MSc in Internal Medicine
Validated by University of South Wales
Progress your career with an MSc in Internal Medicine that combines advanced postgraduate study with preparation relevant to the MRCP(UK) examinations. Validated by the University of South Wales, this 180-credit, Level 7 master’s programme enables hospital doctors to deepen their knowledge across Internal Medicine, while developing their clinical reasoning, evidence-based decision-making, and approach to complex and undifferentiated patient presentations.
The curriculum is mapped to the MRCP(UK) examination syllabus across Part 1, Part 2 Written, and PACES, bringing structured preparation relevant to the examinations into your wider postgraduate study. Best-of-five MCQs are incorporated throughout the taught modules, alongside case-based learning and applied assessments, helping you consolidate, apply, and test your knowledge as you progress. The knowledge you develop through your MRCP(UK)-aligned study also contributes towards a complete master’s degree in Internal Medicine, giving you a postgraduate qualification in its own right.
Studied 100% online and part-time over two years, the MSc is structured to fit around your existing medical role and professional commitments. Across ten 15-credit taught modules and a 30-credit Applied Clinical Inquiry capstone project, you’ll build advanced Internal Medicine knowledge while developing the critical appraisal and independent scholarly skills expected at master’s level. You can continue working while developing your Internal Medicine knowledge, preparing for MRCP(UK), and gaining a postgraduate qualification relevant to your next professional step.
Next Intake
March 2027
Apply By
March 2027
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
24 months
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What will you study on this Master's in Internal Medicine?
The MSc in Internal Medicine provides structured postgraduate study across the breadth of Internal Medicine, helping you develop the knowledge and reasoning required to approach complex and undifferentiated presentations. The programme comprises ten 15-credit taught modules followed by a 30-credit Applied Clinical Inquiry capstone project, totalling 180 credits.
Your studies are mapped to the MRCP(UK) examination syllabus across Part 1, Part 2 Written, and PACES. Throughout the taught stage, case-based learning, branching scenarios, self-test activities, and applied assessments give you opportunities to develop, apply, and test your knowledge in context.
Alongside advanced Internal Medicine knowledge, the programme develops:
Clinical reasoning and decision-making – Develop structured approaches to assessing complex and undifferentiated presentations and making evidence-informed decisions.
Evidence-based medicine – Strengthen your ability to find, interpret, critically appraise, and apply medical evidence within your professional role.
Patient management and safe prescribing – Develop your understanding of investigation, management, medicines optimisation, patient safety, and the needs of patients with complex presentations.
Critical appraisal and professional practice – Develop your approach to clinical guidelines, evidence synthesis, quality improvement, patient safety, and reflective practice.
Each 15-credit taught module includes a 45-question best-of-five MCQ assessment alongside an applied written assessment. The MCQs are designed to reflect the MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 Written examination format, bringing regular opportunities to test and consolidate your knowledge into your postgraduate studies.
You’ll complete the MSc with the 30-credit Applied Clinical Inquiry capstone project, applying critical appraisal, evidence synthesis, clinical reasoning, and independent scholarly inquiry to an issue relevant to your professional context.
Year 1
Module Aims
- To develop an advanced understanding of the physiological, pathological, epidemiological, and pharmacological principles underpinning internal medicine practice.
- To critically evaluate the principles of safe prescribing, medicines optimisation, and evidence-informed clinical decision-making.
- To integrate clinical sciences and pharmacological reasoning to support the management of acute and complex presentations across internal medicine specialties.
Module Content
- Applied clinical sciences
- Clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine
- Clinical pharmacology and safe prescribing
- Public health and non-communicable disease
- Social determinants and population health
- Mental health in internal medicine
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced understanding of the physiological, pathological, epidemiological, and pharmacological principles underpinning internal medicine practice.
- Analyse and synthesise clinical and pharmacological evidence to justify safe prescribing, medicines optimisation, and evidence-informed decision-making in complex clinical contexts.
Module Aims
- To develop advanced knowledge and clinical reasoning across general and acute internal medicine, including undifferentiated illness, allergy and immunology, and infectious disease.
- To critically engage with evidence-based guidelines, peer-reviewed literature, and MRCP(UK)-aligned content to support analytically rigorous clinical practice.
- To apply advanced clinical reasoning and reflective practice to the safe management of complex and time-critical presentations across diverse clinical settings.
Module Content
- Applied clinical sciences
- Clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine
- Clinical pharmacology and safe prescribing
- Public health and non-communicable disease
- Social determinants and population health
- Mental health in internal medicine
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the assessment and management of acute and complex presentations within general and acute internal medicine.
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning and critical reflective practice in the management of undifferentiated and time-critical illness, integrating current guidelines, peer-reviewed evidence, and MRCP(UK)-aligned principles to support safe and effective clinical decision-making.
Module Aims
- To develop advanced knowledge of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including the investigation and management of diabetes and other endocrine disorders.
- To critically evaluate evidence-based approaches to pharmacological management, medicines optimisation, and safe prescribing within endocrinology and diabetes care.
- To apply advanced clinical reasoning to the management of acute metabolic emergencies and complex chronic endocrine conditions within internal medicine practice.
Module Content
- Diabetes mellitus and acute metabolic emergencies
- Thyroid disease
- Pituitary and hypothalamic disorders
- Adrenal and calcium disorders
- Electrolyte and metabolic disorders
- Reproductive endocrinology and growth
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of endocrine and metabolic disorders within internal medicine practice.
- Synthesise pharmacological and clinical evidence to justify the management of acute metabolic emergencies and chronic endocrine conditions, applying principles of medicines optimisation and safe prescribing.
Module Aims
- To develop an advanced understanding of the diagnosis, investigation, and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disease across acute and chronic clinical settings.
- To critically engage with current evidence, pharmacological principles, and clinical guidelines relevant to gastroenterology and hepatology practice.
- To apply analytical and clinical reasoning skills to the safe management of complex presentations across the breadth of gastroenterological and hepatological conditions commonly encountered nationally and internationally.
Module Content
- Acute gastrointestinal emergencies
- Upper gastrointestinal disease
- Inflammatory bowel and colonic disease
- Small bowel, nutritional and structural disease
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease
- Chronic liver disease and metabolic liver disease
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced knowledge in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disease within internal medicine practice.
- Integrate pharmacological reasoning, nutritional considerations, and current evidence to justify safe and effective management strategies for complex gastroenterological and hepatological presentations.
Module Aims
- To develop an advanced understanding of frailty, multimorbidity, and life-limiting illness within geriatric and palliative medicine practice.
- To critically evaluate the ethical and clinical principles underpinning comprehensive geriatric assessment, shared decision-making, and end-of-life care.
- To apply advanced reasoning skills to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care, including safe prescribing and deprescribing in older adults.
Module Content
- Frailty and comprehensive geriatric assessment
- Cognitive and neuropsychiatric presentations in older adults
- Complex chronic disease and acute presentations in older adults
- End-of-life care and symptom management
- Ethics, law and advance care planning
- Prescribing in older adults
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the assessment and management of frailty, multimorbidity, and life-limiting illness within geriatric and palliative medicine.
- Justify compassionate, patient-centred management strategies through the synthesis of clinical, and ethical principles, including comprehensive geriatric assessment and safe prescribing and deprescribing practices.
Module Aims
- To develop advanced knowledge of the diagnosis, investigation, and management of cardiovascular and respiratory disease within internal medicine practice.
- To critically evaluate the evidence base, pathophysiological mechanisms, and national and international guidelines underpinning cardiology and respiratory medicine.
- To apply advanced clinical reasoning to the management of complex acute and chronic cardiopulmonary presentations, including conditions involving both systems simultaneously.
Module Content
- Acute cardiovascular emergencies
- Chronic cardiovascular disease
- Vascular, structural and systemic cardiac disease
- Acute and infectious respiratory disease
- Chronic and complex respiratory disease
- Pleural, malignant and occupational disease
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of acute and chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disease within internal medicine practice.
- Synthesise clinical findings, pathophysiological principles, and national and international guidelines to justify the management of complex cardiopulmonary presentations, including multi-system disease.
Year 2
Module Aims
- To develop advanced knowledge of the diagnosis, investigation, and management of acute neurological emergencies and chronic neurological disease.
- To critically engage with current evidence of investigations, management of and ethical considerations relevant to neurological practice.
- To apply advanced clinical reasoning to the safe management of complex and time-critical neurological presentations within internal medicine.
Module Content
- Acute neurological emergencies
- Cerebrovascular and intracranial disease
- Epilepsy and headache
- Neurodegenerative and demyelinating disease
- Peripheral nervous system and muscle disease
- Cognitive, functional and chronic neurological conditions
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of acute and chronic neurological disease within internal medicine practice.
- Synthesise pertinent investigations, ethical principles, and clinical evidence to justify management strategies for complex and time-critical neurological presentations.
Module Aims
- To develop advanced knowledge of malignant and non-malignant haematological disease and common solid organ cancers encountered in internal medicine practice.
- To critically evaluate current evidence, systemic complications, and pharmacological principles relevant to oncological and haematological care.
- To apply analytical and clinical reasoning skills to the management of complex presentations, including oncological and haematological emergencies and the ethical dimensions of cancer care.
Module Content
- Non-malignant haematological disease
- Haematological malignancy
- Oncological emergencies
- Common solid organ tumours
- Systemic anti-cancer therapy and supportive care
- Anticoagulation and thrombosis
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of oncological and haematological conditions within internal medicine practice.
- Synthesise clinical, pharmacological, ethical, and psychological considerations to justify the management of complex oncological and haematological presentations, including medical emergencies.
Module Aims
- To develop an advanced understanding of renal and rheumatological diseases, including their assessment. investigation and management within an internal medicine context.
- To critically evaluate the evidence and clinical principles underpinning the diagnosis and treatment of renal and musculoskeletal disorders.
- To apply analytical and clinical reasoning skills to the safe management of complex renal, and musculoskeletal presentations.
Module Content
- Acute and chronic kidney disease
- Glomerular, tubular and structural renal disease
- Systemic disease and the kidney
- Inflammatory and crystal arthritis
- Autoimmune and multisystem rheumatic disease
- Bone disease, spinal disorders and pharmacology
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced evidence-based knowledge in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of renal and rheumatological disease within an internal medicine context.
- Analyse and justify clinical decision-making in the management of complex renal and musculoskeletal presentations through the integration of current evidence and clinical guidelines.
Module Aims
- To develop working knowledge of psychiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, and ENT as they relate to general and acute internal medicine practice.
- To critically evaluate evidence-based approaches to the recognition, initial investigation, and management of psychiatric, cutaneous, and sensory presentations.
- To apply clinical reasoning skills to the appropriate management, referral, and interdisciplinary care of patients presenting with systemic and specialty-specific manifestations of disease.
Module Content
- Psychiatric presentations in internal medicine
- Substance misuse and somatic disorders
- Inflammatory, immune-mediated and structural skin disease
- Skin infections, tumours and systemic manifestations
- Ophthalmology in internal medicine
- ENT and cross-specialty interface
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse and apply evidence-based knowledge in the recognition, investigation, and initial management of psychiatric, dermatological, ophthalmological, and ENT presentations relevant to internal medicine practice.
- Synthesise clinical findings and current evidence to justify appropriate management, referral, and interdisciplinary decision-making for patients presenting with psychiatric, cutaneous, or sensory manifestations of disease.
Module Aims
- To undertake an independent scholarly inquiry within a defined area of internal medicine practice through a clinically situated academic project.
- To critically synthesise and appraise evidence to address a relevant clinical, educational, or quality improvement question.
- To produce a professionally relevant academic output that demonstrates critical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and contribution to clinical development.
Module Content
- Option 1 - Quality Improvement Protocol
- Option 2 - Evidence-Based Grand Round with Critical Commentary
- Option 3 - Conference Poster with Critical Rationale
- Option 4 - Critical Appraisal of a Clinical Guideline or Systematic Review
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and synthesise a body of evidence relevant to a specific clinical question in internal medicine, producing an independent scholarly work that demonstrates advanced academic and professional reasoning
- Justify evidence-informed conclusions and recommendations through rigorous scholarly inquiry, critical appraisal, and professional reasoning relevant to internal medicine practice.
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
- Deposit for March 2027: £372 †
- Total Course Fees (UK & International) for March 2027: £8,790 ††
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
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £372 † | £366 | £366 |
Total first year payments: £4,398
Second Year Payments
| 11 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £366 | £366 |
Total second year payments: £4,392
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.
Partners
University of South Wales
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 Internal Medicine?
The MSc in Internal Medicine is for hospital doctors seeking further postgraduate study alongside preparation relevant to the MRCP(UK) examinations. Its flexible online format enables you to develop your Internal Medicine knowledge and work towards a master’s qualification alongside your existing medical role.
The programme may be relevant to:
- Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs)
- SAS doctors
- International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
- Doctors in or entering Internal Medicine Training
- Doctors between foundation and specialty training posts
- MBBS-qualified doctors in India seeking further postgraduate study
- Doctors across South Asia, the Middle East, and other international healthcare systems
- Doctors who already hold an MD or DNB and want to undertake further postgraduate study with an international focus
If MRCP(UK) is relevant to your next professional step, the MSc provides a structured way to develop knowledge relevant to the examinations while working towards a master’s degree in Internal Medicine. With fully online, part-time study, you can continue your postgraduate development without stepping away from your existing medical role.
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.
- Your tutor 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.
- 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.