Postgraduate Diploma in Acute Medicine
Validated by University of South Wales
Stay ahead in acute medicine with our innovative Postgraduate Diploma, designed to equip you with the latest breakthroughs in emergency care. Master life-saving techniques in acute medicine with our cutting-edge Postgraduate Diploma. Learn high-flow nasal oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and POCUS for lung and cardiovascular care.
Explore the latest acute heart failure protocols and endoscopic techniques for gastrointestinal emergencies. Gain expertise in rapid molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial stewardship, and AI-driven sepsis management. Advance your knowledge in stroke care, acute kidney injury, and modern toxicology, including mechanical thrombectomy and biomarker-based risk prediction.
Next intake: September 2025Key Facts
Accredited by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (RCP), this acute diploma allows graduates to earn CPD points. Designed with an evidence-based, protocol-driven approach, it ensures you deliver optimal acute care. Join a global, multidisciplinary network of healthcare professionals, sharing best practices and real-world insights to elevate your expertise in acute medicine.
With our flexible, online learning platform, you can log on anywhere, anytime and complete your diploma in acute medicine at your own pace. Gain globally recognised expertise and further your career with a qualification designed for busy healthcare professionals.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr. Hayder Ewad
Dr Ewad is a Consultant Physician in General and Acute Medicine for the NHS, working in very challenging times and environment. Over the last 11 years in...
Tutor - Jonathan Soldera
Current post: Professor of Clinical Gastroenterology, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
- Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist
- Currently teaching and working in Brazil
- Areas of interest and research are cirrhosis and...
Tutor - Dr. Abdul Naeem
Current Role: Consultant Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Specialty tutor Acute Medicine at University of South Wales.
- Currently he is head of the critical care unit in a tertiary level...
Tutor
Current post: Serves as a Senior Consultant in India, providing expert care in his areas of expertise.
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine,...
Validating partner
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Accreditors and Endorsers
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate course has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Royal College of Physicians
This programme of study provided by Learna is approved for CPD purposes by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. The credits awarded are 48 external credits for the learning in the diploma section and a further 20 for the learning in the MSc section.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Next intake: September 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr. Hayder Ewad
Dr Ewad is a Consultant Physician in General and Acute Medicine for the NHS, working in very challenging times and environment. Over the last 11 years in this senior role, Dr Ewad has earned the respect of every team he has joined. In December 2021, he was chosen as one of the heroes for South Mead hospital of NBT NHS trust/Bristol, which was very similar to the recognition he received in 1990, just two years after graduating from medical school in Iraq.
Dr Ewad has been a tutor with Learna for over two years, tutoring different subjects, he is now delighted to be the programme leader. Medical education is at the heart of his interests, previously he was a Clinical Physiology tutor at Al Nahrain Medical in Iraq from 1991 to 1994. Dr Ewad has earned a master's degree in Cardiac Physiology in 1993 and is a member of the RCP of London. He also has two diplomas from the universities of Leicester and Cardiff to support his interests in diabetes and therapeutics.
"If I see myself teaching my students something new, something different from what they already knew, something beneficial that could change the course of their professional lives for the better, then I consider myself a successful educator."
Tutor - Jonathan Soldera
Current post: Professor of Clinical Gastroenterology, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
- Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist
- Currently teaching and working in Brazil
- Areas of interest and research are cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and work as a principal investigator for phase 2 and 3 studies on new molecules for IBD
- Researches the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict outcomes in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Currently working on a PhD in Pathology. He is the author of multiple indexed articles on the subjects of his research.
Tutor - Dr. Abdul Naeem
Current Role: Consultant Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Specialty tutor Acute Medicine at University of South Wales.
- Currently he is head of the critical care unit in a tertiary level institute. Beside his clinical expertise, he is certified medical educationist and well versed with online teaching. He holds an excellent performance record of 98% student’s satisfaction rate.
- He is Assistant Professor of Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and educational supervisor for EMFP (Emergency Medicine Foundation Program) of Royal College of Emergency Medicine, UK. He has designed several medical courses for PLAB, MRCP and Intensive Care.
- He has been Incharge of PlabMentor Academy, London.
He is auditor of JCI (Joint Commission International) for hospital accreditation. With interest in evidence based medicine, he has published research papers and standardized the department with clinical audits, pathways and algorithms.
Tutor
Current post: Serves as a Senior Consultant in India, providing expert care in his areas of expertise.
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Rheumatology
- Qualifications including MBBS, AFHEA (UK), MRCP(UK), FRCP (Glasgow), and a European Certificate of Rheumatology
- Contributes to medical education as a Registered Tutor and Review Member for postgraduate programmes at Learna, University of South Wales, and University of Buckingham.
Register Interest
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Why Study an Acute Medicine Postgraduate Diploma with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our acute medicine diploma is designed registered healthcare professionals who have a day to day exposure to acutely ill patients who are looking for a diploma in acute care or a similar discipline.
This may include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Radiographers
- Paramedics
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
Our online postgraduate diploma in acute medicine allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Module Aims
The module aims to equip learners with the knowledge of methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with cardio-respiratory conditions.
Module Content
Guideline directed approach to the management of the patient with acute respiratory and cardiovascular disease to include management of severe hypertension, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, thromboembolic disease, acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusions, acute asthma, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute cardio-respiratory conditions within a multidisciplinary setting.
Module Aims
The module aims to equip learners with the knowledge of methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with diabetes and endocrine conditions.
Module Content
The management of the patient presenting with acute diabetic and endocrine disease, including diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia, hyperosmolar non-ketosis, acute hypercalcaemia, thyrotoxicosis, hypocalcaemia and adrenal crisis.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute diabetes and endocrine emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute diabetes and endocrine conditions within a multidisciplinary setting.
Module Aims
The module aims to equip learners with the knowledge of methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with gastrointestinal conditions.
Module Content
The management of the patient presenting with acute gastrointestinal (GI) illness including upper GI haemorrhage, acute abdominal pain, intractable vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease, GI infections including dysentery and gastroenteritis together with the acute management of GI malignancy. Managing acute liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy and cirrhosis.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal (GI) emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute GI conditions within a multidisciplinary setting.
Module Aims
The module aims to equip learners with the knowledge of methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with infections and sepsis.
Module Content
- The management of patients presenting with acute bacterial, viral and fungal infection relating to all organ systems.
- Management, investigation and diagnosis of sepsis and bacteraemia.
- Management of the immune compromised individual in relation to infection.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute infections.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute infections within a multidisciplinary setting.
Module Aims
The module aims to equip learners with the knowledge methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with neurological conditions.
Module Content
This module covers the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders such as acute stroke, epilepsy, cerebral infections, cerebral haemorrhage/haematomas, venous sinus thrombosis, presentations with acute cerebral malignancy, dystonias, ataxias, acute neuronopathies/neuropathies and raised intracranial pressure.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders including stroke medicine within a multidisciplinary setting.
Module Aims
The module aims to equip learners with the knowledge of methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with renal, metabolic and toxicological conditions.
Module Content
This module is intended to cover the management of toxicological emergencies such as overdose both accidental and non-accidental, acute drug reactions and anaphylaxis. The module will also cover the presentation of the patient with metabolic and renal issues to include acute kidney injury, acid-base disorders, hyperkalaemia and acute hyponatraemia. It will also touch upon the implementation of renal replacement therapy including dialysis.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute renal, metabolic and toxicological emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute renal, metabolic and toxicological disorders within a multi-disciplinary setting.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2025: £425 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £5,100 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Pay-in-full discount is available.
- Option 2: Apply for Interest-free payments each month for the duration of the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £425 † | £425 | £425 |
Total payments: £5,100
You may also be interested in:
- Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
Reviews
Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
