Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine

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Despite the fact that family medicine is recognised for its importance, it is acknowledged that the healthcare system does not easily adapt to the changing needs of society, particularly when it comes to concerns about "overcare" and "undercare," both of which can be significantly reduced by the development of family practice physician education. A global effort to educate medical professionals on the subject is required to enact change that will expand the scope of family medicine. Learna | Diploma MSc strives to help the situation and is proud to be one of the few healthcare education providers offering a postgraduate diploma in family medicine online.

With our fast-paced part-time, family medicine diploma you will be able to support your patients, from diagnosis stage through to treatment and prevention. This higher diploma in family medicine is clinically focused, and the knowledge gained from studying this course can be applied directly to your everyday practise. You will be able to hone your skills from your general medicine training and improve patient outcomes, all without sacrificing your other work and life commitments.

PgDip Family Medicine

Next intake: September 2024Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
30th August 2024
Course start date
2nd September 2024 (view full module dates)
Format
100% Online
Total Fees
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Our online family medicine courses deliver value for money, ensuring that your investment in general medicine education is worthwhile. Led by our dedicated expert tutors who are exceptionally experienced in their fields, sharing their high-level knowledge directly with their students. We don't just teach; we prepare you for PHD-level studies, fostering a culture of research and academic excellence. Our multidisciplinary learning experience means that not only will you be learning from the very best leaders in the industry from across the globe, but you will be grouped with fellow students located all over the world.

The family medicine course covers a variety of topics and will provide a number of learning outcomes. Students will be:

  • Equipped with a systematic understanding of family medicine, skills in critical appraisal and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
  • Equipped with a life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to clinical practice in family medicine.
  • Enabled to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of patient care.
  • Enabled to deliver leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
  • Enabled to use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex issues of patient management across the spectrum of medical specialties.
  • Equipped with the ability to critically evaluate evidence and guidance for family medicine and implement best practice and innovation in complex patient scenarios.

Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Format
100% Online
Duration
12 months
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
30th August 2024
Course start date
2nd September 2024 (view full module dates)
Total Fees

Why Study a Family 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.

knowledge

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.

Experts

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.

confidence

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 1-year online postgraduate diploma in family medicine distance learning is tailored to a diverse array of healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in family medicine. This course caters to individuals aiming to augment their credentials with a family medicine diploma and equips them to navigate the complexities of delivering top-tier care within both primary and secondary healthcare settings, such as:

  • General Practitioners (GPs)
  • Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Pharmacists
  • Healthcare Administrators/Managers
  • Clinical Researchers
  • Oncology Nurse Specialist
  • Health Policy Analyst

How Will I Learn?

You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.

Our courses are conducted through our interactive online learning platform, log in daily whenever and wherever you want. No fixed timetable empowers you to study when it suits you

These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.

Curriculum

The diploma in family medicine is a one year course, consisting of six modules (120 credits) covering a variety of relevant and interesting topics to help you gain the knowledge and skills to aid your career progression and improve patient outcomes through family practitioner education.

Aim of the module
To develop an in-depth understanding of the global epidemiology of disease and the importance of preventative care and health promotion in family medicine.

Synopsis of module content

  • The principles of prevention
  • Health promotion
  • Screening
  • Primary and secondary preventative strategies of chroniic disease
  • Vaccinations

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the eipidemiology of disease globally, health promotion measure, and screening and immunizations as part of disease preventative strategies.
  2. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of health promotion strategirs into their practics as a family physician.

Aim of the module:
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations associated with women's health and sexual health, in the context of Family Medicine.

Synopsis of module content:

  • Common gynaecological presentations including menstral disorders
  • Menopause-related conditions
  • Common disorders in pregnancy
  • Sexual health presentation (male and female) including STIs
  • Contraception
  • Infertility

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in women's health and sexual health.
  2. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a family physician.

Aim of the module
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations associated with child health, in the context of Family Medicine.

Synopsis of module content:

  • The febrile child
  • Childhood respiratory diseases and abdominal diseases
  • Childhood rashes
  • Behavioural problems
  • Childhood emergencies

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of common primary care presentations and the recognition of emergencies in child health.
  2. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a family physician.

Module Aim

  • To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations in adulthood, in the context of Family Medicine.

Synopsis of module content:

  • This module will cover a range of common presentations of common disorders in adulthood that may present to the family physician in primary care. This will include disorders of the main systems of the body and include some common emergencies seen in adult medicine.

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of common primary care presentations and the recognition of emergencies in adult medicine.
  2. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their
    practice as a family physician.

Aims of the module:

  • To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common mental health presentations, in the context of Family Medicine.
  • To develop an understanding of some of the psychological interventions in primary
    care.

Synopsis of the module content:
This module will provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of a range
of common mental health presentations that may present to the family physician.
This will include:

  • low mood
  • delirium and dementia
  • eating disorders
  • schizoaffective disorders

This module will also cover an overview of some of the methods to promote well
being and psychological interventions in primary care.

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in mental health.
  2. Critically evaluate a variety of methods used to promote well being and psychological interventions available to family physicians.
  3. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their
    practice as a family physician.

Aims of the module:

  • To develop an in-depth knowledge and improve recognition of the symptoms presenting to the family physician, that may indicate a possible cancer diagnosis.
  • To improve the understanding of palliative care including the treatment of symptoms as well as legal issues and the role of the multidisciplinary team in palliative care.

Synopsis of module content:

  • An overview of the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers that
    may present to the family physician.
  • Recognition of red flag symptoms for different malignancies that should alert urgent referral to secondary care for further investigations.
  • Palliative care including the treatment of palliative care symptoms, legal
    issues and the role of the multidisciplinary team.

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of symptoms presenting
    to the family physician which may indicate a possible cancer diagnosis and
    improve recognition of these symptoms.
  2. Demonstrate a critical knowledge, understanding and evaluation of palliative care including the treatment of associated symptoms, related legal issues and the important role of the multidisciplinary team.
  3. Critically apply knowledge of cancer diagnosis, treatment and palliative care
    into their practice as a family physician.

Assessment Methods

This postgraduate diploma in family medicine online places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.

The 6 modules on the family medicine course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.

These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice.

Due to the online nature of the family medicine course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Entry requirements

Since our diploma in family medicine is conducted entirely online, it is 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.

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 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.

If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.

Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.

Course Fees

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2024:
£4,095
Application deadline - TBC

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

DateInstalmentsUp-Front Payments
Deposit£685£4,095
1st November 2024£682
1st January 2025£682
1st March 2025£682
1st May 2025£682
1st July 2025£682

† 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.

Talk To Our Students

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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