Postgraduate Diploma

Geriatric Medicine

Develop specialist knowledge and practical clinical skills in geriatric medicine.

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

Overview

Global population ageing presents an important challenge and opportunity virtually to all countries. This is especially evident in less developed countries, where population ageing changes the nature of demands on health care systems by having to accommodate the needs of the older population as well as other care needs, such as child and maternal care. Developed countries will also have to adapt their health care systems because their population will continue to age. The education of tomorrow’s medical doctors in Geriatric Medicine is important because they will increasingly deal with older patients.

The Postgraduate Diploma Geriatric Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding in Geriatric Medicine. 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 medical conditions of the ageing population. 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 Geriatric Medicine

This module develops advanced knowledge of Geriatric Medicine.

Topics include:

  • Examination of key organ systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, dermatological, gastrointestinal, urogenital)
  • Ageing (demography, cultural aspects, normal and prescribing)
  • Emergencies
  • Dangerous diagnoses
  • ABCD symptoms
  • Urgent mental health disorders
  • Health checks
  • Nutrition & diet in the elderly
  • Activity & exercise
  • Arrhythmias
  • Relationships/sexual activity
  • Tremors/parkinson’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke management
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Falls
  • End of life/palliative care
  • Acute confusion/delirium
  • Dementia
  • Diarrhoea/constipation
  • Continence
  • Hearing loss/aids
  • Vertigo & tinnitus
  • Thyroid disease
  • Menopause & HRT
  • Osteoporosis
  • Gout/pseudogout
  • BPH/lower urinary tract symptoms
  • UTIs
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Vulval disease
  • Eye disorders
  • Cardiac pacing
  • Anaemia
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Insomnia/poor sleep
  • Leg ulcers
  • Pressure sores
  • GIT disorders in the elderly.
Module 3

Clinical Practice in Geriatric Medicine

This module covers clinical skills related to Geriatric Medicine:

  • ECG: perform and interpret
  • CVS examination
  • Cardiac murmurs
  • Jugular venous pulse
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Cardioversion
  • Heart failure
  • Basic respiratory tests
  • Peak flow
  • Nebuliser use
  • Urinalysis
  • Positional testing & Epley
  • Passing a urinary catheter
  • Pressure sores
  • Lower Limb ulcers
  • Musculoskeletal GALS assessment
  • DEXA interpretation
  • Assessing a confused patient
  • GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale) 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 Geriatric Medicine.

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.