Paediatrics and Child Health MSc
Validated by University of Buckingham
While paediatric specialists are in short supply in developed nations like the UK, they are even more scarce in developing nations that are experiencing severe healthcare shortages. While raising awareness of the problem will be helpful, improving access to postgraduate paediatric education is the only way to truly impact child health outcomes on a global scale.
Our part-time, online MSc in paediatrics will broaden your knowledge of current issues that are especially important for practising paediatric medicine in the 21st century. From the perinatal period up to adolescence, the quick-to-complete programme will provide you with a thorough understanding of paediatric medicine, covering a wide range of conditions and presentations. Our fast-paced programme uses scenario-based discussion forums to actively engage you, providing insights into real-world implementation strategies and why certain approaches are chosen over others.
Next intake: September 2025Key Facts
The preventative focus, coverage of a wide range of disorders from the prenatal period to adolescence and inclusion of the global child health module, make the paediatrics online courses distinctive and provide the learner with a broad clinical overview of the practise of paediatric medicine. This affordable, high-value programme is authored and delivered by skilled paediatric doctors who are exceptionally experienced in the field, therefore maximising active learning opportunities for students.
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to promote a preventative approach for reducing the risk of developing a childhood disease. You will be able to apply the knowledge and skills in managing common childhood emergencies, as well as common childhood conditions in the primary care and community settings. Students will be able to apply a holistic approach in assessing childhood issues taking into account psychosocial, safeguarding and mental health.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Ambalika Das currently holds the position of Consultant Neonatologist, having worked in paediatrics and child health for over 25 years. An interest in teaching and training, Dr. Das has...
Validating partner
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Next intake: September 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Ambalika Das currently holds the position of Consultant Neonatologist, having worked in paediatrics and child health for over 25 years. An interest in teaching and training, Dr. Das has been teaching medical students, nursing students, advanced nursing practitioners, midwives, GP and paediatric trainees over many years.
As a neonatologist Dr. Das is fascinated by perinatal medicine, and within this particular programme she is most excited about the Global Child Health module.
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Why Study a Paediatrics and Child Health Master's 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?
The Paediatrics and Child Health Postgraduate Diploma is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists.
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
The online Paediatrics and Child Health MSc is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma.Year 1
Module Aims
The module aims to critically appraise prenatal testing and screening programmes in reducing childhood disease burden and evaluate child health surveillance programmes in relation to early identification and management of common presentations in infancy.
Module Content
This module will cover:
- Prenatal genetic testing and genetic counselling of inherited disorders
- Impact of maternal risk factors on foetus and newborn e.g. maternal diabetes, pre-eclampsia, hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV etc.
- Principles of resuscitation of newborn and importance of full clinical examination of newborn at birth
- Analyse the effectiveness of the current UK national screening programme in comparison with another country
- Analyse the effectiveness of child health surveillance systems to monitor growth, development and well-being during infancy
- Management of common presentation in infancy in primary care settings e.g. newborn rash, feeding difficulties, vomiting, colic, ear infection etc.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of common presentations in infancy including newborn rash, colic and ear infections.
- Use recognised criteria to critically appraise, compare and judge the effectiveness of a variety of national guidelines on managing common childhood disease and screening programmes.
- Demonstrate ability to differentially diagnose, manage and treat a range of common childhood ailments in the first year of life.
Module Aims
This module aims to critically evaluate the preventative approach of reducing disease burden.
Module Content
- National immunisation programme 0-18 years
- Consenting parents for children’s immunisation
- Modifiable risk factors of development of non-communicable diseases and the importance of a healthy lifestyle in modifying the risk
- Age-specific nutritional needs from infancy to adolescence
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases
- Diagnosis and management of childhood allergic disorders including food intolerances
Learning Outcomes
- To critically evaluate the increasing burden of allergic disorders in childhood, exploring diagnosis and management strategies in a variety of settings.
- To critically examine known signs and symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases and develop prevention strategies in a variety of global contexts, taking into account the complex factors that affect the ability to resolve the problems.
- Critically appraise current and potential practical treatments for use in paediatrics and child health.
Module Aims
The module aims to improve the knowledge and understanding of application of evidence based practice in the investigation, diagnosis, and management of common childhood presentations in primary and secondary health care settings.
Module Content
This module will cover approaches to the diagnosis and management of:
- Childhood rashes
- Child presenting with fever
- Child presenting with a recent onset limp
- Child presenting with first seizure
- Child presenting with chronic cough
- Precocious puberty
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of diagnosis, treatment and management of common paediatric presentations in a variety of care settings.
- Critically evaluate current research in common paediatric presentations within a variety of unpredictable and specialised contexts.
- Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations, contributing to the investigation, diagnosis, and management of common childhood presentations.
Module Aims
The module aims to improve knowledge and understanding of evidence based practice in managing common paediatric emergencies including child safeguarding.
Module Content
This module will cover a range of common presentations such as:
- Principles of paediatric basic and advanced life support and pre-hospital care
- Management of a child presenting with acute asthmatic attack
- Management of a child with altered consciousness
- Management of a child presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis
- Management of a child with acute abdominal pain.
- Management of a child with unexplained fractures.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding in the delivery and advancement of paediatric-related care.
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to practice in general paediatrics.
Module Aims
This module aims to improve knowledge and understanding in the identification and management of developmental disorders, congenital and acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy and mental health disorders in children.
Module Content
This module will cover:
- How to approach diagnosis and management of a child with developmental coordination disorder and supporting long-term developmental, educational and social needs
- Cerebral palsy and consequences of preterm brain injury
- Multidisciplinary assessment and management of developmental and neurological problems of children with chromosomal syndromes, inherited disorders, metabolic syndromes, acquired brain injuries etc.
- Multidisciplinary assessment and management of social communication disorders, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders
- Assessment and management of children and adolescents with emotional difficulties, mental health problems, substance abuse and psychosomatic conditions
- How to support inclusion for children with developmental disorders, mental health issues and disabilities
Learning Outcomes
- Apply a systematic understanding of developmental disorders and mental health issues in children, and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches.
- Critically examine the social and ethical implications of developmental disorders and mental health issues in children.
- Systematically organise and communicate advanced developmental disorder related information, using criteria developed for paediatric audiences in unpredictably complex contexts.
Module Aims
This module aims to critically appraise the influence of environmental, social, political, economic and technological factors on child health across the world and evaluate the effectiveness of global initiatives on improving child health.
Module Content
This module will cover:
- Impact of climate change on global child health
- Pandemics, e.g. Covid-19, and their impact on children’s health
- Common causes of child death worldwide: malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea- how to prevent and advances in management
- Impact of digitalisation on childhood physical activity, mental well-being and social development
- How to identify and prevent violence against children
- Global initiatives to improve child health
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the influences of environmental, social, political, economic and technological factors on child health across the world and the current global initiatives set in place to improve it.
- Critically evaluate current research in paediatrics and child health.
- Demonstrate reflection and creativity in addressing complex patient scenarios that involve many interacting factors in the care of patients between the ages of 0-18.
- Critically appraise and evaluate current and potential practical treatments for use in paediatrics and child health in order to autonomously adapt working practice.
Year 2
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation. The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.
Module Content
- Quantitative Studies
- Statistical Analysis Interpretation
- Interpreting the Evidence
- Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
- Qualitative Studies
- Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
- Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
- Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review
Following the research methods, students will submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic, this includes a proposal form and ethics application. Students are given a 4-week period after the research methods to complete this.
Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:
- Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
- Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
- Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
- Secondary data analysis
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!
- Case problems reflective of day-to-day practice/research will be presented for the students to consider and answer every week.
- Students discuss the concepts being presented in the case within their online group discussion forum, facilitated throughout the module by their tutor and marked by them at the end of the module.
- The content of the academic forum is based on the learning outcomes for the 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.
This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:
Group activity
Designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum and the leader allocates tasks to group members. The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.
- 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 overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of Buckingham run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2025: £415 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £8,880 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Pay-in-full discount is available.
- Option 2: Apply for Interest-free payments each month for the duration of the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
First Year Payments
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £415 † | £415 | £415 |
Total first year payments: £4,980
Second Year Payments
| 11 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £325 | £325 |
Total second year payments: £3,900
You may also be interested in:
- Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
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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.
