- Validated by
-
- Duration
- 12 months
- Apply by
- 6th Sep 2026
Total fees
£4,640Next intake
September 2026
Apply by
6th Sep 2026
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
12 months
About this programme
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Physiology offers a career-focused exploration of human physiological systems, from advanced diagnostic techniques to innovative evaluation methods. Ideal for graduates in biological sciences, sports science, and allied health, this programme opens doors to specialised NHS career pathways, including roles in cardiac and respiratory physiology and sleep science.
You’ll develop essential skills in interpreting complex physiological data, understanding treatment efficacy, and implementing the latest healthcare technologies, making you a valuable asset in a rapidly evolving industry. With a strong focus on practical applications, this diploma aligns with NHS-recognised clinical physiologist roles, ensuring strong employability prospects.
The curriculum integrates clinical expertise with technological advancement, preparing you for real-world clinical challenges. As healthcare increasingly emphasises personalised and lifestyle medicine, this programme builds foundational knowledge and equips you to support effective patient care.
Our 100% online, flexible Diploma in Physiology distinguishes itself through its focus on commercial applications and research methodology. You'll bridge the gap between clinical practice and industry needs, gaining a competitive edge with employers in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and research organisations. This unique approach ensures you're well-positioned to advance your career, increase your earning potential, and drive meaningful change in healthcare.
Who can study this Postgraduate Diploma in Physiology?
This Diploma in Physiology is designed for ambitious healthcare professionals seeking to advance their understanding of human physiological systems and their application in clinical practice. It is particularly suitable for:
General Practitioners (GPs): This Diploma in Physiology enhances GPs' ability to assess and manage complex physiological conditions, providing advanced knowledge in diagnostic interpretation and treatment evaluation. The programme enables them to lead in implementing innovative approaches to patient care and contribute to clinical research in primary care settings.
Nurses: Our programme equips nurses with advanced physiological assessment skills and deep understanding of monitoring technologies, enabling them to take on specialist roles, contribute to research, and lead in the implementation of evidence-based interventions across various healthcare settings.
Pharmacists: The programme strengthens pharmacists' understanding of physiological processes and their interaction with therapeutic interventions. This advanced knowledge enables them to excel in clinical research, drug development, and the evaluation of treatment efficacy in complex cases.
Allied Health Professionals: For physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other AHPs, this PGDip provides advanced expertise in physiological assessment and monitoring. This knowledge enhances their ability to design and implement evidence-based interventions, particularly in rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
Clinical Researchers: Researchers will advance with the skills needed to design and conduct physiological studies, evaluate medical devices, and contribute to technological innovations in healthcare. This is particularly valuable for those working in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and research organisations.
What will you study on this Postgraduate Diploma in Physiology?
Year 1
Module 1 Module 1 - Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology +
Aim of the module:
Develop advanced knowledge of cardiovascular system physiology and pathophysiology and its application to clinical practice.
__Learning Outcomes: __
- Critically evaluate the mechanisms of physiological function and control in the human cardiovascular system, integrating knowledge to interpret the progression from normal homeostasis to pathophysiology.
- Analyse advanced cardiovascular pathophysiological processes, interpreting complex clinical manifestations and emerging therapeutic interventions.
Module Content:
- Cardiovascular Physiology – The Heart as A Pump
- Cardiovascular Integration and Regulation
- Vascular System Physiology
- Haemodynamics and Microvascular Control
- Cardiac Pathophysiology and Disease
- Circulatory System Pathophysiology and Disease
Module 2 Module 2: Respiratory Physiology and Pathophysiology +
Aims of the module:
Develop advanced knowledge of respiratory system physiology and pathophysiology and its application to clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically evaluate intricate respiratory control mechanisms, synthesising advanced understanding of gas exchange, ventilation, and systemic respiratory interactions.
- Examine the pathophysiological processes underlying respiratory diseases and their implications for clinical interventions.
Module Content:
- Respiratory Physiology – Lungs and Mechanics of Breathing
- Respiratory Physiology – Ventilation & Perfusion
- Respiratory Physiology – Gaseous Exchange
- Pulmonary Regulation
- Respiratory Pathophysiology
- Respiratory Disease
Module 3 Module 3: Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology +
Aims of the module:
Develop advanced knowledge of renal system physiology and pathophysiology and its application to clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse sophisticated renal regulatory processes, integrating evidence to appraise the shift from normal homeostasis to pathophysiological states.
- Investigate the underlying pathophysiology of renal diseases and their application to complex clinical scenarios.
Module Content:
Renal Physiology – Functional Role of the Kidneys
Renal Physiology – Filtration, Reabsorption and Secretion
Renal Physiology – Fluid Balance
The Kidneys and Acid-Base Balance
Renal Pathophysiology
Renal Disease
Module 4 Module 4: Endocrine and Metabolic Physiology +
Aims of the module:
Develop advanced knowledge of endocrine and metabolic system physiology and pathophysiology and its application to clinical practice.
Module Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate intricate endocrine regulatory networks, synthesising knowledge of complex interactions between metabolic pathways and systemic physiological responses.
- Assess the pathophysiological mechanisms of endocrine and metabolic disorders and synthesise their integration into clinical practice.
Module Content:
- Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland Control
- Thyroid & Parathyroid Physiology
- Adrenal Physiology
- Pancreas and Metabolic Physiology
- Endocrine Pathophysiology
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disease
Module 5 Module 5: Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology +
Aims of the module:
Develop advanced knowledge of neurophysiology and pathophysiology and its application to clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Interpret the functional organisation and control of neurophysiological systems, linking theoretical insights to the development of pathophysiological conditions.
- Critically appraise the pathophysiology of nervous system disorders, integrating this understanding into advanced clinical applications.
Module Content:
Neural Communication In Vivo – Excitable Cells
Somatic Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
Proprioception and Motor Control
Pathophysiology of the Nervous System
Nervous System Disease
Module 6 Module 6: Interdisciplinary and Clinical Exercise Physiology +
Aims of the module:
Evaluate and synthesise evidence on the effects, benefits and prescription of exercise in acute and chronic diseases, critically analysing its impact on population health.
Develop advanced knowledge of environmental and applied clinical physiology and its application to clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the role of exercise in managing acute and chronic conditions across diverse populations, applying current research to optimise evidence-based exercise interventions.
- Critically analyse complex interactions between exercise, environmental factors, and clinical physiological responses, constructing advanced interdisciplinary clinical management strategies.
Module Content:
- Acute and Chronic Physiological Responses to Exercise
- Role of Exercise in Prevention & Treatment of Disease
- Exercise Prescription and Programmingin Clinical Populations
- Environmental Physiology
- Environmental and Integrated Clinical Physiology
- Interdisciplinary and Applied Clinical Physiology
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.
-
About 10 hours a week
A little and often — daily login beats a weekly cram.
Assessment methods
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.
Academic Forum 40% +
- Case problems reflective of day-to-day practice/research will be presented for the students to consider and answer every week.
- Students discuss the concepts being presented in the case within their online group discussion forum, facilitated throughout the module by their tutor and marked by them at the end of the module.
- The content of the academic forum is based on the learning outcomes for the module.
Reflective Journal 10% +
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.
Module Activity 20% +
This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:
Group activity
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 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.
or
Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.
Exam 30% +
- Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.
- The online exam is marked automatically.
- The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.
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 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales 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.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@learna.ac.uk to find out more.
Faculty

Programme Director
Dr. Karl New

Tutor
Jacques van Blerk

Tutor
Dr Prakash Kumar Nayak
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Validated by
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
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 |
Dates for MSc Year 2 October 2026 Intake
| Module | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 (USW) | 12th October 2026 | 20th December 2026 |
| Module 2 (USW) | 4th January 2027 | 25th July 2027 |
| Module 1 (UoB) | 12th October 2026 | 25th July 2027 |
| Module 1 (UoB eMBA) | 12th October 2026 | 9th May 2027 |
Course fees and payment options
Course fees
- Deposit for September 2026
- £405
- Total course fees (UK & international)
- £4,640
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 | £405 |
| 1st May 2026 | £385 |
| 1st June 2026 | £385 |
| 1st July 2026 | £385 |
| 1st August 2026 | £385 |
| 1st September 2026 | £385 |
| 1st October 2026 | £385 |
| 1st November 2026 | £385 |
| 1st December 2026 | £385 |
| 1st January 2027 | £385 |
| 1st February 2027 | £385 |
| 1st March 2027 | £385 |
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.