Diabetes

Module aims:
To critically analyse the precision diagnosis, classification, and personalised presentation of diabetes, with a person-centred approach.
To evaluate the epidemiology and pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus through research and evidence-based understanding.
To understand the driving factors for Type 2 diabetes.
To understand the fundamentals of obesity.

Module content:

• Glucose metabolism
• Definition of diabetes
• Incidence and prevalence
• Aetiology
• Diagnostic criteria of diabetes, its classification, presentation and epidemiology
• To make precision diagnoses of diabetes types and classify them appropriately (ie.: Genetic diabetes, ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD), secondary diabetes)
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Screening for diabetes

Module outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate the diverse types, diagnostic criteria, and clinical presentations of diabetes, including genetic, autoimmune, and obesity-related forms.
2. Analyse epidemiological trends, pathophysiological mechanisms, and statistical concepts related to diabetes and its complications.

Module aims:
This module aims to synthesise a critical and applied understanding of diverse approaches to delivering personalised diabetes care, including multidisciplinary collaboration in complex and unpredictable situations.

Module content:

• The interrelationship between obesity and diabetes
• Behavioural change in diabetes management
• Exercise and nutrition in diabetes management
• Structured educational programmes in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Module outcomes:

1. Develop personalised strategies for behavioural change, exercise, and nutrition management in individuals with diabetes, considering psychological and educational aspects.
2. Critically evaluate the roles and impact of multidisciplinary teams and structured educational programmes in delivering comprehensive diabetes care.

Module aims:
This module aims to tically analyse the evolving landscape of pharmacological interventions in diabetes management, shifting towards a comprehensive approach emphasising cardio-renal-metabolic control and protection, and equip students with knowledge of emerging therapeutic horizons beyond glycemic control.

Module content:

• Oral medication in the management of T2DM
• Non-insulin injectables
• Pivotal studies
• Insulin-based therapies

Module outcomes:

1. Synthesise knowledge of the mechanisms of action, evidence base, and clinical applications of pharmacological interventions for type 2 diabetes, with a focus on cardio-renal protection.
2. Integrate practical considerations and emerging approaches in insulin-based therapies for effective management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Module aims:
This module aims to critically evaluate the increasing role of technology in enabling precision and personalised diabetes care, and develop practical competencies in the application of technological advancements for effective management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while addressing the unique challenges of diabetes as a comorbidity across various medical disciplines.

Module content:

• Technology and diabetes: from theory to practice
• Management of specific conditions
• Inpatient diabetes management

Module outcomes:

1. Critique the practical applications of technology in diabetes management, including insulin delivery systems, continuous glucose monitoring, and ambulatory glucose profile interpretation.
2. Develop personalised management strategies for specific conditions related to diabetes, such as gestational diabetes, drug-induced diabetes, and genetic forms of diabetes and obesity.

Module aims:
This module aims to critically appraise the short and long-term complications of diabetes, considering the perspective of the person with diabetes. This module will also prepare students to evaluate the evidence base and apply strategies for the prevention, delay and treatment of diabetes complications.

Module content:

• Short-term complications: hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
• Short-term complications: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS/HONK)
• Management of home emergencies in diabetes
• Long-term complications: microvascular disease and diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy
• Long-term complications: diabetic nephropahty and neuropathy
• Long-term complications: sexual dysfunction and comprehensive management strategies

Module outcomes:

1. Illustrate proficiency in recognising and managing acute metabolic complications associated with diabetes.
2. Exhibit mastery in recognising and managing microvascular complications of diabetes and evaluate strategies for prevention and treatment.

Module aims:
This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of risk factors and comprehensive management approaches for macrovascular complications, considering the perspective of the person with diabetes.

Module content:

• Macrovascular disease in diabetes: overview and epidemiology
• Cardiovascular disease and diabetic foot management
• Cardiovascular risk factors and their management
• Primary and secondary preventative measures
• Treatment targets and interventions
• Clinical trials, data interpretation and critical evaluation

Module outcomes:

1. Utilise the evidence base to identify and assess risk factors for macrovascular complications in individuals with diabetes.
2. Critically appraise and apply clinical trial evidence in the comprehensive management of macrovascular complications in diabetes.

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 Diabetes develops an evidence-based understanding of diabetes diagnosis, patient-centred care, pharmacological treatment, diabetes technology, and the prevention and management of complications.

Yes. The programme is delivered 100% online and part-time, allowing you to study alongside your professional and personal commitments from wherever you are based.

The programme comprises six modules (120 Level 7 credits) and can be completed in as little as 12 months through flexible, part-time study.

Yes. The programme explores diabetes technology, including insulin delivery systems, continuous glucose monitoring, ambulatory glucose profile interpretation, and its role within personalised diabetes management.