Postgraduate Diploma in Women's Health
Providing high-quality women’s health education for healthcare professionals at primary and secondary is a crucial step towards reducing gender disparities in medicine. Ultimately this will contribute to reducing unnecessary deaths among women due to a lack of specialist knowledge, delayed or incorrect diagnoses, and procedures such as unsafe abortion.
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Women’s Health provides students with the opportunity to study a range of topics comprehensively, including sexual health and early pregnancy problems, fetal and maternal medicine, female cancer, endometriosis, and benign gynaecological disease, including menopause and urogynecology.
Students are empowered to become advocates and agents of change for Women’s Health services as they develop confidence in managing a range of conditions in reproductive and sexual health to ensure better outcomes for women globally.
Next intake: September 2024Key Facts
Practitioners on this women’s health diploma are encouraged to adopt a patient-centric approach, catering to the unique needs of every individual they serve. Our women's health courses for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are taught upon evidence-based practices, with a learning model that hones critical thinking skills, and nurtures 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. We offer accessible, high-value, fast-paced education that allows students to advance their careers in women’s health 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 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 Janet Evans
Current Post: Consultant Gynaecologist, London Women’s Clinic
Dr Janet Evans is a Gynaecologist trained in Cardiff with a subspecialist interest in infertility and assisted reproduction, first developed...
Programme Leader
Prof Alison Fiander
Current post: Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University
Prof Alison Fiander has over 25 years experience in women’s health, having been a...
Tutor - Amany Refaat
Amany Refaat is an Egyptian University Professor, published author, and a Fulbright Alumina. Currently working as a Professor Emeritus of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine,...
Tutor - Indu Asanka Jayawardane
Indu Asanka Jayawardane has worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist for the past 15 years, with special interest in maternal and fetal medicine, medical education, minimal access surgery, pelvic...
Tutor - Dr Bernard Kwaku Okai
With over a decade of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr Bernard Kwaku Okai is a dedicated professional and proud member of both the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons...
Tutor - Dr Denise Sproul
Dr Denise Sproul is a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology currently working in Cape Town, South Africa in a public and academic institution that caters to high-risk women from a...
Tutor - Dr Gabriel Mulimbi
Current post: Senior Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kabwe Central Hospital in Zambia.
Dr Gabriel Mulimbi has vast experience in women’s health, having working in rural and urban areas...
Tutor - Grace Komuhangi
Grace Komuhangi is a midwife and doctoral candidate in Germany who specialises in evidence-based midwifery teaching strategies for undergraduate midwifery students. With more than eight years of experience in the...
Tutor - Dr Obikili Chinedu George
Current position: Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
Dr Obikili Chinedu George has over 11 years experience in women's health and is currently a fellow...
Tutor - Dr Promise N Kalaba
Current post: Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Reproductive Health Specialist (Ministry of Health, Zambia)
Dr Promise Kalaba is a male Zambian medical doctor with over 9 years of clinical experience, 6 of those being...
Accreditors and Endorsements
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate course has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Janet Evans
Current Post: Consultant Gynaecologist, London Women’s Clinic
Dr Janet Evans is a Gynaecologist trained in Cardiff with a subspecialist interest in infertility and assisted reproduction, first developed in 1985 when working in Adelaide for a year. On returning to Wales, Dr Evans helped set up IVF in Wales, and after being 12 years as a general consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, she then ran IVF Wales for 10 years, increasing both treatment options and success during that time. With have varied research interests, Dr Janet Evans has always been keen to teach and encourage both undergraduates and postgraduates, and is now working in a private IVF clinic in Wales.
Programme Leader
Prof Alison Fiander
Current post: Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University
Prof Alison Fiander has over 25 years experience in women’s health, having been a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists since 2003. Prof Fiander has previously held the position of Consultant Gynaecologist with Special Interest in Gynaecological Oncology for Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, before travelling to Tanzania to undertake vital work in Women’s Health and Obstetric Fistula.
Prof Fiander's scope of experience in women's health is broad, with diverse research interests including Human Papillomavirus Infection, psychological issues in cancer, and Global Women’s Health including both the prevention of cervical cancer worldwide and appropriate Postgraduate Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in poorly resourced countries. An established leader in the industry, her wealth of research has led to Prof Alison Fiander having over 30 pieces of work published in medical journals.
Tutor - Amany Refaat
Amany Refaat is an Egyptian University Professor, published author, and a Fulbright Alumina. Currently working as a Professor Emeritus of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt, Amany Refaat graduated as a physician from the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, and practiced for two years in Primary Health Care settings.
After joining the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, in 1982, Amany went on to obtain an MSc in Histology from Suez Canal University and a Master of Health Profession Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA (1987), then a PhD in Public Health (1993).
Her 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 Mutilation, maternal & child health, and Reproductive health.
Tutor - Indu Asanka Jayawardane
Indu Asanka Jayawardane has worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist for the past 15 years, with special interest in maternal and fetal medicine, medical education, minimal access surgery, pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
He is a Senior Lecturer and an academic mentor for both undergraduate and post graduate medical, nursing and allied health students. Dr Jayawardane's 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.
Tutor - Dr Bernard Kwaku Okai
With over a decade of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr Bernard Kwaku Okai is a dedicated professional and proud member of both the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) and the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) since 2018.
Specialising in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Family Planning, Dr Okai's focus reflects a strong commitment to women's health. Beyond clinical responsibilities, he serves as an external examiner for the Nurses and Midwifery Council, overseeing midwife final licensure examinations in the Upper East Region.
Dr Okai's current research endeavours focus primarily on polycystic ovarian syndrome in Kumasi. In 2023, he collaborated with fellow colleagues to publish notable work centred on preeclampsia and anaemia in pregnancy, specifically targeting populations in the Northern part of Ghana.
Tutor - Dr Denise Sproul
Dr Denise Sproul is a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology currently working in Cape Town, South Africa in a public and academic institution that caters to high-risk women from a low socioeconomic background. With a specialist interest in research, clinical epidemiology, and reproductive medicine, Dr Sproul is passionate about women's health and newborn care. Outside of work, Denise Sproul is a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband and a mother to an adorable little boy, and loves spending time outdoors, running, baking and travelling with her family.
Tutor - Dr Gabriel Mulimbi
Current post: Senior Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kabwe Central Hospital in Zambia.
Dr Gabriel Mulimbi has vast experience in women’s health, having working in rural and urban areas in Republic Democratic of the Congo and in Zambia. In addition to having an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine (Infertility), Dr Mulimbi is presently pursuing a MSc in Sexual Reproductive Health and Right Policy and Programming with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Currently acting Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kabwe Central Hospital, Dr Mulimbi aims to reduce the burden of perinatal mortality and infertility by applying evidence based skills and interventions. Dr Gabriel Mulimbi is interested in transferring of knowledge to the future generations, and is exploring research fields in maternal and perinatal issues, infertility and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.
Tutor - Grace Komuhangi
Grace Komuhangi is a midwife and doctoral candidate in Germany who specialises in evidence-based midwifery teaching strategies for undergraduate midwifery students. With more than eight years of experience in the field of women's health, she has also conducted research and taught at various academic institutions in Uganda, Finland, and Germany.
Grace Komuhangi's research work centres around women's health with a particular emphasis on antenatal care practises in low-income contexts in Uganda, infection control practises by healthcare workers during labour, and breast cancer screening and prevention. Her research has yielded nine publications published in peer-reviewed international journals, notably a recent chapter on birth support for the book "Global Women's Health", composed in collaboration with Professors and specialists in obstetrics, gynaecology, and midwifery.
Tutor - Dr Obikili Chinedu George
Current position: Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
Dr Obikili Chinedu George has over 11 years experience in women's health and is currently a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and fellow of the West African College of Surgeons. A wealth of public and private sector experience as well as Rural and Urban experience has given Dr Chinedu George exposure to a wide variety of clinical settings, from the extremely resource constrained to the resource slack.
Dr Chinedu George has engaged in several volunteer and field health services, which has helped him understand the unique challenges in different settings and innovative ways to maximise resources for good outcomes, as well as prioritisation according to specific needs. He has speciality training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, having worked for over 2 years in assisted reproductive technology.
Tutor - Dr Promise N Kalaba
Current post: Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Reproductive Health Specialist (Ministry of Health, Zambia)
Dr Promise Kalaba is a male Zambian medical doctor with over 9 years of clinical experience, 6 of those being in women’s health. He has been an obstetrics and gynaecology fellow of the Zambia College of Medicine and Surgery (ZCMS) since 2021 and currently serves as the district Obstetrician/Gynaecologist for the second largest town in Zambia (Kitwe) where he attends the clinical, supervisory, and policy aspects of women’s health. He also supervises trainees in OBGYN under ZCMS.
Dr Kalaba has been a dedicated member of the African Reproductive Care Society since 2022, which aims to manage women (and couples in general), with fertility challenges and sensitising the communities in the fight against the stigmatisation of such individuals.
With a passion for reproductive health, Dr Kalaba runs a clinic weekly for clients who are referred from various towns. Additionally, he coordinates and oversees cervical cancer services in one of the provinces within the country, consisting of 10 districts under the Ministry of Health.
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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.
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 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 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 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 November 2024 | £871 | |
| 1st January 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st March 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st May 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st July 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.
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