Pain Management MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
Pain and pain management are associated with a wide range of conditions (both acute and chronic). Year after year, life expectancy rises as technology and understanding of physical illness improve. However, the number of patients presenting with debilitating pain-related conditions is increasing.
Specialist knowledge in pain management is a valuable asset and is becoming an additional responsibility for healthcare professionals. Our flexible Pain Management MSc course focuses on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to pain management and service provision as it is such a broad and complex area of medicine. Designed for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, this comprehensive diploma equips you with advanced expertise to manage a variety of pain-related conditions effectively and confidently.
Our master's in pain management has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (RCP), enabling graduates of this programme to receive CPD points as accredited by the RCP.
Our master's in pain management covers a wide range of pain-related conditions and meets the educational needs of both primary and secondary healthcare professionals. This flexible, online pain management master's emphasises direct application to current topics, case studies, and processes pertinent to your own remit and country of practice.
Alongside that, you’ll be able to collaborate with students from all over the world from various disciplines. This will provide you with clinically accurate and relevant information that you can immediately apply in your clinical practice, while also expanding your network and broadening your career opportunities.
On a successful completion of this flexible master's in pain management, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients in pain management.
- Critically evaluate current research in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary pain management.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of self-care promotion for acute and chronic pain.
- Deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with pain conditions.
Total Fees
£9,440
Next Intake
1st September 2025
Apply By
29th August 2025
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
24 months
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Curriculum
The master's in pain management is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma. The second year of the master's in pain management starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
Module Aims
To develop an advanced understanding and knowledge of the underpinning causes and associated experiences of pain.
Module Content
- History and epidemiology. Biopsychosocial model with gender consideration
- Chronic versus acute pain e.g.distinctions
- Pain science e.g. physiology of pain systems and syndromes. Taxonomy of pain systems
- Current evidence/research
- Severe pain syndromes
- Patient considerations (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)
- Global impact on a person in pain (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)
Learning Outcomes
- Application of the biopsychosocial model to the varied presentations of pain
- Apply knowledge of complex pain mechanisms to the differentiation between, and impact of, acute and chronic pain
Module Aims
Enhance the knowledge and understanding of different types of pain with an emphasis on clinical importance.
Module Content
- ISP taxonomy of different types of pain
- Acute vs. chronic. Importance of early recognition and prevention of chronicity. Clinically important aspects of acute and chronic pain; difference between nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
- Cancer/Visceral
- Headache/Neuropathic
- Fibromyalgia/musculoskeletal
- Understanding of pain changes in the light of new evidence
Learning Outcomes
- Critically discriminate between different types of pain
- Demonstrate knowledge of the complex clinical considerations that need to be taken into account in different types of pain
Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the clinical principles and practice of pain assessment and management.
Module Content
- Assessment
- Measurement
- Diagnosis and Prognosis
- Treatment modalities - Primary Care (British Society Guidance 26/8)
- Alternative treatment modalities
- Clinical management (British Society Guidance 28/30)
- Roles, responsibilities and management
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the assessment and treatment of patients with different pain presentations.
- Critically appraise treatment modalities in different clinical scenarios
Module Aims
To develop an understanding of different treatment approaches to pain within the context of overall approach to pain management.
Module Content
- Physiology/Pharmacology /Medication
- Psychology/Cognitive Behaviour
- Manual therapies
- Patient Education/Self-Management/ Preventative Education
- Functional Rehabilitation
- Surgery and Post Surgery Care
- Deployment of different modalities for maximum effect
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse current evidence related to multi-disciplinary approach of treating different types of pain
- Critically evaluate the risk and benefits of different approaches to pain management
Module Aims
Students will have an understanding and appreciation of pain across the life-span and experience.
Module Content
- Older People
- Infants and children
- Disabilities including those with limited communication skills
- Pregnancy
- Vulnerable populations
- Pain in individuals with substance abuse
- Looking at how pain will present itself in all groups
- Considering similarities and differences
- Physical and psychological disorders
- How pain changes
- How to communicate in pain and cognitive impairment
- Working with vulnerable populations (mental health issues, homelessness, learning disabilities, delirium, dementia)
- Social aspects of pain (stigma, social isolation, labelling stigma, labelling isolations)
- Enhancing communication with different social groups
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate ability to manage pain in a variety of complex situations and /or populations
- Demonstrate ability to communicate with populations who have complex/specific or changing needs
Module Aims
To draw on the knowledge and understanding of previous modules to critically evaluate the development of interdisciplinary pain services
Module Content
- Evidence supporting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary of pain
- Organisational services The consequences and influence rising from organisations
- The management team in a clinical setting
- The role of evaluating organisations, clinical settings (the way care is organised)
- The realistic expectations of the practitioner and carer
- Emerging ideas of services
- How emerging updated guidelines and impact of services
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the benefits of inter and multidisciplinary pain management in a clinical setting and the consequences within healthcare schemes
- Demonstrate expertise in organising approaches to pain management
Year 2
Aims of the module:
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.
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
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
- Evaluate and synthesise diverse methodological approaches and research tools to formulate and investigate complex questions within your field of practice.
Aims of the module:
- To formulate the research question that you seek to answer.
- To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
- To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
- To develop skills in independent research and study.
- To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.
Module Content:
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a project relevant to the student’s practice. 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.
Learning outcomes:
- Synthesise advanced knowledge of research to conceptualise, plan, and execute an original investigation that contributes significant insights to a chosen field of practice.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change in a chosen healthcare setting.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
- Deposit for 1st September 2025: £420 †
- Total Course Fees (UK & International) for 1st September 2025: £9,440 ††
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 |
| £420 † | £420 | £420 |
Total first year payments: £5,040
Second Year Payments
| 11 Monthly Payments | Final 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
Our online courses are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Academic requirements
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant healthcare field, such as medicine or nursing.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. 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 to demonstrate they can work comfortably at postgraduate level and have the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents required
- Updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- Copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- Reference details (name and email) — this can be a work colleague, employer, or former tutor.
- Personal statement explaining your motivation for undertaking the course.
- Proof of English language competency (if applicable).
English language requirements
Proficiency in English is essential to complete our courses. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency during the application process.
We accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, don't worry. The offers English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for academic studies.
For more details on accepted qualifications, please contact our admissions team at admissions@diploma-msc.com.
Progression to MSc
If you have successfully completed the 1-year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc (by completing the second year), this is possible. Please contact our admissions team at admissions@diploma-msc.com to learn more.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr. Tzvetanka Ivanova-Stoilova, MD PhD FRCA FFPMRCA
Current post: Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- 40 years of experience in the field of Pain Management...
Tutor - Patricia Schofield
Patricia was one of the first pain specialist nurses in the UK and set up the acute and chronic pain services. She has worked in a number of Universities across the UK, and is now currently working part-time in Sheffield.
Tutor - Dr Sunil Dasari
MBBS, MD,FCAI, FFPMRCA, EDPM, PG Certificate(Pain)
Current post: Consultant, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine,University Hospital of Wales Cardiff
- Faculty Tutor (Pain), FPM RCOA.
- Oversee pain medicine training for anaesthesia trainees. I...
Tutor
Dr. Martha C. Castaño Betancourt
Dr Martha C. Castaño Betancourt is a clinical epidemiologist and physiotherapist with extensive research experience in musculoskeletal disorders, particularly osteoarthritis and chronic pain. She holds...
Tutor
Dr. Javeria Gul
Dr Javeria Gul is a medical doctor with extensive clinical and academic experience across primary care, surgery, and medical education. She holds an MSc in Endocrinology and...
Tutor
Emanuel Schembri
Emanuel Schembri is a physiotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience, specialising in the management of spinal and neuropathic pain. He currently works full-time within the multidisciplinary...
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.
Who is this course for?
Our master's in pain management is ideal for:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
- Practice Nurses
Also those with related undergraduate degrees (such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Dentists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists and Rehabilitation Specialists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience who wish to gain specialist knowledge in the field of Chronic Pain Management.
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.