Acute Medicine MSc

Validated by University of South Wales

University of South Wales
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Develop your knowledge of the assessment and management of acutely unwell patients while building your research and critical appraisal skills with our MSc in Acute Medicine. Validated by the University of South Wales and accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, this 180-credit master’s programme combines comprehensive study across major acute medical presentations with research methodologies and an independent Professional Project.

You’ll examine acute presentations across respiratory and cardiovascular medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, infection and sepsis, neurology and stroke, and renal, metabolic, and toxicological medicine. From respiratory failure, acute heart failure, and acute coronary syndrome to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, acute stroke, and acute kidney injury (AKI), you’ll develop your understanding of evidence-based approaches to assessment and management across a broad range of acute conditions.

This online MSc in Acute Medicine is studied part-time over two years, allowing healthcare professionals to continue working alongside their studies. Year 1 comprises six 20-credit Acute Medicine modules, followed in Year 2 by research methodologies and critical appraisal and a supervised Professional Project, where you’ll apply your research skills to an area relevant to Acute Medicine.

Total Fees

£9,500 View options

Next Intake

March 2027

Apply By

March 2027

Commitment

Part time

Format

100% online

Duration

24 months

What will you study on this Master's in Acute Medicine?

The MSc in Acute Medicine combines broad postgraduate study across six areas of acute medicine with a distinct master’s-level research stage. During Year 1, you’ll complete six sequential 20-credit modules covering acute presentations across different organ systems. In Year 2, you’ll develop your understanding of research methodologies and critical appraisal before undertaking a supervised Professional Project.

You’ll begin with respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies, examining presentations including respiratory failure, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, and pulmonary embolism. You’ll then study diabetes and endocrine emergencies, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hypoglycaemia, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic states, and adrenal crisis.

Your studies then extend into gastrointestinal emergencies, including acute gastrointestinal bleeding and acute abdominal pain, before moving into acute infection and sepsis. Here, you’ll examine areas including sepsis and bacteraemia, alongside wider considerations such as antimicrobial stewardship and evidence-based approaches to acute care.

The later taught modules focus on acute neurological disorders and stroke before progressing to renal, metabolic, and toxicological emergencies. This includes acute stroke and epilepsy, alongside acute kidney injury, hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia, acid-base disorders, toxicological emergencies, overdose, and anaphylaxis. Together, the six modules provide cross-specialty coverage of acute medical presentations and the care of acutely unwell patients.

Evidence-based learning runs throughout the taught stage. You’ll work through case-based scenarios, search and critically evaluate literature, and consider current evidence and guidance in relation to complex acute presentations. Tutor-facilitated discussion with healthcare professionals from different backgrounds also allows you to consider acute care from multidisciplinary perspectives.

In Year 2, the focus shifts towards research methodologies, critical appraisal, and independent research. You’ll develop your understanding of areas including research design, evidence appraisal, qualitative and quantitative research, literature review, and research ethics, preparing you to plan and undertake your own Acute Medicine research.

You’ll then apply this learning through the Professional Project, a 40-credit extended, self-directed project completed with one-to-one tutor supervision. This gives you the opportunity to investigate a focused question in greater depth and bring together your Acute Medicine knowledge, research methodologies, and critical appraisal skills.

During the programme, you’ll study:

  • Respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies – Examine acute respiratory and cardiovascular presentations, including respiratory failure, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias and pulmonary embolism.
  • Diabetes and endocrine emergencies – Develop your understanding of acute diabetes and endocrine presentations, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hypoglycaemia, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic states and adrenal crisis.
  • Gastrointestinal emergencies – Examine acute gastrointestinal presentations, including acute gastrointestinal bleeding and acute abdominal pain, and consider evidence-based approaches to their assessment and management.
  • Acute presentations with infection and sepsis – Develop your understanding of acute infection and sepsis, including bacteraemia and antimicrobial stewardship, alongside evidence-based approaches to the management of acutely unwell patients.
  • Acute neurological disorders and stroke – Examine acute neurological presentations, including acute stroke and epilepsy, developing your understanding of their assessment and management.
  • Acute renal, metabolic, and toxicological emergencies – Study acute kidney injury (AKI), hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia, and acid-base disorders alongside toxicological emergencies, overdose, and anaphylaxis.
  • Research methodologies and critical appraisal – Develop your understanding of research methodologies and evidence appraisal, including qualitative and quantitative research, literature review, and research ethics, to prepare for independent master’s-level research.
  • Professional Project – Undertake a 40-credit, extended Acute Medicine research project with one-to-one tutor supervision, applying your research methodology and critical appraisal skills to investigate a focused question in greater depth.

Together, the programme combines broad postgraduate study across Acute Medicine with the opportunity to develop your research capabilities and investigate an area of Acute Medicine independently at master’s level.

Year 1

Module Aims
Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex cases and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with cardio-respiratory conditions.

Module Content
Guideline directed approach to the management of patients with acute cardio-respiratory diseases including:

  • Severe Hypertension
  • Acute Heart Failure
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome
  • Arrhythmias
  • Thromboembolic Disease
  • Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Respiratory Disease
  • Pneumonia
  • Pneumothorax
  • Pleural Effusions
  • Acute Asthma
  • Respiratory Failure
  • Cardiac Arrest

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based learning in acute cardiovascular and respiratory scenarios.
  3. Appraise, reflect upon and create ways forward in the management of patients presenting with acute cardio-respiratory conditions within the multidisciplinary team.

Module Aims
Enhance the management of complex cases presenting with a variety of acute diabetic and endocrine conditions, and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients.

Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute diabetic and endocrine diseases, including:

  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Hyperosmolar Non-Ketosis
  • Acute Hypercalcaemia
  • Thyrotoxicosis
  • Hypocalcaemia
  • Adrenal Crisis

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients presenting with acute endocrine conditions.
  2. Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate evidence and guidance-based strategies in the management of acutely unwell patients with diabetic-related conditions.

Module Aims
Reformulate and use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to assess and manage complex cases, and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with gastrointestinal conditions.

Module Content
The management of patients presenting with Acute Gastrointestinal (GI) Illnesses, including:

  • Upper GI Haemorrhage
  • Acute Abdominal Pain
  • Intractable Vomiting
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Acute Liver Disease
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy
  • Cirrhosis
  • GI Infections (such as Dysentery and Gastroenteritis)
  • GI Malignancy

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute GI conditions.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based learning and guideline-based treatment in acute GI disorders.

Module Aims
Apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients, facilitating the critical evaluation of actions, methods and results used in the management of acute infections.

Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute bacterial, viral and fungal infection relating to all organ systems; the management, investigation and diagnosis of sepsis and bacteraemia; and the management of the immune-compromised individual in relation to infection.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute infections.
  2. Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate the presentation, cause and management of the immune-compromised patients in the acute medical setting.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment with acute infections and sepsis.

Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute neurological disorders and strokes, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acute neurological disorders and strokes.

Module Content
The diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders, including:

  • Acute Stroke
  • Epilepsy
  • Cerebral Infections
  • Cerebral Haemorrhage and Haematomas
  • Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Presentations with:

  • Acute Cerebral Malignancy
  • Dystonias
  • Ataxias
  • Acute Neuronopathies
  • Neuropathies
  • Raised Intracranial Pressure

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders.
  2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment in neurological disorders, including stroke medicine.

Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding of the assessment of acute kidney, metabolic and toxicological disorders and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of these disorders.

Module Content
The management of toxicological emergencies, such as overdoses (both accidental and non-accidental), acute drug reactions and anaphylaxis; the presentation of patients with metabolic and renal issues, including acute kidney injury, acid-base disorders, hyperkalemia and acute hyponatraemia; and the implementation of renal replacement therapy including dialysis.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute kidney disorders.
  2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the assessment and management of overdose and acute metabolic disturbance.
  3. Apply evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment in renal, metabolic and toxicological disorders.

Year 2

Module Aims
This module is designed to help you recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to acute medicine research.

Module Content

  • Analysis and evaluation of the choice of research tools and/or other methods of enquiry to address research problems.
  • Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
  • Interpretation of graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots and meta-analyses.
  • Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and number needed to treat.
  • Statistical tests and their applications including T-Tests, ANOVA, chi-square.
  • Qualitative research methods.
  • Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
  • Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
  • Establishing patient registers and the value of disease specific registers.
  • Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
  • Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in acute medicine
  2. Critically analyse and interpret research in acute medicine

Module Aims
The module aims to develop your ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.

Module Content
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to your practice. You will select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (1,200 words). Once your proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,800 words) is then completed through online guidance and supervision from your tutor.

The project may comprise:

  • Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
  • Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
  • Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
  • Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
  • Case-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
  • Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Design and undertake a research/development project related to acute medicine.
  • Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements for change.
  • Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

Course Fees & Payment Options

Course Fees

  • Deposit for March 2027: £425 †
  • Total Course Fees (UK & International) for March 2027: £9,500 ††

Payment Options

  • Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
  • Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.

Payment Plan Breakdown

Master's (MSc)

First Year Payments

Deposit10 Monthly PaymentsFinal Payment
£425 †£425£425

Total first year payments: £5,100

Second Year Payments

11 Monthly PaymentsFinal Payment
£366£374

Total second year payments: £4,400

Additional Financing

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.

Entry requirements

Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.

Applicants will typically hold an undergraduate bachelor's degree (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 University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.

Should you have successfully completed the 1-year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to top up your qualification to an MSc, you can apply for the corresponding 1-year MSc programme. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.

Faculty

Accreditors, Endorsers & Partners

University of South Wales
University of South Wales
ELCAS - Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services
ELCAS - Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services
Royal College of Physicians
Royal College of Physicians

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 accepts 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 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.

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.

Who can study this Master's in Acute Medicine?

The MSc in Acute Medicine is for registered healthcare professionals who want to develop their knowledge of acute medical presentations alongside their research and critical appraisal skills. Its cross-specialty curriculum is relevant to professionals working across acute, general medical, and emergency care settings.

The programme is particularly relevant to:

  • Doctors and physicians working in acute or general internal medicine
  • Junior doctors and doctors in training
  • Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and emergency department nurses
  • Advanced Clinical Practitioners and other eligible registered healthcare professionals
  • Pharmacists
  • Allied healthcare professionals
  • International healthcare professionals

With a curriculum spanning acute presentations across multiple organ systems, followed by master’s-level research and an independent Professional Project, the MSc provides postgraduate study relevant to multidisciplinary healthcare professionals involved in the care of acutely unwell patients. How you apply your learning will depend on your existing professional role and scope of practice.

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.

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.

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.
  • 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.

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