Postgraduate Diploma in Women's Health
In an ever-evolving world, the role of women in society continues to expand, and so does the importance of understanding and addressing their unique health needs. Disparities in women's health outcomes persist across different populations and it is essential to address them with targeted interventions and programmes. In order to keep up with this evolving field, healthcare professionals need to equip themselves with advanced knowledge and expertise, which our diploma in women's health offers.
The women's health postgraduate courses offer the learner the opportunity to study varying aspects of Women’s Health in both breadth and depth, increasing their confidence to manage a range of conditions in reproductive and sexual health, ensuring better outcomes for women, whilst becoming advocates and agents of change for Women’s Health services.
The diploma in women's health starts with an overview of women's health and moves on to consider sexual health and early pregnancy problems. It continues through fetal and maternal medicine before turning to female cancer, endometriosis and benign gynaecological disease, including menopause and urogynecology.
Next intake: 2024 MarchKey Facts
This knowledge allows practitioners to adopt a patient-centric approach, catering to the unique needs of every individual they serve. Our women's health courses emphasise evidence-based practices, honing critical thinking skills, and nurturing a deep sense of empathy to establish strong doctor-patient relationships.
There are no set lectures or study times making it possible to fit your study and qualification around your schedule. To provide more opportunities for healthcare professionals, we offer affordable, high-value, fast-paced education that allows students to advance their careers quickly. This university-validated course aims to:
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to clinical practice in women’s health.
- Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of women’s healthcare.
- Equip students with a systematic understanding of evidence-based medicine in relation to women’s health.
- Extend the scope of women’s healthcare practice by exploring a professional subject area in more depth, utilising knowledge gained in previous modules.
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 it's own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Janet Evans
Current Post: Consultant Gynaecologist, London Women’s Clinic
I am a gynaecologist trained in Cardiff. I have a sub specialist interest in infertility and assisted reproduction which I...
Programme Leader
Dr Alison Fiander
Current post: Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University
I have over 24 years experience in women’s health, and have been a Fellow...
Tutor - Amany Refaat
- Egyptian University Professor, published author, and a Fulbright Alumina.
- Currently a Professor Emeritus of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
- Graduated as...
Tutor - Indu Asanka Jayawardane
- Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist for past 15 years with special interest in Maternal and fetal medicine, Medical education, Minimal access surgery, Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
- Senior lecturer and an...
Next intake: 2024 March Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Janet Evans
Current Post: Consultant Gynaecologist, London Women’s Clinic
I am a gynaecologist trained in Cardiff. I have a sub specialist interest in infertility and assisted reproduction which I first developed in 1985 when I worked in Adelaide for a year and then on returning to Wales, when I helped set up IVF here. After being a general consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for 12 years, I then ran IVF Wales for 10 years and during that time increased treatment options, and success. I have varied research interests, and have always been keen to teach and encourage both undergraduates and postgraduates. I am now working in a private IVF clinic in Wales.
Programme Leader
Dr Alison Fiander
Current post: Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University
I have over 24 years experience in women’s health, and have been a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists since 2003. I have previously held the position of Consultant Gynaecologist with Special Interest in Gynaecological Oncology for Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, before travelling to Tanzania working in Women’s Health and Obstetric Fistula. My research interests include Human Papillomavirus Infection,Psychological issues in cancer, and Global Women’s Health including prevention of cervical cancer and appropriate Post Graduate Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in resource poor countries. I have also had over 30 pieces of work published in medical journals.
Tutor - Amany Refaat
- Egyptian University Professor, published author, and a Fulbright Alumina.
- Currently a Professor Emeritus of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
- Graduated as a physician from the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, and practiced for two years in Primary Health Care settings.
- Joined the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University in 1982.
- Master of Science in Histology from Suez Canal University and a Master of Health Profession Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA (1987), then a Ph.D. in Public Health (1993).
- Main area of interest and expertise in research is women’s health in an international context with an emphasis on Gender-Based Violence & Female Genital Cutting, Maternal & Child Health, and Reproductive health
Tutor - Indu Asanka Jayawardane
- Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist for past 15 years with special interest in Maternal and fetal medicine, Medical education, Minimal access surgery, Pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
- Senior lecturer and an academic mentor for both undergraduate and post graduate medical, nursing and allied health students.
- Research interests include Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy, preeclampsia and placental disorders, Obstetric cholestasis, Fetal monitoring, Labour care, severe maternal morbidity and Patient experience of healthcare delivery.
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Why Study a Women's Health 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.
Affordable
No physical campus means we can offer world-leading programmes at the most competitive prices.
Get a PgDip from £3,900 or an MSc from £7,500 - the most affordable courses of their kind in the UK.
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 unique and flexible online women’s health course is aimed at primary care physicians or nurses wanting to specialise in this area, midwives, healthcare professionals working in sexual health settings, staff nurses on a gynaecology ward and autonomous practitioners.
How Will I Learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted entirely online through self-directed distance learning. You’ll receive guidance throughout your course with tutor-stimulated academic discussions, which are based on clinically-rich case scenarios.
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 Women's Health 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 examine the sciences (anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, microbiology and pathology) that underpin women’s health and the external professional and ethical issues that influence practice, recognising and addressing potential conflict areas.
Module Content
- The importance of women’s health both globally and locally
- Gender based and domestic violence
- Female reproductive physiology and anatomy
- Normal placental function and pregnancy
- Prevention and screening of infections affecting women’s health
- Identification and treatment of infections affecting women’s health
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply knowledge of clinical sciences to the understanding of women’s health issues
- Critically appraise the importance of social and cultural factors determining women’s health.
- Reflect on learning from prior experience and challenge preconceptions in order to holistically integrate new knowledge within complex situations.
Module Aims
To examine the choices in family planning and fertility control, including ethical considerations. Develop critical skills and confidence in the diagnosis and safe management of early pregnancy conditions.
Module Content
- Public health considerations for contraception and early termination of pregnancy
- Contraception
- Early miscarriage
- Ectopic and molar pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Termination of pregnancy
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis and management of early pregnancy problems.
- Critically interpret the evidence base relating to contraception, abortion and early pregnancy problems.
- Demonstrate advisory skills in offering evidence-based choices about fertility control, contraception, termination and continuation of pregnancy whilst navigating complex ethical and legal issues.
Module Aims
Understand the pathophysiology that leads to fetal compromise including prevention, diagnosis and management. Develop confidence in counselling skills to support affected parents.
Module Content
- Common structural and chromosomal abnormalities
- Prenatal screening and diagnosis
- Fetal infections
- Genetic disease
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
- Ethics and counselling
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of genetic, chromosomal and structural fetal abnormalities, screening and the diagnosis and management of intrauterine growth restriction.
- Analyse and synthesise different perspectives in understanding the ethical issues and decisions made concerning fetal abnormalities, both pre and post, prenatal screening.
- Demonstrate the ability to exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in complex and/or unpredictable situations.
Module Aims
To understand the importance of detection and management of maternal complications in and resulting from pregnancy.
Module Content
- Maternal mortality and morbidity
- Pregnancy related disease, effect of pregnancy on pre-existing disease
- Labour issues
- Cesarean section, placental pathology
- The puerperium
- Preventing problems for future
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise the importance of routine pregnancy care, screening in pregnancy and management of abnormal pregnancy and childbirth.
- Critically examine the conditions contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality.
- Demonstrate the ability to exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in complex and/or unpredictable situations.
Module Aims
To develop an understanding of the disease burden of female cancer and endometriosis both locally and globally, developing an awareness of primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis and appropriate management.
Module Content
- Incidence and mortality from female cancers
- Prevention and diagnosis
- Vulval and cervical cancer
- Endometrial and ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
- Endometriosis and pelvic pain
Learning Outcomes
- Utilise the evidence-base to critically appraise the benefits of primary prevention, screening for early detection and treatment for cancers specific to women.
- Critically appraise the prevalence and aetiologies of gynaecological cancer and breast cancer.
- Reflect on learning from prior experience and challenge preconceptions in order to holistically integrate new knowledge within complex situations in female cancer.
Module Aims
To understand the impact of benign gynaecological conditions throughout a woman’s life course and be able to diagnose and provide evidence-based care.
Module Content
- AUB (diagnosis and management)
- Amenorrhea and adolescent gynaecology
- Infertility
- Menopause and osteoporosis
- Incontinence, fecal and urinary
- Prolapse
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate ability to critique health information sources for women and communicate appropriately with them about benign gynaecological conditions.
- Critically examine the impact of benign gynaecological problems on women’s lives.
- Construct management strategies for the investigation and treatment of benign gynaecological problems.
Assessment Methods
This online Postgraduate Diploma in Women’s Health 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 women's health 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 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 for our womens health 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@learna.ac.uk 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 | £874 | £5,229 |
| 1st May 2024 | £871 | |
| 1st July 2024 | £871 | |
| 1st September 2024 | £871 | |
| 1st November 2024 | £871 | |
| 1st January 2025 | £871 |
† 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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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.
