Postgraduate Diploma in Haematology

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Our 1 year online Postgraduate Diploma in Haematology is for healthcare professionals looking to enhance employability prospects and specialise in haematology to aid career progression and personal and professional development.

Whether you’re already working in the field of haematology or looking to transition, our flexible, comprehensive course is tailored to empower you with the critical competencies needed for diagnosing blood disorders in a timely manner and providing effective management.

As a career or area of special interest for healthcare professionals worldwide, haematology is complex and offers a range of subspecialities for you to choose from. Tailor your career path to suit your individual goals in this varied profession, with the option for integration of laboratory work and honing haematology research skills, or focus on haematology patient care with first hand patient treatment.

PgDip Haematology

Next intake: March 2025Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Exit Points
PgDip
12 Months
Class Size
15 - 20
Application Deadline
7th March 2025
Course start date
Format
100% Online
Total Fees
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Explore the investigation and treatment of a wide range of malignant and benign haematological diseases, including acute and chronic leukaemias and various lymphoproliferative disorders, disorders of white cells and platelets, inherited and acquired coagulation abnormalities, abnormalities of haemoglobin and red cells, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and transfusion medicine.

The flexibility of our online learning platform is ideal for busy healthcare professionals like you; you are required to log in daily any time and from anywhere, meaning you can balance your studies with existing clinical duties. You will be able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from our scenario-based learning model directly to your practice while you learn.

Our online Postgraduate Diploma in Haematology offers broad opportunities for personal and professional growth, and will enable you to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of haematology-related care.
  • Deliver leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and international contexts.
  • Gain a systematic knowledge of evidence-based medicine in relation to haematology.
  • Use relevant knowledge, methodologies and approaches to address complex issues of haematology.
  • Gain the ability to implement best practice and innovation in complex haematological scenarios.


Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts

Awarding University
University of Buckingham
Commitment
Part-time
Format
100% Online
Exit Points
PgDip
12 Months
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 Haematology 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 haematology courses are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of healthcare professionals. Whether you're a doctor aiming to broaden your expertise, a nurse keen on specialising, or an allied healthcare professional looking to carve a dynamic career path, this programme offers a tailored educational experience to match your aspirations.

Global Relevance

We are acutely aware that the need for skilled haematologists goes beyond the borders of the UK. This course serves a global demand, addressing crucial gaps in healthcare systems in regions like Africa and India where specialised skill sets are urgently required.

Why Haematology?

The field of haematology uniquely combines the rigours of laboratory work with the gratification of direct patient care. This allows you to engage in a multifaceted medical landscape, enhancing both your career and the quality of life for the patients you serve.

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

Delivered over 1 year, the online, part-time Postgraduate Diploma course is specially developed for busy health professionals. Formatted in 6 modules, each 6 weeks in duration; the course is designed to be practical and clinically focused.

Module Aims
To understand day-to-day blood test investigations in primary care and define the framework of referrals of haematological abnormalities to the appropriate specialists.

Module Content
Practical haematological knowledge with an emphasis on normal and abnormal results in a range of settings; also effective communication and accurate terminology to be applied, with a multidisciplinary approach, when referring patients to specialist haematology teams in secondary care.

Module Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the analysis and diagnosis of complex haematological disorders encountered in a variety of settings, considering the underlying causes, clinical manifestations, and relevant diagnostic criteria.
  • Critically evaluate and adapt communication strategies to effectively collaborate and exchange information within multidisciplinary care teams regarding patients with complex haematological disorders.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the relevance and diagnostic significance of conducting specific tests and investigations for haematological disorders in the primary care setting, before making appropriate and timely referrals to secondary care.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the most common haematological disorders presenting in primary care to differentiate cases where appropriate investigations may facilitate diagnosis, versus urgent referrals to secondary care and specialist teams.

Module Content

  • Individual cytopenias anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
  • Pancytopenia

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the identification and potential investigations of the underlying causes of different cytopenias, considering a wide range of factors such as haematological disorders, systemic diseases, medications, and genetic abnormalities.
  • Critically evaluate the need for specific tests to further investigate cytopenias or pancytopenia, demonstrating a systematic understanding of the risk of neutropenic sepsis, in a variety of settings.
  • Synthesise and translate the critical knowledge into complex case scenarios relating to the early diagnosis and appropriate referral of common haematological disorders that may present within a variety of settings.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the principles and pathophysiological mechanisms of the coagulation system causing bleeding of thrombotic episodes and implementation into everyday practice including surgery and obstetrics/gynaecology.

Module Content

  • Haemostasis overview
  • Thrombosis
  • Bleeding problems and surgical procedures
  • Obstetric haematology

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the application of clotting tests and thrombophilia screening in the evaluation and management of patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, considering their diagnostic value, limitations and implications for treatment decisions.
  • Critically evaluate the facilitation of early management and ordering of specific investigations for these patients presenting with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the appropriate tests, their interpretation and their significance in guiding clinical decisions in a variety of settings.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the process of ordering initial investigations for patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the principles of anticoagulation therapy in a variety of settings, including indications, initiation, monitoring, and complications.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge of the clinical features and common causes of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly while elaborating on the most common lymphatic disorders presenting to healthcare professionals, ie Hodgkins and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Module Content

  • Causes and specific investigations and management of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly
  • Types of lymphomas presenting to primary care

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the systematic evaluation of patients presenting with lymphatic disorders, including lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and suspected lymphomas, integrating knowledge of clinical features, medical history and physical examination.
  • Critically evaluate the process of ordering appropriate investigations and interpreting findings to establish a diagnosis in primary care settings, considering the specific characteristics and limitations of a range of appropriate tests.
  • Demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach and advanced clinical reasoning skills to the process of implementing initial management strategies for patients with lymphatic disorders, including appropriate interventions, monitoring plans and referral pathways, ensuring timely and optimal patient care in a variety settings.

Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the presentation of the main pathophysiological features of suspected haematological malignancies and the impact to patients, along with rapid referral pathways by recognising red flags and indications for urgent referral or hospital admission, therefore implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input.

Module Content
This module will address all haematological malignancies, and a non malignant disorder but with similar consequences to patients(aplastic anaemia).

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically evaluate the assessment of patients with suspected haematological malignancies, considering their clinical signs, symptoms, laboratory test results and imaging findings, to identify potential malignancies and their characteristics such as types, stages and prognostic factors.
  • Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input with a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring the integration of specialist expertise and resources in the management of patients with haematological malignancies in a variety of settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced diagnostic and management skills to confidently assess and appropriately refer patients presenting with suspected haematological malignancies in a variety of settings, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcomes.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the different types of thalassaemia, sickle cell and their genetic basis by recognising clinical features, diagnostic criteria and interpretation of investigations; developing appropriate management plans for patients with thalassaemia in primary care; exploring the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease; recognising the acute and chronic complications associated with sickle cell disease; implementing a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of primary care settings.

Module Content

  • Thalassaemia intermedia and thalassaemia major
  • Sickle cell anaemia and its complications
  • Principles of transfusion practice including exchange transfusion

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the diagnosis, complications and management of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, integrating knowledge of genetic factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory testing to assess these presentations at an advanced level and in a range of settings.
  • Critically evaluate referral pathways, including emergency referrals for patients presenting with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease in a range of complex scenarios, adopting a multidisciplinary approach across a range of primary and secondary care settings.
  • Critically organise and communicate appropriate strategies for the delivery of a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of settings.

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!

  • Case problems reflective of day-to-day practice/research will be presented for the students to consider and answer every week.
  • Students discuss the concepts being presented in the case within their online group discussion forum, facilitated throughout the module by their tutor and marked by them at the end of the module.
  • The content of the academic forum is based on the learning outcomes for the module.

The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.

This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:

Group activity
Designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum and the leader allocates tasks to group members. The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.

Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.

All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.

  • Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.
  • The online exam is marked automatically.
  • The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.

Entry requirements

Since our diploma in haematology 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, such as a medical or nursing degree.

Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered for the haematology courses 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 (with an overall score of 6.5 and 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.

Course Fees

Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for March 2025:
£4,500

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

DateInstalmentsUp-Front Payments
Deposit£750£4,500
1st May 2025£750
1st July 2025£750
1st September 2025£750
1st November 2025£750
1st January 2026£750

† 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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