Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology in Clinical Practice (USW)

Validated by University of South Wales

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In an era where the demand for specialised healthcare is rapidly growing, the need for skilled healthcare professionals in dermatology has become more important. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology is designed to meet this increasing demand. This online dermatology course equips healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in dermatology, addressing the complex challenges of skin health and disease management. Through a comprehensive and flexible online learning platform, it offers an opportunity for you to specialise in dermatology, enhancing your ability to respond to a wide range of dermatological needs in various healthcare settings.

Increasing your knowledge in dermatology through our dermatology courses can add significant value to your patients, especially given the social stigmas surrounding skin disease. Our online diploma in dermatology is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions. Our flexible, part-time dermatology online courses are run in conjunction with The University of South Wales (USW).

A modern, industry-focused University, rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020. Also rated top 10 in the UK, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022 for Health Studies. Our high-quality and reasonably priced dermatology online courses are very well reputed programmes, led and taught by experts in their field.

Our diploma in dermatology has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (RCP), enabling graduates of this programme to receive CPD points as accredited by the RCP.

PgDip Dermatology (The University of South Wales)

Next intake: March 2025Key Facts

Awarding University
University of South Wales
Commitment
Part-time
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
7th March 2025
Course start date
Format
100% Online
Total Fees
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Our online dermatology diploma satisfies the growing international demand for dermatology courses. Having specialist knowledge in dermatology is an increasingly important asset for medical personnel. Our dermatology diploma is online, part-time, and is designed to help healthcare professionals specialise in their career and aid the need for more dermatology professionals.

We offer quick-to-complete part-time programmes that fast-track career progression for our students, plus our dermatology courses provide an opportunity to learn with our worldwide healthcare professional community. With no international surcharge and interest-free payment plans, we are making education accessible to everyone.

On completion of this online dermatology course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients with dermatological conditions.
  • Critically evaluate current research in practical dermatology.
  • Deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with dermatological conditions.
  • Critically appraise current and potential practical dermatological treatments for use in a variety of population groups.



Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts

Awarding University
University of South Wales
Commitment
Part-time
Format
100% Online
Duration
12 months
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
7th March 2025
Course start date
10th March 2025 (view full module dates)
Total Fees

Why Study a Dermatology (The University of South Wales) 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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

The diploma in dermatology is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions.

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 Dermatology in Clinical Practice Postgraduate Diploma 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
To develop a critical understanding of the description of dermatological conditions, referral pathways, imaging and management.

Module Content

  • The language of dermatology
  • Therapeutics
  • Drug eruptions
  • Vasculitis
  • Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease
  • Guidance, teledermatology and the multi-disciplinary team

Learning Outcomes

  1. Resolve diagnostic conundrums and institute appropriate management strategies in relation to systemic disease, side effects of drugs and vasculitides.
  2. Demonstrate acuity in using health care resources for the benefit of the patient in such areas as the role of the multidisciplinary team, referral pathways and evidence-based, guidance in dermatological conditions.

Module Aims
To describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin lesions in the context of guidance.

Module Content

  • Skin lumps and bumps
  • Benign skin lesions
  • Non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Melanocytic Naevi
  • Melonoma
  • Surgical Approach to Skin Disease

Learning Outcomes

  1. Differentially diagnose a wide variety of skin lesions.
  2. Differentiate between benign and malignant lesions and an understanding of the appropriate referral pathway and treatment guidance.
  3. Critical appraisal of the evidence relating to the management of skin lumps and bumps.

Module Aims
To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for dermatoses at specific areas of the body.

Module Content

  • Facial rashes
  • Nails
  • Scalp and hair
  • Perineal dermatoses
  • Flexural dermatoses
  • Palmar and plantar dermatoses

Learning Outcomes

  1. A critical understanding of the predilection for common dermatoses at various sites of the body.
  2. An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to regional dermatoses.
  3. An ability to formulate an appropriate management plan for site specific dermatoses utilising evidence.

Module Aims
To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for inflammatory dermatoses.

Module Content

  • Differential diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses
  • Atopic eczema
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Urticaria
  • Bullous eruptions

Learning Outcomes

  1. A critical understanding of the evidence relating to common inflammatory skin conditions.
  2. An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to inflammatory dermatoses.
  3. An ability to formulate an evidence-based management plan for common inflammatory dermatoses.

Module Aims
To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin infections in the context of guidance.

Module Content

  • Differential diagnosis of skin infections
  • Cellulitis and ulceration
  • Infestation
  • Infection related to systemic illness
  • Photodermatoses

Learning Outcomes

  1. A critical awareness of the evidence basis for the identification and management of common skin infections/infestations/photodermatoses.
  2. An ability to develop and decipher a differential diagnosis for skin infections/infestations/photodermatoses.
  3. A critical awareness of the appropriate management strategy and referral pathways for infections/infestations and photodermatoses.

Module Aims
To develop an ability to identify common skin disorders in particular subgroups of the population and to understand the specific treatment pathways.

Module Content

  • Infant skin
  • Acne and adolescent skin problems
  • Pigmented skin
  • Elderly skin
  • Anti-aging
  • Cosmetic treatments

Learning Outcomes

  1. A critical awareness of the evidence basis relating to the identification and treatment of common skin disorders in various populations.
  2. An ability to develop and decipher a differential diagnosis for common skin diseases affecting specific populations.
  3. A critical awareness of the appropriate management strategy and referral pathways for individuals from sub-groups of the population.

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 dermatology 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 or management field.

Registered healthcare professionals or experienced managers working in the healthcare field, 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 6.5 (with a min of 6.0 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@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.

Course Fees

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for March 2025:
£5,520

Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.

DateInstalmentsUp-Front Payments
Deposit£920£5,520
1st May 2025£920
1st July 2025£920
1st September 2025£920
1st November 2025£920
1st January 2026£920

† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake

Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.

*Subject to eligibility criteria.

lendwise

Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.

A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*

*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.

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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.

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