Postgraduate Diploma in Acute Medicine
Accredited by: USW
Diploma MSc is a collaborative partner of the University of South Wales. On successful completion of this course, you will receive a University of South Wales Postgraduate Diploma. Course Code: QPDP074
About the course
Diploma MSc is a collaborative partner of the University of South Wales. On successful completion of this course, you will receive a University of South Wales Postgraduate Diploma.
Acute medicine is a rapidly evolving specialty and as many generalist healthcare professionals undertake acute medicine as part of their daily routines, there is a demand for tailored education, particularly at Masters level.
You will develop a systematic understanding of evidence-based, protocol delivered practice, which is crucial in optimising acute care.
Like other specialties, acute medicine is multi-disciplinary, particularly with the event of physician assistants and specialist nurse practitioners. This course is therefore aimed at the multi-disciplinary team, covering the major spectrum of disease areas that would present acutely.
This is a theoretical course that aims to supplement the education of existing healthcare professionals, as opposed to a practical course in acute medicine.
What you'll study
You’ll study online for one calendar year. You’ll study 6 modules, each over 6 weeks:
Module aims: To use relevant understanding, 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.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence based practice in acute cardiovascular and respiratory scenarios
- Appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the management of patients presenting with acute cardio-respiratory conditions within the multi-disciplinary team
Module aims: To develop an ability to manage complex cases presenting with a variety of acute diabetic and endocrine conditions, applying guideline and evidence based care in the management of acutely ill patients.
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.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute endocrine conditions
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate evidence and guidance based strategies in the management of the acutely unwell patient with diabetes related conditions conditions
Module aims: To reformulate and use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to assess and manage 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. Also managing acute liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy and cirrhosis.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal (GI) conditions
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence based practice and guideline based treatment in acute GI disorders
Module aims: To apply guideline and evidence based care in the management of acutely ill patients, facilitating the critical evaluation of actions, methods and results used in the management of acute infections.
Module summary: 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; and management of the immune compromised individual in relation to infection.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute infections
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate the presentation, cause and management of the immune-compromised patient in the acute medical setting
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence based practice and guideline based treatment with acute infections/sepsis
Module aims: To develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute neurological disorders and stroke, applying guideline and evidence based care in the management of acute neurological disorders and stroke.
Module summary: This module intends to cover 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.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of evidence based practice and guideline based treatment in neurological disorders including stroke medicine
Module aims: To develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute kidney, metabolic and toxicological disorders and apply guideline and evidence based care.
Module content: 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.
On completion of the module you will be able to:
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of evidence based practice and guideline based treatment in neurological disorders including stroke medicine
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence based practice and guideline based treatment in renal, metabolic and toxicological disorders
How you'll learn
Although you’ll be learning online you will be part of a group with 10 to 15 other students. Your self-directed distance learning will be guided by tutor-stimulated discussion based on clinically rich case scenarios.
You’ll do a combination of individual and group projects, and you’ll have a reflective practice portfolio to help you consider how what you’re learning on the course can be translated into everyday work and practice.
You’ll have the support of a dedicated team who will help you with any challenges you may face - from help with navigating our online learning platform to advice on what you need to do to pass the course and meet deadlines.
Induction
You’ll be invited to an Induction Day where you will meet tutors and have workshops on study skills such as scientific writing, levels of evidence, Harvard referencing and reflective writing. The induction will be at the University of South Wales in the UK. It is not compulsory to attend but if you would like to and don't live locally, you can take part online.
How you'll be assessed
The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment, embedding assessment within the learning process.
Each of the 6 modules has the same assessment format:
- Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
- Individual learning portfolio - 10%
- Group/individual activity - 20%
- Case based examination - 30%
You will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor who will facilitate clinical case discussions with the group and monitor, assess and mark your work throughout each module.
Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module, ideally on a daily basis.
Entry requirements
To secure your place on the course you typically need a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field (e.g. medicine, nursing) and a minimum IELTS score of 6 or equivalent.
Applications will be judged on the individual specifics of background and qualifications including the ability to work at Postgraduate level (applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at Postgraduate level and demonstrate requisite clinical/professional knowledge).
How much is the course?
| Total Course Fees for UK/EU & International Students for March 2019: | £3900 |
Fee payments may be made via the following options:
| Date | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit payable on acceptance† | £180 | £180 | £180 |
| 1st March 2019 | £3,720 | £620 | |
| 1st April 2019 | £1,240 | £620 | |
| 1st May 2019 | £620 | ||
| 1st June 2019 | £1,240 | £620 | |
| 1st July 2019 | £620 | ||
| 1st August 2019 | £1,240 | £620 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
Why study with Diploma MSc?
Flexibility – studying online means you can fit your course around other commitments, such as work and family
Top quality teaching – all courses are accredited by the University of South Wales and our tutors are experts in their specialty, so you'll be learning from the best
Excellent value – our courses deliver value for money and payment plans mean getting qualified could be even more affordable
Fast track – our courses are one-year so you can get your qualification twice as quickly as most other postgraduate courses on the market