HAEMATOLOGY

PgDip / MSc

Designed for healthcare professionals like you, these newly launched PgDip and MSc in Haematology offer the practical skills and in-depth knowledge you will need to excel in diagnosing and treating haematological disorders.

Programme Overview

By joining this rapidly expanding field, you won’t just advance your career – you’ll make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes in an area lacking in sufficiently skilled clinicians.

Whether you’re already working in the field of haematology or looking to transition, this flexible, comprehensive course is tailored to empower you with the critical competencies needed for timely diagnosis and effective management of blood disorders.

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 £4,500
Master's
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 £8,400

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

£4,500

£8,400

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 haematology courses are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of healthcare professionals. Whether you’re a doctor aiming to broaden your expertise, a nurse keen on specialising, or an allied healthcare professional looking to carve a dynamic career path, this programme offers a tailored educational experience to match your aspirations.

Global Relevance

We are acutely aware that the need for skilled haematologists goes beyond the borders of the UK. This course serves a global demand, addressing crucial gaps in healthcare systems in regions like Africa and India where specialised skill sets are urgently required.

Why Haematology?

The field of haematology uniquely combines the rigours of laboratory work with the gratification of direct patient care. This allows you to engage in a multifaceted medical landscape, enhancing both your career and the quality of life for the patients you serve.

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

Delivered over 1 year, the online, part-time Postgraduate Diploma Haematology course is specially developed for busy health professionals. Formatted in 6 modules, each 6 weeks in duration; the course is designed to be practical and clinically focused.

The online Haematology Master’s is a two year course, consisting of seven modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma.

Year 1 (PgDip & Msc)

Module 1: Haematological Techniques and Blood Cell Morphology

Module Aims
To understand day-to-day blood test investigations in primary care and define the framework of referrals of haematological abnormalities to the appropriate specialists.

Module Content
Practical haematological knowledge with an emphasis on normal and abnormal results in a range of settings; also effective communication and accurate terminology to be applied, with a multidisciplinary approach, when referring patients to specialist haematology teams in secondary care.

Module Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the analysis and diagnosis of complex haematological disorders encountered in a variety of settings, considering the underlying causes, clinical manifestations, and relevant diagnostic criteria.
  • Critically evaluate and adapt communication strategies to effectively collaborate and exchange information within multidisciplinary care teams regarding patients with complex haematological disorders.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the relevance and diagnostic significance of conducting specific tests and investigations for haematological disorders in the primary care setting, before making appropriate and timely referrals to secondary care.

Module 2: Anaemia, Leukopenia and Thrombocytopenia

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the most common haematological disorders presenting in primary care to differentiate cases where appropriate investigations may facilitate diagnosis, versus urgent referrals to secondary care and specialist teams.

Module Content

  • Individual cytopenias anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
  • Pancytopenia

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the identification and potential investigations of the underlying causes of different cytopenias, considering a wide range of factors such as haematological disorders, systemic diseases, medications, and genetic abnormalities.
  • Critically evaluate the need for specific tests to further investigate cytopenias or pancytopenia, demonstrating a systematic understanding of the risk of neutropenic sepsis, in a variety of settings.
  • Synthesise and translate the critical knowledge into complex case scenarios relating to the early diagnosis and appropriate referral of common haematological disorders that may present within a variety of settings.

Module 3: Haemostasis and Thrombosis

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the principles and pathophysiological mechanisms of the coagulation system causing bleeding of thrombotic episodes and implementation into everyday practice including surgery and obstetrics/gynaecology.

Module Content

  • Haemostasis overview
  • Thrombosis
  • Bleeding problems and surgical procedures
  • Obstetric haematology

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the application of clotting tests and thrombophilia screening in the evaluation and management of patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, considering their diagnostic value, limitations and implications for treatment decisions.
  • Critically evaluate the facilitation of early management and ordering of specific investigations for these patients presenting with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the appropriate tests, their interpretation and their significance in guiding clinical decisions in a variety of settings.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the process of ordering initial investigations for patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the principles of anticoagulation therapy in a variety of settings, including indications, initiation, monitoring, and complications.

Module 4: Lymphadenopathy and Splenomegaly

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge of the clinical features and common causes of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly while elaborating on the most common lymphatic disorders presenting to healthcare professionals, ie Hodgkins and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Module Content

  • Causes and specific investigations and management of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly
  • Types of lymphomas presenting to primary care

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the systematic evaluation of patients presenting with lymphatic disorders, including lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and suspected lymphomas, integrating knowledge of clinical features, medical history and physical examination.
  • Critically evaluate the process of ordering appropriate investigations and interpreting findings to establish a diagnosis in primary care settings, considering the specific characteristics and limitations of a range of appropriate tests.
  • Demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach and advanced clinical reasoning skills to the process of implementing initial management strategies for patients with lymphatic disorders, including appropriate interventions, monitoring plans and referral pathways, ensuring timely and optimal patient care in a variety settings.

Module 5: Haematological Malignancies

Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the presentation of the main pathophysiological features of suspected haematological malignancies and the impact to patients, along with rapid referral pathways by recognising red flags and indications for urgent referral or hospital admission, therefore implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input.

Module Content
This module will address all haematological malignancies, and a non malignant disorder but with similar consequences to patients(aplastic anaemia).

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically evaluate the assessment of patients with suspected haematological malignancies, considering their clinical signs, symptoms, laboratory test results and imaging findings, to identify potential malignancies and their characteristics such as types, stages and prognostic factors.
  • Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input with a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring the integration of specialist expertise and resources in the management of patients with haematological malignancies in a variety of settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced diagnostic and management skills to confidently assess and appropriately refer patients presenting with suspected haematological malignancies in a variety of settings, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcomes.

Module 6: Haemoglobinopathies

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the different types of thalassaemia, sickle cell and their genetic basis by recognising clinical features, diagnostic criteria and interpretation of investigations; developing appropriate management plans for patients with thalassaemia in primary care; exploring the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease; recognising the acute and chronic complications associated with sickle cell disease; implementing a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of primary care settings.

Module Content

  • Thalassaemia intermedia and thalassaemia major
  • Sickle cell anaemia and its complications
  • Principles of transfusion practice including exchange transfusion

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the diagnosis, complications and management of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, integrating knowledge of genetic factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory testing to assess these presentations at an advanced level and in a range of settings.
  • Critically evaluate referral pathways, including emergency referrals for patients presenting with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease in a range of complex scenarios, adopting a multidisciplinary approach across a range of primary and secondary care settings.
  • Critically organise and communicate appropriate strategies for the delivery of a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of settings.

Year 2 (MSc)

Module 1: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

  • To help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to research in the subject area.

Professional Project

  • To develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.

Content summary: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

  • Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
  • Interpreting 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 and 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.

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
  • Design and undertake a professional project related to the field of practice in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
  • Create evidence-based recommendations to add to the knowledge base of the subject area.
  • Demonstrate critical evaluation skills enabling an in-depth critique of the academic literature.
  • Demonstrate the ability to create academic work of a publishable standard.
  • Evaluate ethical considerations in research and the process of engagement with ethical committees.

Assessment Methods

Postgraduate Diploma

The Postgraduate Diploma in Haematology 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.

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.

Master’s

The Master’s in Haematology 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.

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.

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.

Reflective Journal - 10%

The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.

Module Activity - 20%

This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:

Group activity
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 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.

or

Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area. Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.

All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.

Exam - 30%

  • Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.
  • The online exam is marked automatically.
  • The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.

Entry Requirements

Since our Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Haematology are conducted entirely online, it’s 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 field, such as a medical or nursing degree.

Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered for the haematology courses 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 (with an overall score of 6.5 and 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 info@illuminaremedicaleducation.com for more information on the qualifications that are accepted.

Speak to our team