ACUTE MEDICINE
PgDip / MSc
The primary goal of the PgDip and MSc in Acute Medicine is to provide students with a systematic understanding of the topic, including critical appraisal skills, and knowledge application for direct patient benefit.
Programme Overview
Accelerate your medical career with an innovative online and part-time Acute Medicine PgDip or MSc. Designed exclusively for ambitious doctors, GPs, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals, this dynamic programme offers unparalleled flexibility and a fast track to success.
With the guidance and support of top industry educators, these flexible Acute Medicine courses aid professionals to develop a systematic understanding of evidence-based, protocol-delivered practice that is critical in optimising acute care.
Awarded by The University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is one of Britain’s most exciting and ambitious universities. Innovative, thriving and sustainable, it works to build better futures for students, communities and partners, economically, socially and culturally.
Key Facts
Postgraduate Diploma
| Awarding University | University of South Wales |
| Commitment | Part-time |
| Format | 100% Online |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Class Size | 15 – 20 |
| Application Deadline | 30th August 2024 |
| Course start date | 2nd September 2024 |
| Total Fees | £5,100 |
Masters
| Awarding University | University of South Wales |
| Commitment | Part-time |
| Format | 100% Online |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Class Size | 15 – 20 |
| Application Deadline | 30th August 2024 |
| Course start date | 2nd September 2024 |
| Total Fees | £9,500 |
Why study with Learna?
Learna has over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
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.
The 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, and a Master’s in 2 years.
40% of alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying.
Fees
PgDip |
MSc |
£5,100 |
£9,500 |
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course
Who is the course for?
Applicants will typically be registered healthcare professionals who have continuous exposure to acutely ill patients looking for a master’s in acute medicine or a similar discipline.
This may include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Radiographers
- Paramedics
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
The online Postgraduate Diploma in Acute Medicine allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.
The Master’s in Acute Medicine 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 Acute Medicine 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 (PgDip & Msc)
Module 1: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Emergencies
Module Aims
Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex cases and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with cardio-respiratory conditions.
Module Content
Guideline directed approach to the management of patients with acute cardio-respiratory diseases including:
- Severe Hypertension
- Acute Heart Failure
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Arrhythmias
- Thromboembolic Disease
- Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Respiratory Disease
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Pleural Effusions
- Acute Asthma
- Respiratory Failure
- Cardiac Arrest
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based learning in acute cardiovascular and respiratory scenarios.
- Appraise, reflect upon and create ways forward in the management of patients presenting with acute cardio-respiratory conditions within the multidisciplinary team.
Module 2: Diabetes and Endocrine Emergencies
Module Aims
Enhance the management of complex cases presenting with a variety of acute diabetic and endocrine conditions, and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients.
Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute diabetic and endocrine diseases, including:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hyperosmolar Non-Ketosis
- Acute Hypercalcaemia
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypocalcaemia
- Adrenal crisis
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients presenting with acute endocrine conditions.
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate evidence and guidance-based strategies in the management of acutely unwell patients with diabetic-related conditions.
Module 3: Gastroenterological Emergencies
Module Aims
Reformulate and use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to assess and manage complex cases, and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with gastrointestinal conditions.
Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses, including:
- Upper GI Haemorrhage
- Acute Abdominal Pain
- Intractable Vomiting
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Acute Liver Disease
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Cirrhosis
- GI Infections (such as Dysentery and Gastroenteritis)
- GI Malignancy
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute GI conditions.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based learning and guideline-based treatment in acute GI disorders.
Module 4: Acute Presentations with Infection and Sepsis
Module Aims
Apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients, facilitating the critical evaluation of actions, methods and results used in the management of acute infections.
Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute bacterial, viral and fungal infection relating to all organ systems; the management, investigation and diagnosis of sepsis and bacteraemia; and the management of the immune-compromised individual in relation to infection.
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute infections.
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate the presentation, cause and management of the immune-compromised patients in the acute medical setting.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment with acute infections and sepsis.
Module 5: Acute Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute neurological disorders and strokes, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acute neurological disorders and strokes.
Module Content
The diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders, including:
- Acute Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral Infections
- Cerebral Haemorrhage and Haematomas
- Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Presentations with: - Acute Cerebral Malignancy
- Dystonias
- Ataxias
- Acute Neuronopathies
- Neuropathies
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment in neurological disorders, including stroke medicine.
Module 6: Acute Renal, Metabolic and Toxicological Emergencies
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding of the assessment of acute kidney, metabolic and toxicological disorders and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of these disorders.
Module Content
The management of toxicological emergencies, such as overdoses (both accidental and non-accidental), acute drug reactions and anaphylaxis; the presentation of patients with metabolic and renal issues, including acute kidney injury, acid-base disorders, hyperkalemia and acute hyponatraemia; and the implementation of renal replacement therapy including dialysis.
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute kidney disorders.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the assessment and management of overdose and acute metabolic disturbance.
- Apply evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment in renal, metabolic and toxicological disorders.
Year 2 (MSc)
Module 1: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal
Module Aims
This module is designed to help you recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to acute medicine research.
Module Content
- Analysis and evaluation of the choice of research tools and/or other methods of enquiry to address research problems.
- Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
- Interpretation of graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots and meta-analyses.
- Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and number needed to treat.
- Statistical tests and their applications including T-Tests, ANOVA, chi-square.
- Qualitative research methods.
- Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
- Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
- Establishing patient registers and the value of disease specific registers.
- Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
- Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.
Learning Outcomes
- Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in acute medicine
- Critically analyse and interpret research in acute medicine
Module 2: Professional Project
Module Aims
The module aims to develop your ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.
Module Content
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to your practice. You will select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (1,200 words). Once your proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,800 words) is then completed through online guidance and supervision from your tutor.
The project may comprise:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
- Learning Outcomes
- Design and undertake a research/development project related to acute medicine.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements for change.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Assessment Methods
Postgraduate Diploma
The Diploma in Acute Medicine places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The six 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.
Master’s
The Master’s in Acute Medicine course places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The first seven 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.
For the final module of the course you will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,500 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 10,500 word professional project.
To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.
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.
Year 1 (PgDip & MSc)
Academic Forum - 40%
- 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.
Module Assignment - 20%
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.
Reflective Journal - 10%
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.
Case-Based Examination - 30%
- 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.
Year 2 (MSc)
Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal
This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.
Professional Project Proposal
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Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.
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Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.
Professional Project
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry Requirements
Since our Acute Medicine courses are conducted entirely online, it’s accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals without any international surcharges.
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 6.0 (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 us on info@illuminaremedicaleducation.com for more information on the qualifications that are accepted.
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 info@illuminaremedicaleducation.com to find out more.