Short course

Epilepsy - An Introduction

This short course will equip you with a comprehension of the basic principles of epilepsy, the symptoms, classification, consequences and the behavioural effects of antiepileptic drugs.

Start date
February 2025
Duration
3 days (9 lectures)
Mode
Face-to-face
Cost
24/25 Home microcredential fee: £585 International microcredential fee: £1630 Non-credit fee: £485
Level
Postgraduate microcredential
Credit
10 credits

Overview

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.

Content

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.

Credits

10 credits.

Attendance required

3 days - block teaching, usually 10.00 - 16.30.

Course dates

25-27 February

Assessment

One 1,500 word essay.

Coordinators

  • Dr Hugh Rickards - Consultant in Neuropsychiatry and Programme Lead.
  • Professor Andrea Cavanna - Consultant in Behavioural Neurology and Deputy Programme Lead.
  • Most lectures are from visiting consultants, professionals and researchers in the field.

More information

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

You can choose to study this course as either a microcredential or a non-credit CPD short course.

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

  • Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the committment of a full-degree
  • Usually taken from exisiting 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 that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit shortcourse version.

Apply for the Microcredential

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 recieve 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. 

Apply for the non-credit CPD shortcourse