Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology
Validated by University of South Wales
Our online Rheumatology diploma will fast-track your knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this specialised area of medicine, designed for doctors, nurses, GPs, and other allied healthcare professionals. This comprehensive programme equips you with cutting-edge expertise to diagnose, manage, and treat rheumatic conditions effectively, positioning you as a leader in musculoskeletal medicine.
Our part-time diploma in musculoskeletal medicine will ensure you stay updated with the most current and effective approaches to managing rheumatic conditions.
Our online rheumatology diploma is flexible and completely accessible to students across the globe - through our online platform, you can study whenever and wherever is convenient for you. This makes it ideal for busy healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers while maintaining their work and personal commitments. This part-time diploma in rheumatology will enhance your professional profile and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in rheumatology.
Our diploma in rheumatology 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.
Next intake: September 2025Key Facts
This online diploma in rheumatology course aims to develop professionals who can access information independently and use it to critically assess, evaluate, and disseminate the evidence base in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine. In addition, the rheumatology diploma will prepare students to take on leadership roles in musculoskeletal medicine by developing problem-solving and necessary clinical skills.
Our postgraduate diploma in rheumatology is completely flexible, allowing you to fit your studies around your family, work, and lifestyle obligations. You will also collaborate with students from all over the world from a variety of disciplines, providing you with clinically accurate and relevant information that you can immediately apply in your clinical practice.
This online musculoskeletal diploma is designed to meet an ever-increasing demand in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine education, and on successful completion of this flexible diploma in rheumatology, you’ll be able to:
- Show a systematic understanding of patient care in rheumatology.
- Critically evaluate current research in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine.
- Maintain a critical awareness of current issues affecting the care of rheumatology patients.
Faculty
Programme Lead
Dr. Rizwan Rajak MBBCh, MRCP, LLM
Rizwan has trained as a Rheumatologist having worked in a large research / teaching hospital (University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff), district general centres and...
Tutor
Dr. Md Abu Bakar Siddiq
Current Role: Currently works as an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Brahmanbaria Medical College, in Bangladesh.
Professional Activities:
- Participates on a weekly...
Tutor
Current post: Serves as a Senior Consultant in India, providing expert care in his areas of expertise.
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine,...
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
PCRMM - Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society
The Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society approve and endorse the Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Rheumatology.
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. Rizwan Rajak MBBCh, MRCP, LLM
Rizwan has trained as a Rheumatologist having worked in a large research / teaching hospital (University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff), district general centres and as a consultant in a tertiary centre (Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath). He is currently a Consultant Rheumatologist in Croydon University Hospital. Rizwan has specialist interests in early inflammatory arthritis, musculoskeletal ultrasound and osteoporosis. He is also interested in clinical governance having obtained a LLM in Medical Law.
Tutor
Dr. Md Abu Bakar Siddiq
Current Role: Currently works as an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Brahmanbaria Medical College, in Bangladesh.
Professional Activities:
- Participates on a weekly basis at a rheumatology clinic at Chittagong Medical College Hospital
- Successfully passed the Registry in Musculoskeletal (RMSK) and American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
- Also passed the POCUS (Musculoskeletal) certification in January 2022 and is the only person in his country achieving both certifications in MSK ultrasound.
Tutor
Current post: Serves as a Senior Consultant in India, providing expert care in his areas of expertise.
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Rheumatology
- Qualifications including MBBS, AFHEA (UK), MRCP(UK), FRCP (Glasgow), and a European Certificate of Rheumatology
- Contributes to medical education as a Registered Tutor and Review Member for postgraduate programmes at Learna, University of South Wales, and University of Buckingham.
Register Interest
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Why Study a Rheumatology 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?
This PG Diploma in rheumatology for GP and nurses is aimed at health professionals who are interested advancing their career within musculoskeletal medicine. Including:
- Doctors
- GPs
- Allied Health Professionals
- Practice Nurses
- Those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Occupational Therapists, 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 diploma in rheumatology 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 give an overview of the current state of Rheumatology, critically examining the underpinning science, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and healthcare/organisational delivery of common rheumatic disorders.
Module Summary
- Introduction
- Genetics, pathophysiology and immunology of common rheumatic disorders
- Role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in rheumatology services
- Imaging in rheumatology
- Drugs & therapeutics
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiological science of common rheumatology disorders.
- Critically evaluate the contribution of the MDT services, disease activity assessments, diagnostic imaging and drugs and therapeutics used in Rheumatology.
Module Aims
To develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its associated disorders (polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and palindromic rheumatism).
Module Summary
- Immunology, genetics, clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria in RA
- Biochemistry, serology and imaging in RA
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in RA
- Biologics in RA
- Palindromic rheumatism, postpartum arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the science, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Differentiate, diagnose and treat complex complications of rheumatoid arthritis and the associated conditions of polymyalgia rheumatica and palindromic rheumatism.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of the seronegative spectrum inflammatory disorders, crystal arthropathies and infection-associated arthritic disorders.
Module Summary
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis & non-radiographic spondyloarthropathies
- Reactive arthritis & enteropathic inflammatory arthritis
- Gout & other crystal arthropathies
- Septic arthritis & COVID-19-related autoimmune phenomena
- Infective arthritis
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an evidence-based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and other inflammatory arthropathies.
- Demonstrate an evidence-based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of crystal arthropathies and infection-associated arthritic disorders.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of the wide range of connective tissue disorders (CTDs) seen in rheumatology.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics on a range of connective tissue disorders such as:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Raynaud's disease
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Vasculitis
- Scleroderma
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the presentations, immuno-patho-physiologies, diagnostic criteria and diagnostic investigations of CTDs.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of multi-system management, disease activity assessments, potential multi-system complications of CTDs.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of multi-system rheumatic disorders, common paediatric rheumatology disorders and paraneoplastic rheumatic conditions.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Sarcoidosis
- Behçet's disease
- Myositis & anti-synthetase syndromes
- Adult-onset Still's disease, familial Mediterranean fever and other systemic autoinflammatory disorders
- Paediatric rheumatology
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an evidence based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of complex multi-system rheumatic disorders.
- Demonstrate an ability to assess and manage common Paediatric rheumatological disorders.
- Demonstrate an ability to assess and manage the relation of adult rheumatic disorders and cancers (paraneoplastic associations).
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of a range of non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Soft tissue disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypermobility syndromes
- Osteoporosis & other metabolic bone disorders
- Metabolic & neurogenic disorders
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise the clinical assessment and diagnosis of common rheumatological non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
- Critically appraise the current management strategies of common rheumatological non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
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 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 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 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.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
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.
