- Validated by
-
- Duration
- 6 months
- Apply by
- 6th Sep 2026
Total fees
£2,400Next intake
September 2026
Apply by
6th Sep 2026
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
6 months
About this programme
Develop focused postgraduate knowledge of Critical Care with our university-validated Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care. Designed for healthcare professionals who encounter acutely or critically ill patients, including those working beyond dedicated intensive care units, this six-month Level 7 qualification provides a structured route into postgraduate critical care medicine through flexible, 100% online, part-time study.
Across three 20-credit modules (60 credits), you'll focus on Respiratory Support, Sepsis, and Cardiovascular Support and Heart Failure. You'll examine respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation, sepsis diagnosis and management, antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, haemodynamic support, heart failure, and cardiovascular monitoring while critically considering current evidence and approaches to patient care.
Validated by the University of Buckingham, this online Critical Care Certificate combines case-based learning with the critical evaluation and application of evidence across real-world Critical Care scenarios. Through problem solving, critical appraisal, and Tutor-facilitated discussion in small online groups, you can develop focused postgraduate knowledge alongside your existing professional commitments, with 24/7 access supporting different working patterns and time zones.
Who can study this Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care is designed for registered healthcare professionals who want to develop focused postgraduate knowledge of Critical Care and the management of critically ill patients. You do not need to work exclusively within an intensive care unit (ICU), as Critical Care knowledge is relevant across healthcare settings where professionals encounter acutely or critically ill and deteriorating patients.
The programme is particularly suitable for:
- Doctors and physicians
- Nurses, including those working with acutely or critically ill patients
- GPs
- Paramedics
- Pharmacists
- Physician associates
- Allied healthcare professionals
- Healthcare professionals working outside dedicated ICU roles
- International healthcare professionals seeking flexible postgraduate Critical Care study
- Professionals looking for a shorter postgraduate qualification before potentially progressing to the PGDip or MSc
Whether you work within intensive care, emergency or acute care, or another healthcare environment where you encounter critically ill or deteriorating patients, the PGCert Critical Care provides focused postgraduate education across three core areas of Critical Care. As the shorter qualification within the Critical Care pathway, it enables you to undertake six months of structured postgraduate study without initially committing to the broader Postgraduate Diploma or MSc.
What will you study on this Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care comprises three 20-credit modules (60 credits) completed over six months, providing focused study of respiratory support, sepsis, and cardiovascular support and heart failure.
You'll begin by examining respiratory failure and the principles of respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation, ventilation strategies, ventilator-associated complications, weaning and extubation, and non-invasive ventilation. You'll then explore the pathophysiology of sepsis alongside approaches to sepsis diagnosis and risk stratification, antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, and haemodynamic support.
The programme also examines cardiovascular support and heart failure, including diagnosis, pharmacological management, cardiovascular monitoring, advanced cardiovascular support, multidisciplinary care, and ethical decision-making. Across all three modules, you'll engage with current research and clinical guidelines, developing your critical appraisal and clinical problem-solving skills while considering how evidence-based practice relates to the care and management of critically ill patients.
During the programme, you'll study:
- Respiratory Support – examine respiratory failure and approaches to respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation modes and strategies, ventilator-associated complications, weaning and extubation, non-invasive ventilation, and the management of acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases.
- Sepsis – explore the pathophysiology of sepsis, diagnosis and risk stratification, early management, antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, and haemodynamic support while critically considering current evidence and approaches to sepsis management.
- Cardiovascular Support and Heart Failure – examine the pathophysiology, presentation, and diagnosis of heart failure alongside pharmacological management, cardiovascular monitoring, advanced cardiovascular support devices, multidisciplinary management, patient-centred care, and ethical decision-making.
Together, these three modules provide a focused academic understanding of critical care medicine, enabling you to explore the evidence and approaches underpinning respiratory, sepsis, and cardiovascular management in critically ill patients.
Year 1
Module 1 Module 1 - Respiratory Support +
Module Aims
This module addresses the essential topics in respiratory support, along with related ethical decision-making and communication in critical care settings.
Module Content
- Fundamentals of respiratory failure
- Mechanical ventilation modes and strategies
- Ventilator-associated complications and prevention
- Weaning and extubation protocols
- Non-invasive ventilation techniques
- Management of acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases
Module Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the aetiology, classification and ethical consideration of acute respiratory failure, including the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to different respiratory support needs in critical care settings.
- Systematically analyse and critically evaluate current research and guidelines related to the aetiology, classification and management of patients requiring respiratory support in the critical care setting.
- Apply effective communication and collaborative skills within multidisciplinary teams to optimise respiratory support and ethical management for critically ill patients, demonstrating proficiency in the recognition of patient-centred care, communication of ethical decision making, and promoting of interdisciplinary teamwork.
Module 2 Module 2 - Sepsis +
Module Aims
To equip students with a systematic understanding of sepsis, including the pathophysiology, and the crucial aspects of diagnosis and early management to improve patient outcomes in critical care settings.
Module Content
- Fundamentals of sepsis
- Pathophysiology of sepsis
- Diagnosis and risk stratification in sepsis
- Management of sepsis: early interventions
- Antimicrobal therapy in sepsis
- Fluid resuscitation and haemodynamic support in sepsis
Module Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology, and management of sepsis in critical care settings.
- Analyse and critically evaluate diagnostic criteria, risk stratification methods, and early management strategies to identify and manage sepsis promptly in a range of clinical settings.
- Apply effective communication and collaborative skills within a multidisciplinary team environment to support the implementation of evidence-based interventions that would aim to prevent complications and optimise patient outcomes in sepsis cases.
Module 3 Module 3 - Cardiovascular Support and Heart Failure +
Module Aims
To provide a comprehensive exploration of the delivery of cardiovascular support in critical care settings, and also the pathophysiology and management of heart failure, to include related ethical decision-making and discussions.
Module Content
This module will explore cardiovascular monitoring techniques, some of the most common invasive methods and the use of vasoactive agents and mechanical circulatory support devices, to optimise patient outcomes in high-acuity situations. Topics will include:
- Pathophysiology of heart failure
- Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation
- Pharmacological management of heart failure
- Cardiovascular monitoring
- Advanced cardiovascular support devices
- Multidisciplinary approach to heart failure management, including ethical decisions
Module Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of heart failure and other cardiovascular issues in patients in need of critical care.
- Critically evaluate current research and guidelines relating to the pathophysiology, presentation and management of patients in critical care requiring cardiovascular support.
- Apply effective communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate cardiovascular support and heart failure management for critically ill patients, ensuring an ethical, patient-centred approach aimed at improved outcomes.
How will I learn?
You’ll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform: clinical cases, assignments and collaboration with fellow students at times that suit your rota. There is no fixed timetable — log in daily to take part in the week’s activities.
Groups are small, typically 10–20 students, so discussion stays close to practice. A dedicated tutor and the Student Support Team stay with you through the module.
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100% flexible
Online, with no campus days. Study around clinic, nights and family life.
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Case-based
Two or three clinically rich scenarios each week, discussed with peers and marked by your tutor.
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About 10 hours a week
A little and often — daily login beats a weekly cram.
Assessment methods
The Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of real life scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based practice. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The three modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
Assessments are built into the learning. Each week you work through clinical cases with your tutor; those discussions are the core of both the teaching and the marks.
Reflective portfolio - 10% +
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires the students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme as the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides regular feedback to the student and marks it at the end of the module.
Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for both professional re-validation and professional development.
Case-based multiple-choice exam - 30% +
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically.
Module Activity (Group or Individual) - 20% +
The group activity is designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum (designed to put leadership skills into practice) and the leader allocates tasks to group members.
The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
Academic Forum (Case-based scenarios and discussion) - 40% +
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference. This can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English language requirements
Proficiency in the English language is essential to completing our courses. If English is not your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of Buckingham run a number of English language programmes to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Faculty
Programme Director
Dr Nick Stallard
Validated by
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and also one of the smallest with around 2,700 students, who study for honours degrees in two intensive years of study. The University houses its own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
Dates
Dates for Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma / MSc Year 1 September 2026 Intake
| Module | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Week | 7th September 2026 | 11th September 2026 |
| Module 1 | 14th September 2026 | 25th October 2026 |
| Module 2 | 9th November 2026 | 20th December 2026 |
| Module 3 | 11th January 2027 | 21st February 2027 |
| Module 4 | 8th March 2027 | 18th April 2027 |
| Module 5 | 3rd May 2027 | 13th June 2027 |
| Module 6 | 28th June 2027 | 8th August 2027 |
Course fees and payment options
Course fees
- Deposit for September 2026
- £400
- Total course fees (UK & international)
- £2,400
Payment options
- Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
- Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.
Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years.
Payment plan breakdown
| Instalment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deposit | £400 |
| 1st May 2026 | £400 |
| 1st June 2026 | £400 |
| 1st July 2026 | £400 |
| 1st August 2026 | £400 |
| 1st September 2026 | £400 |
Deposits are non-refundable. Prices are subject to review following each intake. Lendwise finance is subject to eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Are the courses recognised outside of the UK? +
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
How do online courses work? +
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
How much time will I need to spend on the course each week? +
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Is the course completely online? +
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
My international degree was taught in English - do I still need to take an English test to prove my English proficiency? +
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Do you offer any payment plans or funding support? +
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
What discounts are available, and how much can I save? +
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
What is a Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care? +
A Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care is a Level 7 postgraduate qualification focused on developing knowledge relevant to the assessment and management of critically ill patients. Learna's Critical Care Postgraduate Certificate comprises three 20-credit modules, totaling 60 credits, and can be completed online and part-time over six months.
Who should study a Critical Care Certificate? +
A Critical Care Certificate is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who want focused postgraduate study of Critical Care. This can include doctors, nurses, GPs, paramedics, pharmacists, physician associates, allied healthcare professionals, and professionals working outside dedicated ICU roles who encounter acutely or critically ill patients.
Is a Critical Care Certificate useful for nurses? +
A Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care may be relevant to registered nurses who work with critically ill or deteriorating patients and want to develop their knowledge of Critical Care. The multidisciplinary programme is also designed for doctors and other registered healthcare professionals.
Is a Critical Care Certificate useful for doctors? +
A Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care can support doctors who want to develop postgraduate knowledge of areas including respiratory failure, sepsis, and cardiovascular support. It may be particularly relevant to doctors whose clinical work involves acutely or critically ill patients.
Do I need to work in an ICU to study Critical Care? +
Not necessarily. Critical Care knowledge can be relevant across healthcare settings where professionals encounter acutely or critically ill patients, so your current role does not necessarily need to be based exclusively within an intensive care unit. You will still need to meet the programme's entry requirements.