Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine
Validated by University of South Wales
Our online, university-validated Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine offers healthcare professionals like you the chance to improve the lives of patients suffering from respiratory diseases, improve your day-to-day practice and increase your earning potential.
Our respiratory medicine diploma is designed to provide you with the latest research and developments in this vital medical field, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for patients with respiratory conditions confidently.
Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with their impact on health becoming more pronounced. Factors such as climate change and the long-term effects of COVID-19, especially on respiratory health, contribute to a rise in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various respiratory infections. This trend highlights the growing need for skilled professionals in pulmonary medicine.
Next intake: September 2025Key Facts
Our Respiratory Medicine programme has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (RCP), enabling graduates to receive CPD points as accredited by the RCP. The curriculum of our respiratory medicine diploma aligns with:
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Respiratory Medicine guidance.
- The Royal College of Physicians’ Specialty Certificate Exam.
- The Royal College of General Practitioners’ (Respiratory) Specialty Certificate Exam.
By meeting these high standards, we ensure that our respiratory diplomas prepare students to implement best practices and effectively manage respiratory conditions in both primary and secondary care settings, both in the UK and internationally.
Pursuing a diploma in pulmonary medicine allows healthcare professionals to specialise in a rapidly evolving field with a wealth of exciting career opportunities. Whether your goal is to become a respiratory therapist, pulmonologist, or respiratory nurse, or to engage in cutting-edge research, our diploma in chest medicine is tailored to help you succeed.
Choosing an online respiratory diploma with Learna | Diploma MSc provides the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world at a time that suits your busy lifestyle. As a fully online learning platform, we offer a more cost-effective education compared to traditional campus-based universities.
Upon successful completion of the respiratory medicine diploma, you will be able to:
- Critically assess contemporary issues in the care of patients with respiratory conditions.
- Develop a deep understanding of respiratory medicine and related conditions to improve decision-making in complex or unpredictable situations.
- Apply your knowledge to adapt to the changing demands of healthcare systems.
- Utilise comprehensive knowledge of respiratory treatments and stay informed about emerging therapies for the wider population.
Faculty
Programme Lead
Dr Ramsey Sabit
Current post: Consultant in General and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Wales, Llandough
- Consultant Respiratory physician in Cardiff for 9 years
- Appointed COPD lead for the All Wales...
Tutor - Dr. Mujammil Irfan
Dr Irfan has over 20 years of clinical experience spread across two continents including the UK, Denmark, Italy, Ireland and India. He is a published author of a medical textbook...
Tutor - Dr. Nabil A Jarad
PhD (Imperial College), FRCP (UK)
Consultant General and Respiratory Physician
Current post: Consultant General and Respiratory Physician at Gloucester Royal Hospitals
- Consultant Respiratory Physician with sub-specialty expertise in Interventional Pulmonology,...
Tutor - Shahzaib Saleem
M.D, MRCP UK, MRCP Edinburgh, PG Dip Respiratory Medicine, MSc Respiratory Medicine
Current post: Specialist Internal/Respiratory Medicine, Radiation Protection Officer, Doha, Qatar.
- Working in a private clinic with multiple specialities,...
Tutor - Dr Craig Batista
PhD in COPD
Current post: Consultant in General and Respiratory Medicine, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Held different educational roles within a variety of organisations, including...
Tutor - Dr Sunil Dasari
MBBS, MD,FCAI, FFPMRCA, EDPM, PG Certificate
Current role: Consultant, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine,University Hospital of Wales Cardiff
- Interventional pain specialist experienced in interventional pain procedures and medical management of different...
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)
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 Lead
Dr Ramsey Sabit
Current post: Consultant in General and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Wales, Llandough
- Consultant Respiratory physician in Cardiff for 9 years
- Appointed COPD lead for the All Wales Respiratory Health Improvement Group
- Clinical lead for the COPD, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Responsible for leading undergraduate and postgraduate education in respiratory medicine
- Was appointed Honorary Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University in 2012
- Responsible for the pastoral care of medical students through my role as an academic mentor
- Organiser of the yearly SPR teaching week
- Co-investigator in the Liberate study looking at the effects of endobronchial valve insertion in patients with emphysema
Dr Sabit likes to keep up-to-date with all advances and evidence in the subject by reading journals and attending local, national and international conferences. He regularly teaches on both the PgDip and MSc which keeps him abreast of global best practice and challenges his knowledge daily.
Tutor - Dr. Mujammil Irfan
Dr Irfan has over 20 years of clinical experience spread across two continents including the UK, Denmark, Italy, Ireland and India. He is a published author of a medical textbook and several peer-reviewed journal articles. He also has a Masters in Medical Education from Cardiff University. In his spare time, he loves going on countryside walks, reading philosophy and playing the guitar and piano
Tutor - Dr. Nabil A Jarad
PhD (Imperial College), FRCP (UK)
Consultant General and Respiratory Physician
Current post: Consultant General and Respiratory Physician at Gloucester Royal Hospitals
- Consultant Respiratory Physician with sub-specialty expertise in Interventional Pulmonology, Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Cancer.
- Post graduate training in London where he did his research and was awarded a - - PhD in Respiratory Medicine.
- Appointed as a Consultant Respiratory Physician and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Bristol Royal Infirmary for 20 years.
- He sat up several services including the Adult CF Centre, the Pan-South Bristol COPD Service, The Bronchoscopic Volume Reduction Therapies for Emphysema using endo- bronchial valves and coils.
- Published textbooks, text-book chapters and original research on COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Tuberculosis, and Asbestos-related Disease.
- Selected to be one of the top 100 NIHR Principal Investigators in the UK.
- Regional Advisor for the Royal College of Physician and Secretary for the
- Research Committee of the British Thoracic Society.
- Recognised Tutor in the South Wales Post-Graduate Diploma of Respiratory Medicine since 2019
- Academic Secretary of the Bristol Medico-Surgical Society.
- Recognised Examiner, Chair of Examiners, and International Examiner for the Royal College of Physicians MRCP examination.
Tutor - Shahzaib Saleem
M.D, MRCP UK, MRCP Edinburgh, PG Dip Respiratory Medicine, MSc Respiratory Medicine
Current post: Specialist Internal/Respiratory Medicine, Radiation Protection Officer, Doha, Qatar.
- Working in a private clinic with multiple specialities, since 2020.
- Prior to that, I was living in the Republic of Ireland and doing my training in Internal Medicine and Respiratory Medicine over there. From 2012 - 2020.
- Reviewed multiple articles published in peer reviewed medical journals.
- Published articles and case reports in peer reviewed medical journals.
- Radiation protection officer at my workplace. Responsible for the radiation safety related to X-ray machines.
- Have been a part of multi-center drug trials as a sub investigator, while working in Ireland. Our research centre was conducting a drug trial on adult CF patients. Drug studied: Trikafta (Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor).
Tutor - Dr Craig Batista
PhD in COPD
Current post: Consultant in General and Respiratory Medicine, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Held different educational roles within a variety of organisations, including King’s College London, Imperial College London, the University of Buckingham and Cardiff University.
- Undergraduate teacher supervisor, tutor, mentor and examiner in different educational roles within a variety of organisations, including King’s College London, Imperial College London, the University of Buckingham and Cardiff University.
Tutor - Dr Sunil Dasari
MBBS, MD,FCAI, FFPMRCA, EDPM, PG Certificate
Current role: Consultant, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine,University Hospital of Wales Cardiff
- Interventional pain specialist experienced in interventional pain procedures and medical management of different pain conditions with a bio-psycosocial approach.
- Faculty Tutor (Pain), FPM RCOA.
- Oversee pain medicine training for anaesthesia trainees and teach anaesthesia trainees on pain related topics.
- Involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Tutor MSc (Dip) in Pain Management,University of SouthWales.
- Vice-Chair, Welsh Pain society.
- Lead-Welsh School Anaesthesia shadowing programme(WASP).
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Why Study a Respiratory 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 postgraduate diploma in respiratory medicine is specifically designed for:
- Doctors
- GPs
- Allied Health Professionals
- Nurses
- Those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Pharmacists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience.
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 respiratory medicine 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 weeksModule Aims
Establish an understanding of Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology and apply this to the clinical assessment and investigation of common respiratory symptoms.
Module Content
- Impact, burden and epidemiology of Lung diseases
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory systems
- Clinical Assessment and Clinical Examination
- Breathlessness and Wheeze, Cough and Sputum.
- Spirometry
- Other Respiratory Investigations (X-rays, blood tests and more complex lung function tests).
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the impact of respiratory disease on society and the importance of epidemiology in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and the physiology of the respiratory system and relevance to the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders.
- Compare and contrast the range of presenting symptoms in respiratory disease and how they are investigated.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth understanding of Asthma and Allergy and its impact on patient life.
Module Content
- Asthma Diagnosis and Investigation
- Allergy and anaphylaxis
- Pharmacological management
- Non-pharmacological / self-management
- Co-morbidities (obesity, OSA, bronchiectasis, rhinitis, depression)
- Difficult Asthma
Learning Outcomes
- Identify common causes of allergy and anaphylaxis, their investigation and treatment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of Asthma
- Appreciate the role of co-morbidities and their relationship to difficult asthma
- Formulate a coherent approach for assessing, investigating and managing patients with difficult asthma
Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with COPD.
Module Content
- Early and accurate diagnosis
- Pharmacological management (including oxygen therapy)
- Non-pharmacological management (smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation and assisted technology)
- Management of exacerbations (acute and chronic, ICS debate, NIV, ceiling of treatment)
- Co-morbidities (osteoporosis, heart disease and depression)
- End of life care, palliative care and advance care planning
Learning Outcomes
- Outline a robust approach to the diagnosis and investigation of patients with COPD
- Compare and contrast pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in COPD, focusing on their strengths and limitations
- Recognise the importance of exacerbations and co-morbidities in COPD and their effects on patient morbidity and mortality
- Critically evaluate the role of palliative and end of life care in COPD, focusing on strengths and weakness of services in their locality
Module Aims
Develop an in-depth understanding of the presentation, investigation and management of thoracic malignancy and pleural disease
Module Content
- Lung cancer – screening, red flags, solitary pulmonary nodules
- Lung cancer – diagnosis and staging
- Lung cancer - treatments
- Asbestos related pleural disease
- Pleural effusion and pneumothorax
- The interface and ethics (MDT, working across boundaries, communicating difficult diagnoses, when to stop treatment)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate screening programmes, diagnostic investigations and treatments in lung cancer
- Formulate a robust approach for investigating and treating patients with pleural disease
- Justify the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of malignant and non-malignant respiratory disease
Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of pulmonary infection, its investigation and management
Module Content
- Tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease
- Pneumonia (including community acquired and hospital acquired)
- Respiratory tract infection (bronchitis, URTI, bronchiolitis)
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Infections in the immunocompromised patient (HIV, immunomodulatory drugs, atypical infections)
- Antibiotic guardianship
Learning Outcomes
- Contrast the presentation, diagnosis and management of different respiratory pathogens
- Demonstrate an understanding of antimicrobial side effects and resistance, and the importance of antibiotic guardianship
- Describe the role of more rare pathogens in immunosuppressed patients and develop a robust approach to diagnosing such infections
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of interstitial lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease and conditions resulting in respiratory failure
Module Content
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Other interstitial lung diseases
- Venous thromboembolic disease and pulmonary vascular disease
- Lung disease in my environment (occupational lung disease, children, flying and diving, dysfunctional breathing)
- Lungs at the extremes (age, obesity, illegal drugs)
- Sleep disordered breathing and ventilatory failure
Learning Outcomes
- Compare and contrast the presentation, investigation and management of interstitial and pulmonary vascular disease
- Outline and differentiate conditions that lead to ventilatory failure, including sleep disordered breathing
- Outline and differentiate respiratory conditions that pertain to a particular environment or country
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.
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.
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.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants for our respiratory medicine diploma will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals 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 6.0 (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.
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2025: £410 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £4,900 ††
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 |
| £410 † | £408 | £410 |
Total payments: £4,900
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.
