Critical Care

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 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

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology, and management of sepsis in critical care settings.
2. 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.
3. 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 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

1. 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.
2. Critically evaluate current research and guidelines relating to the pathophysiology, presentation and management of patients in critical care requiring cardiovascular support.
3. 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.

Module Aims
To address various aspects of post-surgery critical care management, whilst also exploring gastrointestinal considerations and infection prevention to ensure comprehensive care for surgical patients during their critical recovery period.

Module Content

• Principles of post-surgery critical care
• Respiratory management following surgery
• Cardiovascular management following surgery
• Pain management and early mobilisation
• Gastrointestinal considerations in post-surgery patients
• Wound care and infection prevention in the post surgery period

Module Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of postoperative critical care management, including recognition and management of common complications.
2. Develop an ability to critically evaluate and analyse the current evidence and strategies for optimising respiratory and cardiovascular function in the postoperative period.
3. Apply the knowledge acquired to synthesise a multidisciplinary approach to post-surgery management and rehabilitation to enhance patients' critical recovery and functional outcomes.

Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge and understanding of non-traumatic injuries, along with the appropriate assessment and management of traumatic head injuries, in a range of presentations that would require critical care interventions and ethical decision-making in complex scenarios.

Module Content

• Overview of non-traumatic head injuries, including subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Management of non-traumatic head injuries
• Traumatic head injuries: overview and assessment
• Acute management of traumatic brain injuries
• Rehabilitation and recovery after head injuries
• Ethical considerations in head injury management

Module Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis and management of head injuries.
2. Analyse and critically evaluate the management approaches for head injuries, including the application of evidence-based guidelines to make informed decisions.
3. Synthesise the evidence to deliver diagnostic and management strategies in critical care settings relating to non-traumatic and traumatic head injuries.

Module Aims
To equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to make ethically sound decisions and communicate effectively with colleagues and patients, whilst upholding principles of patient autonomy, beneficence and justice. Workforce wellbeing, at a multidisciplinary level, is explored, giving students and opportunity to recognise and develop support for the team and for individual colleagues, when working in a variety of intensive and traumatic scenarios.

Module Content

• Ethical considerations in critical care
• Legal framework: informed consent and patient rights
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, communication and workforce wellbeing within trauma and intensive care settings
• Ethical issues in organ support and allocation
• Principles of critical care rehabilitation
• Psychosocial aspects of critical care rehabilitation

Module Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a critical and systematic knowledge of complex and ethical dilemmas in critical care to make informed and ethically sound decisions.
2. Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to ethical and legal frameworks within critical care.
3. Develop advanced skills and effectively apply ethical and legal principles in decision-making in critical care settings.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

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).

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.

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.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care is a Level 7 postgraduate qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge of the assessment and management of critically ill patients. Learna's Postgraduate Diploma comprises six modules worth 120 credits and can be completed online and part-time over 12 months.

Yes. The Postgraduate Diploma can be relevant to registered nurses working in ICU, intensive care, emergency, or acute care environments who want to develop advanced postgraduate knowledge of Critical Care. The curriculum covers areas directly relevant to critically ill patients, including ventilation, sepsis, cardiovascular support, postoperative care, and rehabilitation.

Yes. The Postgraduate Diploma is designed for doctors and other registered healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge of Critical Care. It may be particularly relevant where clinical practice involves recognising, assessing, or managing acute, deteriorating, or critically ill patients.

Not necessarily. Critical Care knowledge can be relevant across healthcare settings where professionals encounter critically ill or deteriorating 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 applicable entry requirements.