Postgraduate Diploma

Acute Medicine and Urgent Care

Develop specialist knowledge and practical clinical skills in acute medicine and urgent care.

12 months
Duration
Online
Study mode
University of Plymouth
Awarding body
September 2026
Next intake
£4,800.00*
Course fee

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma 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 Diploma 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.

Curriculum

Module 1

Core Generic Knowledge and Skills

  • Determinants of health
  • Lifestyle factors in health
  • Identification of risk factors
  • Nutrition and health
  • Breaking bad news
Module 2

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
Module 3

Clinical Practice in Acute Medicine and Urgent Care

This module covers clinical skills related to:

  • Advanced life support (ALS)
  • Advanced trauma life support (ATLS)
  • Paediatric life support (PLS)
  • Cardioversion - chemical and electrical
  • Key ECG interpretation
  • Peak flow measurement and interpretation
  • Management of non-traumatic pneumothorax
  • Venous cannulation +/- ultrasound guidance
  • Arterial blood gas sampling
  • Fluorescein staining with the slit-lamp examination
  • Removal of foreign bodies - using needle tip or cotton wool bud
  • Administering local anaesthetic
  • Wound assessment and management
  • Basic procedural sedation with airway management
  • Prepare and administer non-invasive ventilator support
  • Understand the difference between BiPAP and CPAP and their respective values
  • The optiflow nasal cannula and more.

Selected video demonstrations explain each procedure and its key steps. Clinical skill competency is not assessed. Students are strongly encouraged to arrange hands-on clinical sessions with a local clinical specialist after completing the programme.

Learning & assessment

Learning

How you will learn

The programme uses flexible online learning and is designed to be completed alongside professional practice. An introductory workshop also forms part of the programme. Students are also expected to participate in online clinical activity.

Assessment

How you will be assessed

Assessment includes an end-of-programme examination.

Entry requirements

Applications are welcomed from healthcare practitioners worldwide. As the programme is delivered online, applicants must have reliable access to a computer and the internet.

Applicants must provide

  • An MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), normally from an institution recognised by the World Health Organization
  • A satisfactory reference from a senior healthcare practitioner or line manager who knows their work and experience

English-language requirementsApplicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of oral and written English-language proficiency. Experience of working or studying in an English-speaking environment will normally be accepted.

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£4,800.00
Examination Fee£450.00
Re-Sit Examination£450.00
Duplicate Diploma£100.00

Refund policy

Fee typeMore than 2 months before commencementLess than 2 months before commencementAfter commencement
Registration FeeNon RefundableNon RefundableNon Refundable
Examination Fee100% refund100% refundNon Refundable
Course Fee100% refund85% refundNon Refundable

Accreditation

Awarded by

University of Plymouth

Successful completion leads to the Postgraduate Diploma Acute Medicine and Urgent Care.

The programme is awarded by the University of Plymouth. This is an internationally recognised UK academic award.

Dates

IntakeStart DateExamination
February 20263rd February 202610th November 2026
September 20268th September 20261st June 2027
February 20272nd February 20279th November 2027
September 20277th September 20276th June 2028
February 20281st February 20287th November 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.