Postgraduate Diploma in Stroke Medicine
Stroke, a major health challenge globally, affects an estimated 15 million people each year according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This figure includes 5 million fatalities and another 5 million individuals facing permanent disabilities. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Stroke Medicine, is specifically designed to empower healthcare professionals at all career stages. It aims to enhance their ability to identify, prevent, and manage stroke effectively.
The global landscape of postgraduate training in stroke care presents significant gaps, particularly in practical training opportunities for doctors, nurses, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Addressing this need, our comprehensive online diploma in Stroke Medicine focuses on developing clinicians and researchers. The course fosters in-depth understanding and management of stroke, underpinned by extensive research and reflective learning. Emphasising research, the programme contributes significantly to the evolution of knowledge, practices, and patient care in stroke medicine.
Next intake: September 2024Key Facts
Learna | Diploma MSc stands out with its immersive online learning approach, focusing on intuitive and independent education. Participants engage in a global community of multidisciplinary learners, benefiting from tutor-led discussions that broaden perspectives, enhance practical application of knowledge, and open avenues for career advancement.
Our commitment to inclusivity and affordability is evident as we do not impose additional charges on international students. Our programs are designed to offer exceptional value, supported by various payment plans, making advanced education in stroke medicine more accessible.
Completion of our stroke medicine course will:
- Equip the individual with a systematic understanding of stroke medicine, and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to practice in stroke medicine.
- Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of stroke-related care.
- Enable graduates to deliver leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
- Enable graduates to evaluate practice critically in relation to the evidence base in stroke medicine.
- Equip students to critically appraise evidence-based medicine in relation to stroke medicine.
- Enable graduates to use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex issues encountered in stroke medicine.
- Equip students with the ability to implement best practice and innovation in complex scenarios related to stroke medicine.
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and also one of the smallest with around 2,700 students, who study for honours degrees in two intensive years of study. The University houses its own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
Faculty
Programme Leader - Dr Amlan Bhattacharya
Dr Amlan Bhattacharya, MBBS, FRCP
Current Role: Consultant in Acute Medicine and Stroke at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. Royal College of Physicians Clinical Tutor for Cardiff and...
Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts
Programme Leader - Dr Amlan Bhattacharya
Dr Amlan Bhattacharya, MBBS, FRCP
Current Role: Consultant in Acute Medicine and Stroke at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. Royal College of Physicians Clinical Tutor for Cardiff and Vale Health Care Board
Subspecialty Interests: Virtual TIA clinic
Professional Activities:
- Honorary Tutor with Cardiff University
- Previous Honorary Clinical Tutor - Queens University, Belfast
- Lead for ACCS trainees, AIM - University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
- Senior Faculty-IMPACT course - University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
- Member, British Association for Stroke Physicians
- Member, Society of Acute Medicine
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Why Study a Stroke 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?
This online stroke medicine diploma is suitable for:
- All GPs
- Nurses
- Clinical nurse specialists
Also, healthcare professionals working within a relevant clinical setting, both UK and overseas, with a related healthcare science degree (including international qualifications) are eligible to apply for the one-year diploma in stroke medicine.
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
Our online Postgraduate Diploma in Stroke Medicine is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course comprises six modules, each worth 20 credits and run over a period of six weeks.Module Aims
To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the clinical definition of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) to make an informed diagnosis based on neuroanatomy.
Synopsis of Module Content
- Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack definition
- Epidemiology
- Diagnosis
- Classification of stroke
- Stroke mimics
- Stroke chameleons
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate clinical knowledge about pathology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of stroke
- Differentiate between stroke and other clinical scenarios (not stroke) when patient presents with similar initial sign/symptoms
- Critically apply an advanced knowledge of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) definition, diagnosis and epidemiology to decision making in unpredictable and/or complex situations
- Critically appraise research in the subject area of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke mimics
- Critically appraise current and potential practical stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) prevention and management options for use in a variety of patient population groups
Module Aims
To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of a range of risk factors for stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and the impacts and management of each of these risk factors, including secondary prevention.
Synposis of Module Content
- Non modifiable risk factors
- Pharmacologically modifiable risk factors
- Lifestyle related risk factors
- Risk factor for Hemorrhagic stroke
- Uncommon risk factors
- Secondary prevention and general approach to risk factors
Learning Outcomes
- Understand risk factors for stroke
- Develop strategies to control risk factors and prevent stroke
- Critically appraise stroke risk factor control in different targeted population groups
- Critically appraise stroke risk factor control in different targeted population groups
- Critically appraise current evidence related to risk factors. Demonstrate creative application of this knowledge when delivering individual patient-centred care
- Demonstrate a structured approach to the care of a range of patients to identify and diagnose potential risk factors and provide leadership within teams to selectively place patients in specific groups based on the number of risk factors and their severity
Module Aims
To develop a deep and systematic understanding of acquiring an accurate history from patients to rule out non-transient ischaemic attack neurological conditions, and establish a diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack. Once an accurate diagnosis has been established, to demonstrate the ability to initiate appropriate investigation, treatment and advice for the patient.
Synopsis of Module Content
- Transient ischaemic attack - diagnosis/neuroanatomical types
- Transient ischaemic attack - mimics/chameleons
- Transient ischaemic attack - neuroanatomy
- Transient ischaemic attack - investigation
- Overall approach to transient ischaemic attack
- Other neurological conditions
Learning Outcomes
- The ability to diagnose TIA effectively
- The ability to address TIA in appropriate manner
- Demonstrate knowledge of the range of neurological conditions which may present as transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Demonstrate rational thinking about neurological manifestations of different conditions
- Develop the skill set required to make a clinical diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) based on thorough history focusing on relevant features; Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in unpredictable contexts and contributes to the professional field of stroke medicine
Module Aims
- To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the skills needed to effectively diagnose and initiate pathways when managing hyperacute and acute stroke, which includes appropriate history taking, effective and rapid clinical examination, arranging appropriate investigation and trigger pathways for best clinical outcome.
- To critically evaluate different modes of treatment and relevant indications and contraindications of each.
Synopsis of Module Content
- Hyperacute stroke
- Imaging in hyperacute/acute stroke
- Infarct - Thrombolysis
- Infarct - Thrombectomy
- Haemorrhagic stroke
- Other relevant clinical facts
Learning Outcomes
- Efficiency to diagnose acute stroke
- Plan urgent investigations and appropriate treatment
- critically appraise indications and contraindications of different modes of treatment in stroke management
- Critically appraise the structure and application of recognised scoring models in a variety of settings
- Critically appraise indications and contraindications of different modes of treatment in stroke management
- Critically evaluate the evidence relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of the patient presenting with hyperacute and acute stroke.
- Critically appraise the structure and application of recognised scoring models in a variety of settings
Module Aims
- Develop a systematic understanding of the importance and indication of a range of investigations to accurately inform decision making in the approach to diagnose the site and extent of stroke.
- To explore and critically evaluate different modes of therapy which will inform the selection of patient groups for each type of therapy.
- Develop knowledge in key concepts and strategies required to manage stroke where circumstances are rare and/or unusual.
Synposis of Module Content
- CT (computerised tomography) scan /CT (computerised tomography) angio
- Doppler/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Scan
- Pharmacotherapy
- Surgical treatment
- Stroke in young patients
- Cerebral venous thrombosis
Learning Outcomes
- Develop the ability to plan the most relevant investigation suited for a specific clinical scenario
- Select the most relevant management plan suited to a specific clinical scenario
- To critically appraise the indications, benefits, limitations and appropriate use of the various investigations and treatments in special circumstances
- Use skills to individualise care for patients in special circumstances taking into account a wide range of factors
- Critically appraise the indications, benefits, limitations and appropriate use of the various investigations and treatments in stroke medicine, including consideration of special circumstances
- Critically apply knowledge to individualise care for stroke medicine patients, including special circumstances, taking into account a wide range of factors
- Selectively choose the most appropriate investigation and treatment for an individual stroke medicine patient taking into account the clinical, social, and circumstancial factors while maintaining synchronisation with available resources
Rehabilitation is a vital component following a stroke. Effective rehabilitation reduces morbidity and mortality, as well as offering improvement to the quality of life for stroke survivors. A specialised multispecialty input is required for effective rehabilitation, delivered by strong and insightful leadership. An efficient and successful stroke service should be critically evaluated around a model that delivers hyperacute, acute and rehabilitation services streamlined together towards a common goal related to patient outcomes.
Module Aims
- To develop systematic understanding and critical application of the importance of rehabilitation and multispeciality input.
- To critically apply a systematic understanding of the leadership and resourcing of stroke services in line with patient pathways to ensure that patients have appropriate and timely input from the correct team.
- To critically evaluate different components of an effective stroke service model
Synopsis of Module Content
- Establishing the TIA (transient ischaemic attack) service
- Establishing the acute Stroke service
- The MDT (multidisciplinary team) in the Stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) service
- Acute Stroke Rehabilitation
- Longer term disabilities arising from Stroke and their management
- The evidence base for the Stroke and Stroke rehabilitation services
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply a systematic understanding of the importance of rehabilitation in stroke medicine to include the impact of the multidisciplinary team and an effective stroke service
- Critically evaluate the evidence and research relating to the multidisciplinary management in stroke rehabilitation and in establishing a stroke service
- The ability to synthesise the evidence and critically apply the knowledge into complex clinical scenarios in the context of rehabilitation in stroke medicine
- Synthesise the evidence and critically apply knowledge into complex clinical scenarios in the context of rehabilitation in stroke medicine. Develops advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations and contributes to the professional specialist community of stroke medicine
Assessment Methods
This online Postgraduate Diploma in Stroke Medicine 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 six modules on the stroke medicine diploma 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.
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.
- 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 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.
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.
- 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 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 (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. They 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 at admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £650 | £3,900 |
| 1st November 2024 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st March 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st May 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £650 |
† 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.
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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