collaboration with the National Skin Centre, the Master of Science in Primary Care Dermatology equips healthcare professionals with advanced, practice-ready skills to confidently manage skin conditions in community settings.
Programme Overview
The Master of Science (MSc) in Primary Care Dermatology is a comprehensive and practice-focused programme designed to meet the increasing demand for dermatological expertise in community and primary care settings. Skin conditions represent one of the most common reasons for healthcare consultations, leading to a growing need for frontline healthcare professionals to develop stronger competencies in dermatological assessment, diagnosis, and management.
Thoughtfully designed to bridge the gap between specialist dermatology and community-based care, learners are equipped with the clinical confidence and decision-making skills required to manage a wide range of skin conditions effectively. Learners will be grounded in evidence-based practice and a blended learning curriculum that combines interactive online learning, collaborative team-based discussions, and supervised clinical attachments.
Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped to take on enhanced roles within the healthcare system, particularly in community and primary care settings. Learners will be able to conduct systematic dermatological assessments, formulate appropriate management plans, identify red-flag conditions requiring specialist referral, and contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary care teams. This aims to strengthen the healthcare system by empowering healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centred dermatological care closer to the community.
Unique Features of the Programme
- Interprofessional & Inclusive Programme
Designed for a wide spectrum of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health practitioners, the programme addresses a key gap in the current landscape and promotes a collaborative, team-based approach to managing skin conditions in community and primary care settings by opening access to a formal, university-awarded dermatology qualification.
- Stackable & Flexible Learning Pathway
Structured as a flexible, stackable, and progressive pathway, the programme enables working professionals to upskill at their own pace while balancing clinical responsibilities. Learners build competencies in stages, starting with foundational knowledge in clinical dermatology, progressing to more complex and specialised conditions and culminating in master’s-level training that integrates clinical practice, research, and innovation.
- Strong Clinical Integration
A defining feature of the programme is its emphasis on real-world clinical application through supervised attachments at the National Skin Centre (NSC). Through clinical exposure, learners can observe first-hand how evidence-based knowledge is translated into confident diagnostic, management, and patient care skills. - Innovative & Interactive Learning
Through AI-enabled patient simulation chatbots and Team-Based Learning, the programme fosters active and experimental learning, enabling learners to build strong clinical reasoning, communication skills, and sound clinical judgement. - Future-Focused, Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Delivered through a blended learning approach, learners will meet evolving dermatological needs, including the management of dermatological conditions in an ageing population, the integration of digital health and tele-dermatology, and the growing demand for aesthetic dermatology.
Programme Structure
The Master of Science (MSc) in Primary Care Dermatology is designed as a tiered, stackable pathway allowing for progressive specialisation. All levels are offered on a part-time basis.
The programme will be launched January 2027, starting with the Graduate Certificate intake, followed by progression pathways to a FlexiMasters and Master of Science (MSc), preparing graduates for enhanced roles in patient care, ethics deliberation, and leadership.
Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Dermatology:
Focuses on basic clinical dermatology, investigations, therapeutics, and common conditions like infections and skin tumors.
| Course Title | No. of AUs | Core / Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Clinical Dermatology | 2 | Core |
| Dermatology Investigations and Therapeutics | 1 | Core |
| Skin Infections, Chronic Wounds and Psycho-Dermatology | 1 | Core |
| Inflammatory Dermatoses | 2 | Core |
| Papulosquamous Disorders and Skin Tumours | 2 | Core |
| Pregnancy, Paediatric and Adolescence Dermatology | 1 | Core |
FlexiMasters in Primary Care Dermatology:
Builds on the Graduate Certificate foundation with complex medical dermatology, autoimmune dermatoses, and sexually transmitted infections.
| Course Title | No. of AU | Core / Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Autoimmune Dermatoses | 2 | Core |
| Sexually Transmitted Infections | 2 | Core |
| Complex Medical Dermatology | 2 | Core |
Master of Science (MSc) in Primary Care Dermatology:
The final phase includes advanced topics such as Dermatology in the Silver Generation, Research, Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology, and a 6 AUs Capstone Project.
| Course Title | No. of AU | Core / Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatology in the Silver Generation | 1 | Core |
| Research in Dermatology | 3 | Core |
| Advances in Dermatology | 2 | Core |
| Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology | 3 | Core |
| Capstone Project | 6 | Core |
Applicants seeking admission to this programme must possess the following:
General Prerequisites
1. Professional Status: Applicants must be currently practicing healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or allied health professionals) and registered with the relevant medical/nursing/pharmacy/allied health boards or professional councils or equivalent.
2. Academic Foundation: A minimum Diploma in a health-related science field (or equivalent) is required for admission to the Graduate Certificate component of the MSc programme to ensure learners have sufficient foundational knowledge for advanced modules; a minimum MBBS or equivalent is required for admission to the FlexiMasters and MSc programmes.
The above are minimum admission requirements. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
Applicants from countries whose native language is not English and whose medium of university instruction is not completely in English are required to provide one of the following:
Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• For exams taken before January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100
• For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 5.5
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Minimum score of 6.5
The requirements for the tiered Primary Care Dermatology programme suite are sequential, ensuring that learners build upon a solid foundation as they advance through the qualifications.
Programme | Requirements |
Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Dermatology | Learners must complete all core modules worth 9 AUs to be awarded the Graduate Certificate |
FlexiMasters in Primary Care Dermatology | Learners must complete the Graduate Certificate (9 AU), and an additional 6 AUs to be awarded the FlexiMasters Certificate |
Master of Science in Primary Care Dermatology | Learners must complete the Graduate Certificate (9 AU), the FlexiMasters Certificate (6 AU) and an additional 15 AUs to be awarded the Master of Science in Primary Care Dermatology certificate |
Programme | Fees | Location of Study |
Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Dermatology | SGD 20,404.80 The programme fees are reviewed annually and may be revised. The University reserves the right to adjust the programme fees without prior notice. | Singapore |
FlexiMasters in Primary Care Dermatology | SGD 13,603.20 | Singapore |
Master of Science in Primary Care Dermatology | SGD 34,008.00
| Singapore |
Please note that we are currently in the process of applying for course fee funding subsidies for this programme. Further details will be shared once they are confirmed.
Programme | Course Titles | Full Course Fee (inclusive of GST) |
Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Dermatology | Clinical Dermatology Foundations *1 | SGD 6,801.60 |
Clinical Dermatology I *2 | SGD 6,801.60 | |
Clinical Dermatology II *3 | SGD 6,801.60 | |
FlexiMasters in Primary Care Dermatology | Autoimmune Dermatoses | SGD 4,534.40 |
Sexually Transmitted Infections | SGD 4,534.40 | |
Complex Medical Dermatology | SGD 4,534.40 | |
Master of Science in Primary Care Dermatology | Dermatology in the Silver Generation | SGD 2,267.20 |
Research in Dermatology | SGD 6,801.60 | |
Advances in Dermatology | SGD 4,534.40 | |
Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology | SGD 6,801.60 | |
Capstone Project | SGD 13,603.20 |
*1 comprises of Basic Clinical Dermatology and Dermatology Investigations and Therapeutics
*2 comprises of Skin Infections, Chronic Wounds and Psycho-Dermatology and Inflammatory Dermatoses
*3 comprises of Papulosquamous Disorders and Skin Tumours and Papulosquamous Disorders and Skin Tumours
Please note that we are currently in the process of applying for course fee funding subsidies for this programme. Further details will be shared once they are confirmed.
General Questions
Q. What is the objective of this programme?
A. The programme aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to effectively assess, diagnose, and manage dermatological conditions in community and primary care settings.
Q. Who is this programme designed for?
A. This programme is designed for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who are involved in patient care and encounter dermatological conditions in their practice.
Q. Is this programme recognised?
A. Yes, it is a postgraduate qualification awarded by Nanyang Technological University, ensuring academic rigour and industry relevance.
Programme Structure & Learning
Q. What is meant by a “stackable programme”?
A. A stackable programme allows learners to progressively earn qualifications—starting from a Graduate Certificate, advancing to a FlexiMasters, and ultimately completing a Master of Science degree.
Q. How long does it take to complete the programme?
A. The entire programme typically takes approximately 3 years on a part-time basis, with a maximum candidature period of up to 6 years.
The Graduate Certificate takes 9 months, FlexiMasters another 9 months and MSc programme an additional year.
Q. Is the programme fully online?
A. No. The programme adopts a blended learning approach that combines majority online learning with short-term in-person clinical attachments and practical sessions.
Q. Are there in-person clinical attachments in the programme?
A. Yes. Learners will undergo supervised clinical attachments at the National Skin Centre, allowing them to apply knowledge in real clinical settings.
Curriculum & Content
Q. What topics are covered in the programme?
A. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including basic clinical dermatology, inflammatory skin conditions, cutaneous infections, complex dermatological diseases, cosmetic dermatology, and research.
Q. Will I learn about aesthetic dermatology?
A. Yes, only in the MSc component of the programme, where it includes a dedicated module on Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology, focusing on evidence-based practices and patient safety.
Q. Does the programme include emerging technologies such as AI?
A. Yes. The programme incorporates AI-enabled chatbot simulations at the Graduate Certificate and FlexiMasters levels, and explores advancements such as tele-dermatology and digital health innovations at the MSc level.
Admission & Eligibility
Q. What are the entry requirements?
A. Applicants must be currently practicing healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or allied health professionals) and registered to the relevant medical/nursing/pharmacy/allied health boards.
Q. Can I apply directly to the MSc programme?
A. No. As this is a stackable programme, applicants must start from a Graduate Certificate, advance to a FlexiMasters before being eligible to apply for the MSc programme. A stackable programme allows learners to progressively earn qualifications.
Assessment & Certification
Q. How will I be assessed throughout the programme?
A. Assessment methods include quizzes and short-answer questions in the Graduate Certificate and FlexiMasters programmes, and through group projects, presentations, and a capstone project in the MSc programme.
Q. Is there a research component in the programme?
A. Yes, only at the level of MSc. Learners will complete a research module and a capstone project, which may involve clinical research, innovation, or programme evaluation. Graduate Certificate and FlexiMasters candidates do not have to embark on any research projects.
Career Impact
Q. How will this programme benefit my career?
A. Graduates will be equipped with enhanced clinical competencies, enabling them to manage dermatological conditions more effectively and take on expanded roles in community healthcare.
Q. Does this programme replace specialist dermatology training?
A. No. This programme is designed to complement existing clinical roles by strengthening dermatological competencies, not to replace specialist training.
Q. Will this programme help reduce referrals to specialists?
A. Yes. By enhancing diagnostic and management skills, healthcare professionals can manage more common dermatological cases in the community and make more appropriate referrals when necessary.
Practical Considerations
Q. Can I pursue this programme while working full-time?
A. Yes. The programme is designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible and blended learning options.
Q. Where are the clinical attachments conducted?
A. Clinical attachments are conducted at the National Skin Centre, Singapore.
Q. When will the programme commence?
A. The Graduate Certificate is expected to commence January 2027, with the FlexiMasters component starting in 2028.
Course Fee Funding Subsidies
Course Deferment
Any request for course deferment for successfully-admitted applicants is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Each deferment is for a period of one Academic Year (i.e. one intake).
Course Withdrawal Policy
Matriculated students must write in to the School to formally withdraw from the programme, however there will be no refund for the Tuition Fee and Student Services Fee.