- Validated by
-
- Duration
- 12 months
- Apply by
- 6th Sep 2026
Total fees
£4,220Next intake
September 2026
Apply by
6th Sep 2026
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
12 months
About this programme
Develop broader postgraduate knowledge across family medicine and primary care with our university-validated Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine. Designed for working healthcare professionals, including GPs, doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other eligible healthcare professionals, this one-year Level 7 qualification provides a structured online Diploma in Family Medicine through flexible, 100% online, part-time study.
Across six 20-credit modules (120 credits), you’ll explore the breadth of presentations and considerations encountered across family medicine and general practice, including epidemiology, prevention and health promotion, women’s health and sexual health, child health, common disorders in adulthood, and mental health. You’ll examine evidence-based medicine, screening and preventative care, patient management, clinical decision-making, and complex patient care while critically considering current evidence and its application to healthcare practice.
Validated by the University of Buckingham, this family medicine postgraduate diploma combines case-based learning with critical appraisal, clinical reasoning, and the application of evidence to scenarios relevant to family medicine and primary care. Through independent research and tutor-facilitated discussion in small online groups, you’ll develop broader postgraduate knowledge alongside your existing professional commitments, with fully online learning supporting participation across different working patterns and time zones.
Who can study this Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine is designed for registered healthcare professionals who want to develop broader, evidence-informed knowledge across family medicine, primary care, and the management of common and complex patient presentations.
The programme is particularly relevant to:
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Doctors working in primary care or general practice
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants and professionals in comparable eligible roles
- Pharmacists
- Other registered healthcare professionals
- Healthcare professionals seeking broader knowledge across common primary care presentations
- International healthcare professionals seeking flexible postgraduate Family Medicine study
For GPs and doctors working in primary care or general practice, this family medicine course provides an opportunity to explore a broad range of presentations while developing critical appraisal, evidence-based decision-making, and approaches to complex patient management. Nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other registered healthcare professionals may also be eligible where they meet the programme’s entry requirements.
What will you study on this Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine comprises six 20-credit modules (120 credits) completed over one year, providing broad postgraduate study across preventative care, health promotion, women’s and sexual health, child health, adult medicine, mental health, and evidence-based practice.
You’ll explore how epidemiology, screening, prevention, and health promotion inform approaches to population and individual health before examining presentations and considerations across different stages of life. The curriculum spans women’s health and sexual health, child health, common disorders in adulthood, and mental health, reflecting the breadth of knowledge relevant to family medicine and primary care.
Across the programme, you’ll engage with evidence, research, and guidance while developing critical appraisal and clinical decision-making skills. Case-based learning enables you to consider complex patient care in context, including multidisciplinary approaches and the application of evidence to healthcare practice.
During the programme, you’ll study:
- Epidemiology, Prevention and Health Promotion – explore epidemiological principles alongside approaches to prevention, screening, health promotion, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Women’s Health and Sexual Health – examine a range of presentations and considerations relating to women’s health and sexual health, developing your understanding of assessment, management, prevention, and evidence relevant to healthcare practice.
- Child Health – explore health and illness in children, considering common presentations and approaches to assessment and patient management within the wider context of family and primary care.
- Common Disorders in Adulthood – develop broader knowledge of common adult presentations and consider evidence-informed approaches to assessment, management, and complex decision-making.
- Mental Health – examine mental health presentations and their management, considering evidence, patient-centred approaches, and the wider factors influencing mental health and wellbeing.
- Evidence-based Practice and Broader Family Medicine Themes – consolidate learning across the programme through critical appraisal, evidence-based medicine, complex patient management, multidisciplinary care, and clinical decision-making.
Together, these six modules reflect the broad, generalist nature of family medicine and provide structured postgraduate education relevant to healthcare professionals working across family medicine, general practice, primary care, and related healthcare settings.
Year 1
Module 1 Module 1 - Epidemiology, Prevention and Health Promotion +
Aim of the module
To develop an in-depth understanding of the global epidemiology of disease and the importance of preventative care and health promotion in family medicine.
Synopsis of module content
- The principles of prevention
- Health promotion
- Screening
- Primary and secondary preventative strategies of chronic disease
- Vaccinations
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the eipidemiology of disease globally, health promotion measure, and screening and immunisations as part of disease preventative strategies.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of health promotion strategies into their practices as a family physician.
Module 2 Module 2 - Women’s Health and Sexual Health +
Aim of the module:
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations associated with women's health and sexual health, in the context of Family Medicine.
Synopsis of module content:
- Common gynaecological presentations including menstral disorders
- Menopause-related conditions
- Common disorders in pregnancy
- Sexual health presentation (male and female) including STIs
- Contraception
- Infertility
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in women's health and sexual health.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a family physician.
Module 3 Module 3 - Child Health +
Aim of the module
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations associated with child health, in the context of Family Medicine.
Synopsis of module content:
- The febrile child
- Childhood respiratory diseases and abdominal diseases
- Childhood rashes
- Behavioural problems
- Childhood emergencies
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of common primary care presentations and the recognition of emergencies in child health.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a family physician.
Module 4 Module 4 - Common Disorders in Adulthood +
Module Aim
- To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common presentations in adulthood, in the context of Family Medicine.
Synopsis of module content:
- This module will cover a range of common presentations of common disorders in adulthood that may present to the family physician in primary care. This will include disorders of the main systems of the body and include some common emergencies seen in adult medicine.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of common primary care presentations and the recognition of emergencies in adult medicine.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their
practice as a family physician.
Module 5 Module 5 - Mental Health +
Aims of the module:
- To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the common mental health presentations, in the context of Family Medicine.
- To develop an understanding of some of the psychological interventions in primary care.
Synopsis of the module content:
This module will provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of a range
of common mental health presentations that may present to the family physician.
This will include:
- low mood
- delirium and dementia
- eating disorders
- schizoaffective disorders
This module will also cover an overview of some of the methods to promote well
being and psychological interventions in primary care.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in mental health.
- Critically evaluate a variety of methods used to promote well being and psychological interventions available to family physicians.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their
practice as a family physician.
Module 6 Module 6 - Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Palliative Care +
Aims of the module:
- To develop an in-depth knowledge and improve recognition of the symptoms presenting to the family physician, that may indicate a possible cancer diagnosis.
- To improve the understanding of palliative care including the treatment of symptoms as well as legal issues and the role of the multidisciplinary team in palliative care.
Synopsis of module content:
- An overview of the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers that
may present to the family physician. - Recognition of red flag symptoms for different malignancies that should alert urgent referral to secondary care for further investigations.
- Palliative care including the treatment of palliative care symptoms, legal
issues and the role of the multidisciplinary team.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of symptoms presenting
to the family physician which may indicate a possible cancer diagnosis and
improve recognition of these symptoms. - Demonstrate a critical knowledge, understanding and evaluation of palliative care including the treatment of associated symptoms, related legal issues and the important role of the multidisciplinary team.
- Critically apply knowledge of cancer diagnosis, treatment and palliative care
into their practice as a family physician.
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.
-
100% flexible
Online, with no campus days. Study around clinic, nights and family life.
-
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
This postgraduate diploma in family medicine online places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The 6 modules on the family medicine 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 family medicine 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.
Academic Forum - 40% +
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
Module Assignment - 20% +
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
Case-Based Examination - 30% +
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Reflective Journal - 10% +
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
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.
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 Karuna Chellaram Hathiramani MAcadMEd, MBBCh, MRCGP, DRCOG, DCH, MBA
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 |
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
- £370
- Total course fees (UK & international)
- £4,220
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 | £370 |
| 1st May 2026 | £350 |
| 1st June 2026 | £350 |
| 1st July 2026 | £350 |
| 1st August 2026 | £350 |
| 1st September 2026 | £350 |
| 1st October 2026 | £350 |
| 1st November 2026 | £350 |
| 1st December 2026 | £350 |
| 1st January 2027 | £350 |
| 1st February 2027 | £350 |
| 1st March 2027 | £350 |
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 Diploma in Family Medicine? +
A Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine is a postgraduate academic qualification focused on developing broader knowledge relevant to family medicine, primary care, evidence-based practice, and patient management. Learna’s PGDip Family Medicine is a one-year, 120-credit Level 7 qualification delivered 100% online and part-time.
It is designed for registered healthcare professionals and does not itself provide professional registration or a licence to practise as a GP or family physician.
Does the Postgraduate Diploma qualify me to become a GP or family physician +
No. The Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine is an academic postgraduate qualification and does not itself qualify you for professional registration or specialty recognition as a GP or family physician. Requirements vary internationally, so you should check the relevant professional or regulatory requirements in the country where you intend to practise.
Is Family Medicine the same as general practice? +
The terminology varies internationally. Family medicine and general practice can describe closely related areas of healthcare, but their precise meaning, professional pathways, and regulatory requirements differ between countries.
The programme explores knowledge relevant across family medicine, general practice, and primary care without assuming that the terms family physician, family doctor, and GP have identical professional meanings in every jurisdiction.