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
Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine
Develop specialist knowledge and practical clinical skills in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine.
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 musculoskeletal disease accounts for a large proportion of a general practitioner’s (GP’s) workload. Conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoporosis create a huge socioeconomic burden of disease and disability. Identifying high-risk groups in primary care and using preventative treatment can result in a substantial reduction in morbidity and mortality. GPs can help by presenting a unified lifestyle message, advising on fall prevention, and providing effective treatment.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding in Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Medicine. The programme supports the development of confidence in managing patients and applying specialist knowledge within clinical practice.
Curriculum
Module 1Core Generic Knowledge and Skills
Core Generic Knowledge and Skills
This module covers a variety of background factors influencing Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine. 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 2Advances in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine
Advances in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine
This module develops advanced knowledge of Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine.
Topics include:
- Anatomy and physiology of the normal joint and surrounding tissues
- Immunology of inflammation and auto-immunity
- Use of imaging
- Drug treatment in musculoskeletal medicine
- Non-drug treatment in musculoskeletal medicine
- The hip
- The knee
- The ankle
- The foot
- Gout and pseudogout
- Common disorders of the lower limb in children
- The shoulder
- The elbow
- The wrist
- The hand
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis
- General upper limb problems
- The spine
- Management of neck pain
- Management of low back pain
- Disc and facet joint disease and sciatica
- Red flag conditions of the spine
- Vertebral fracture
- Fibromyalgia and ME
- Chronic regional pain syndrome
- Hypermobility
- Drug treatment of chronic pain
- Non-drug treatments in chronic pain
- Osteoporosis investigation
- Osteoporosis treatment
- Falls
- Paget’s disease
- Osteomalacia
- Fractures
- Early synovitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Seronegative arthritis
- Connective tissue diseases and vasculitis
- Drug monitoring.
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 Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine, 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.