FAMILY MEDICINE
PgDip / MSc
The PgDip and MSc in Family Medicine are online courses led by dedicated expert tutors who are exceptionally experienced in their fields, sharing their high-level knowledge directly with their students.
Programme Overview
Despite the fact that Family Medicine is recognised for its importance, it is acknowledged that the healthcare system does not easily adapt to the changing needs of society, particularly when it comes to concerns about “overcare” and “undercare,” both of which can be significantly reduced by the development of family practitioner education.
A global effort to educate medical professionals on the subject is required to enact change that will expand the scope of family medicine. Learna strives to help the situation and is proud to be one of the few healthcare education providers offering a PgDip and MSc in Family Medicine online.
Awarded by The 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.
Key Facts
Postgraduate Diploma
| Awarding University | University of Buckingham |
| 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 | £4,095 |
Masters
| Awarding University | University of Buckingham |
| 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 | £8,495 |
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 |
£4,095 |
£8,495 |
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?
Our Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Family Medicine distance learning is tailored to a diverse array of healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in family medicine. This course caters to individuals aiming to augment their credentials with a postgraduate diploma or master’s in family medicine and equips them to navigate the complexities of delivering top-tier care within both primary and secondary healthcare settings, such as:
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Public Health Professionals
- Pharmacists
- Healthcare Administrators/Managers
- Clinical Researchers
- Oncology Nurse Specialist
- Health Policy Analyst
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine is a one year course, consisting of six modules (120 credits) covering a variety of relevant and interesting topics to help you gain the knowledge and skills to aid your career progression and improve patient outcomes through family practitioner education.
The online Master’s in Family Medicine is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma.
Year 1 (PgDip & Msc)
Module 1: Epidemiology, Prevention and Health Promotion
Aim of the module
To develop an in-depth understanding of the global epidemiology of disease and the importance of preventative care and health promotion in family medicine.
Synopsis of module content
- The principles of prevention
- Health promotion
- Screening
- Primary and secondary preventative strategies of chroniic disease
- Vaccinations
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the eipidemiology of disease globally, health promotion measure, and screening and immunizations as part of disease preventative strategies.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of health promotion strategirs into their practics as a family physician.
Module 2: Women's Health and Sexual Health
Aim of the module:
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations associated with women’s health and sexual health, in the context of Family Medicine.
Synopsis of module content:
- Common gynaecological presentations including menstral disorders
- Menopause-related conditions
- Common disorders in pregnancy
- Sexual health presentation (male and female) including STIs
- Contraception
- Infertility
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in women’s health and sexual health.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a family physician.
Module 3: Child Health
Aim of the module
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations associated with child health, in the context of Family Medicine.
Synopsis of module content:
- The febrile child
- Childhood respiratory diseases and abdominal diseases
- Childhood rashes
- Behavioural problems
- Childhood emergencies
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of common primary care presentations and the recognition of emergencies in child health.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a family physician.
Module 4: Common Disorders in Adulthood
Module Aim
- To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations in adulthood, in the context of Family Medicine.
Synopsis of module content:
- This module will cover a range of common presentations of common disorders in adulthood that may present to the family physician in primary care. This will include disorders of the main systems of the body and include some common emergencies seen in adult medicine.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of common primary care presentations and the recognition of emergencies in adult medicine.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their
practice as a family physician.
Module 5: Mental Health
Aims of the module:
- To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common mental health presentations, in the context of Family Medicine.
- To develop an understanding of some of the psychological interventions in primary
care.
Synopsis of the module content:
This module will provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of a range
of common mental health presentations that may present to the family physician.
This will include:
- low mood
- delirium and dementia
- eating disorders
- schizoaffective disorders
This module will also cover an overview of some of the methods to promote well
being and psychological interventions in primary care.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in mental health.
- Critically evaluate a variety of methods used to promote well being and psychological interventions available to family physicians.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their
practice as a family physician.
Module 6: Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Palliative Care
Aims of the module:
- To develop an in-depth knowledge and improve recognition of the symptoms presenting to the family physician, that may indicate a possible cancer diagnosis.
- To improve the understanding of palliative care including the treatment of symptoms as well as legal issues and the role of the multidisciplinary team in palliative care.
Synopsis of module content:
- An overview of the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers that
may present to the family physician. - Recognition of red flag symptoms for different malignancies that should alert urgent referral to secondary care for further investigations.
- Palliative care including the treatment of palliative care symptoms, legal issues and the role of the multidisciplinary team.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of symptoms presenting to the family physician which may indicate a possible cancer diagnosis and improve recognition of these symptoms.
- Demonstrate a critical knowledge, understanding and evaluation of palliative care including the treatment of associated symptoms, related legal issues and the important role of the multidisciplinary team.
- Critically apply knowledge of cancer diagnosis, treatment and palliative care into their practice as a family physician.
Year 2 (MSc)
Module 1: Professional Project
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 outlines
This module will start by focussing on research methods using the Academic Forum. Students will learn about research methodologies and critical appraisal over a period of 8-weeks.
- 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
Postgraduate Diploma
This Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine online 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 6 modules on the family medicine 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 family medicine 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
This Master’s in Family 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 8 modules on the family medicine 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 family medicine 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.
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.
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.
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
- 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 Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Family Medicine are conducted entirely online, they are 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 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
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.