Postgraduate Certificate

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Develop specialist knowledge and practical clinical skills in diabetes and endocrinology.

6 months
Duration
Online
Study mode
University of Plymouth
Awarding body
September 2026
Next intake
£2,100.00*
Course fee

Overview

Diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing areas of clinical concern. It is estimated that 422 million people are living with diabetes worldwide in 2014 (up from 108 million in 1980). Diabetes affects around 1 in 11 of the world’s adult population, yet only 50% of people with diabetes are diagnosed. By 2045, it is estimated 629 million people will be living with diabetes worldwide (European Society of Cardiology 2019). As a consequence, there is a growing demand for healthcare professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating diabetes.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Diabetes & Endocrinology is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding in Diabetes & Endocrinology. The programme supports the development of confidence in managing patients and applying specialist knowledge within clinical practice.

Curriculum

Module 1

Core Generic Knowledge and Skills

This module covers a variety of background factors influencing diabetes. This includes determinants of health, lifestyle factors in health, identifying risk factors and nutrition and health. It also covers how to break bad news, which is essential in helping you manage your patients effectively.

Module 2

Advances in Diabetes and Endocrinology

This module develops advanced knowledge of diabetes.

Topics include:

  • The epidemiology of diabetes
  • Pathology of diabetes
  • Type 1 and 2 diabetes
  • Blood pressure and lipids
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Diabetic nephropathy
  • Diabetic microvascular disease
  • Diabetic neuropathies
  • Monitoring diabetes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • DK and hyperosmolar states
  • Diabetes and pregnancy
  • Diabetes and concurrent disease
  • Diabetes in the elderly
  • Insulin initiation
  • Diabetic foot problems
  • Diabetes and driving
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Obesity
  • Dyslipidaemia and osteoporosis
  • Disorders of growth and development
  • Disorders of bone metabolism
  • Imaging in endocrinology
  • A disorder of the gonads and more.

Learning & assessment

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.

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 typeAmount
Registration fee£250.00
Course fee£2,100.00

Refund policy

Fee typeMore than 2 months before commencementLess than 2 months before commencementAfter commencement
Registration FeeNon RefundableNon RefundableNon Refundable
Course Fee100% refund85% refundNon Refundable

Accreditation

Awarded by

University of Plymouth

Successful completion of all programme components leads to the Postgraduate Certificate in Diabetes and Endocrinology, 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

IntakeStart DateExamination
September 20268th September 20269th March 2027
February 20272nd February 20273rd August 2027
September 20277th September 20277th March 2028
February 20281st February 20281st 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.