Learning
How you will learn
The programme combines online self-study with live online teaching and is designed to be completed alongside professional practice. An introductory workshop also forms part of the programme.
Postgraduate Certificate
Acute Medicine and Urgent Care
Develop advanced knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of acute medical conditions and urgent care.
6 months
Duration
Duration
Online
Study mode
Study mode
University of Plymouth
Awarding body
Awarding body
September 2026
Next intake
Next intake
£2,100.00*
Course fee
Course fee
Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate Acute Medicine and Urgent Care programme is designed specifically for clinicians to build on their existing knowledge, skills and experience and develop mastery in the clinical and service aspects of Acute Medicine.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Acute Medicine and Urgent Care is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding in Acute Medicine and Urgent Care. The programme supports the development of confidence in managing patients and applying specialist knowledge within clinical practice.
Who this course is for
The programme is suitable for doctors and clinical professionals working in acute medical care, emergency medicine, internal medicine and related specialties.
Learning outcomes
- Assess and manage patients with acute medical conditions
- Apply evidence-based approaches to clinical decision making
- Integrate clinical knowledge with practical skills
- Improve patient outcomes through timely interventions
Curriculum
Module 1Core Generic Knowledge and Skills
Core Generic Knowledge and Skills
- Determinants of health
- Lifestyle factors in health
- Identification of risk factors
- Nutrition and health
- Breaking bad news
Module 2Advances in Acute Medicine and Urgent Care
Advances in Acute Medicine and Urgent Care
Topics include:
- ALS
- ATLS
- PLS
- Child protection
- Medicolegal issues
- General approach to emergencies
- Abdominal disorders
- ABCD emergency symptoms
- Gastroenteritis
- Dangerous diagnoses
- Alcohol-related pathology
- Urgent mental health
- Diabetes
- The chest wall
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Wrist injuries
- Difficulty breathing
- Hand injuries
- Asthma
- Elbow injuries
- Bradycardia
- Shoulder pathology
- Falls in the elderly
- Seizures
- Spinal trauma
- Non-traumatic eye disorders
- PV bleeding
- Traumatic eye disorders
- Upper GI bleed
- Burns
- Skin lacerations
- Ankle injuries
- Skin disorders
- Knee pathology
- Throat disorders
- Hip pathology
- Bites & stings
- Monoarthropathies
- Genitourinary emergencies
- Facial & dental injuries
- Haematological emergencies
Learning & assessment
Assessment
How you will be assessed
Assessment includes an end-of-programme examination.
Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from healthcare practitioners worldwide. The programme is delivered and assessed entirely online.
Applicants must provide
- A satisfactory reference from a senior healthcare practitioner or line manager who knows their work and experience and can support their suitability for the programme
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria
- Be a nurse working at specialist, practitioner or consultant level in the relevant clinical specialty; applicants at other grades may be considered individually where they can demonstrate suitable experience
- Hold a BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) from an accredited institution
- Hold a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) from an accredited institution
- Be an allied healthcare professional with suitable qualifications, registration and experience; applications are considered individually
English-language requirementsWhere an applicant’s primary degree or other qualification was not taught in English, an IELTS score of 5.5 in every component, or an equivalent English-language qualification such as TOEFL, will normally be required.
Alternative entry routeApplications from candidates who do not meet the formal requirements may be considered where they can demonstrate equivalent qualifications or experience.
Fees
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | £250.00 |
| Course fee | £2,100.00 |
Refund policy
| Fee type | More than 2 months before commencement | Less than 2 months before commencement | After commencement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | Non Refundable | Non Refundable | Non Refundable |
| Course Fee | 100% refund | 85% refund | Non Refundable |
Accreditation
Awarded by
University of Plymouth
Successful completion of all programme components leads to the Postgraduate Certificate in Acute Medicine and Urgent Care, awarded by the University of Plymouth School of Medicine and Dentistry (70 Level 7 Master’s credits).
The University of Plymouth awards this internationally recognised UK academic qualification.
Dates
| Intake | Start Date | Examination |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | 8th September 2026 | 9th March 2027 |
| February 2027 | 2nd February 2027 | 3rd August 2027 |
| September 2027 | 7th September 2027 | 7th March 2028 |
| February 2028 | 1st February 2028 | 1st August 2028 |
How to apply
Applications are welcomed from eligible healthcare professionals worldwide. Applicants should review the entry requirements and provide the required supporting documentation, including a professional reference where specified.