Postgraduate Certificate in Thyroid Medicine
Did you know that thyroid diseases affect an estimated 200 million people worldwide, an estimated 40% of the world's population? As a healthcare professional, it is therefore inevitable that you will encounter patients with thyroid diseases - and it is imperative that you develop skills and understanding in managing these common disorders effectively and confidently.
Our brand new Postgraduate Certificate in Thyroid Medicine is designed to address the rising demand for specialist knowledge in this important field, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the main aspects of thyroid medicine: thyroid physiology, thyroid nodules, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
This Postgraduate Certificate in Thyroid Medicine is a specialised programme for healthcare professionals who have already achieved a university undergraduate qualification in a relevant medical field.
Next intake: September 2024Key Facts
As the UK's first PGCert in Thyroid Medicine, this programme addresses a crucial skills gap in the healthcare industry and allows students and graduates to stand out from the crowd amongst peers and provide the highest levels of care to patients presenting with thyroid conditions.
Delivered entirely online through our renowned learning platform, this Thyroid Medicine Course takes just 6 months to complete, allowing you to progress your career faster than you could ever have imagined. Learn from field experts in thyroid medicine as you engage in scenario-based discussion which is directly applicable to your clinical practice - meaning improved patient outcomes, immediately.
On completion of this Thyroid Medicine PGCert, you will be able to:
- Apply lifelong learning and advanced problem solving skills directly to your practice in the management of patients presenting with thyroid diseases.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the presentation, investigation and evidence-based management of thyroid disorders.
- Critically evaluate the evidence base in the management of patients presenting with thyroid disorders.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Faculty
Dr Peter Taylor
Dr Peter Taylor is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and practising Consultant Physician for Diabetes and Endocrinology at Cardiff University and the University Hospital of Wales.
His additional roles and responsibilities...
Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts
Dr Peter Taylor
Dr Peter Taylor is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and practising Consultant Physician for Diabetes and Endocrinology at Cardiff University and the University Hospital of Wales.
His additional roles and responsibilities include:
- Member of the Society for Endocrinology Clinical Committee
- Co-convenor of the SfE Thyroid Network
- 2020 SfE Leadership and Development Awards program.
Dr Taylor has also received awards at both national and international conferences, and has published over 50 academic publications, including key publications in JAMA, Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology and Nature Communications.
Register Interest
Complete the form below to keep in the loop
Success
Thank you for registering interest in the Postgraduate Certificate in Thyroid Medicine
Why Study a Thyroid Medicine Postgraduate Certificate with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our Thyroid Medicine Certification is designed for healthcare professionals who have an interest in thyroid medicine, or who work with patients presenting with thyroid disorders. As thyroid disorders increase in prevalence, this topic area is relevant to a broad range of healthcare professions, including:
- Nurses - primary care nurses and specialist nurses
- Specialists, Junior Doctors
- Clinical biochemists
- GPs and trainees
- Allied health professionals
- Dieticians
We cater to an international audience, acutely aware of the impact thyroid diseases are having on a global scale. Unlike many of our competitors, there are no international surcharges for students located outside of the UK who wish to study on this programme, as we aim to make high-quality healthcare education accessible to all.
How Will I Learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted through our interactive online learning platform, log in daily whenever and wherever you want. No fixed timetable empowers you to study when it suits you
These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.
Curriculum
Our online Thyroid Medicine Postgraduate Certificate allows you to study for just six months and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Module aims:
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles of thyroid physiology including the anatomy, regulation and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Students will gain a solid foundation in thyroid physiology and the ability to apply this knowledge in the assessment and management of thyroid nodules to optimise patient care outcomes.
Content summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Thyroid Anatomy and Physiology
- Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and Metabolism
- Thyroid Function Tests and Interpretation
- Thyroid Nodules: Evaluation and Risk Stratification
- Thyroid Nodules: Management Approaches
- Thyroid Nodules: Challenging Cases and Emerging Research
Learning outcomes:
- Develop a systematic understanding of thyroid anatomy and physiology, together with a critical knowledge of the presentation, diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules.
- Synthesise evidence-based management strategies for patients with thyroid nodules, with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating and critically applying knowledge from various research studies and guidelines.
Module aims:
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of hypothyroidism, exploring evidence-based pharmacological interventions and hormonal replacement therapies to gain insight into treatment approaches for different patient populations.
Content summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Introduction to Hypothyroidism
- Diagnostic Approach and Laboratory Evaluation
- Clinical Management of Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism in Special Populations
- Hypothyroidism and Cardiovascular Health
- Multidisciplinary Approach and Future Directions
Learning outcomes:
- Critically evaluate the impact of hypothyroidism on various organ systems and the potential consequences of untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism, employing critical thinking skills to systematically analyse and prioritise diagnostic tests and treatment options to improve patient outcomes.
- Synthesise the knowledge from clinical research and current guidelines into the development of evidence-based care plans for patients presenting with hypothyroidism in a variety of settings and applying a multidisciplinary team approach.
Module aims:
This module provides an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and management of hyperthyroidism. Students will explore the various causes of hyperthyroidism, critically analysing the underlying mechanisms and associated risk factors.
Content summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Introduction to Hyperthyroidism and its Clinical Presentation
- Etiology and Pathophysiology of Hyperthyroidism
- Diagnostic Evaluation of Hyperthyroidism
- Management of Hyperthyroidism: Medical Approaches
- Management of Hyperthyroidism: Radioactive Iodine Therapy and Surgery
- Complications and Long-Term Follow-Up in Hyperthyroidism
Learning outcomes:
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions for hyperthyroidism, employing critical thinking skills to select the most appropriate treatment option based on individual patient characteristics and preferences.
- Develop the ability to critically apply the knowledge and synthesise the evidence into diagnostic and management strategies for patients presenting with hyperthyroidism, in a variety of settings.
Assessment Methods
The Certificate in Thyroid Medicine (distance education) places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of real life scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based practice. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The three modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires the students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme as the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides regular feedback to the student and marks it at the end of the module.
Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for both professional re-validation and professional development.
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically. The examination tests Anti-Ageing Medicine related theory and problem-solving skills.
The group activity is 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 (designed to put leadership skills into practice) 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.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
Entry requirements
Since our Thyroid Medicine PGCert is conducted entirely online, it is 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 or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals working in the healthcare field, 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.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £850 | £2,550 |
| 1st November 2024 | £850 | |
| 1st January 2025 | £850 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
Talk To Our Students
Reviews
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.
