Haematology

Module Aims
To understand day-to-day blood test investigations in primary care and define the framework of referrals of haematological abnormalities to the appropriate specialists.

Module Content
Practical haematological knowledge with an emphasis on normal and abnormal results in a range of settings; also effective communication and accurate terminology to be applied, with a multidisciplinary approach, when referring patients to specialist haematology teams in secondary care.

Module Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the analysis and diagnosis of complex haematological disorders encountered in a variety of settings, considering the underlying causes, clinical manifestations, and relevant diagnostic criteria.
• Critically evaluate and adapt communication strategies to effectively collaborate and exchange information within multidisciplinary care teams regarding patients with complex haematological disorders.
• Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the relevance and diagnostic significance of conducting specific tests and investigations for haematological disorders in the primary care setting, before making appropriate and timely referrals to secondary care.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the most common haematological disorders presenting in primary care to differentiate cases where appropriate investigations may facilitate diagnosis, versus urgent referrals to secondary care and specialist teams.

Module Content

• Individual cytopenias anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Pancytopenia

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the identification and potential investigations of the underlying causes of different cytopenias, considering a wide range of factors such as haematological disorders, systemic diseases, medications, and genetic abnormalities.
• Critically evaluate the need for specific tests to further investigate cytopenias or pancytopenia, demonstrating a systematic understanding of the risk of neutropenic sepsis, in a variety of settings.
• Synthesise and translate the critical knowledge into complex case scenarios relating to the early diagnosis and appropriate referral of common haematological disorders that may present within a variety of settings.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the principles and pathophysiological mechanisms of the coagulation system causing bleeding of thrombotic episodes and implementation into everyday practice including surgery and obstetrics/gynaecology.

Module Content

• Haemostasis overview
• Thrombosis
• Bleeding problems and surgical procedures
• Obstetric haematology

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the application of clotting tests and thrombophilia screening in the evaluation and management of patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, considering their diagnostic value, limitations and implications for treatment decisions.
• Critically evaluate the facilitation of early management and ordering of specific investigations for these patients presenting with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the appropriate tests, their interpretation and their significance in guiding clinical decisions in a variety of settings.
• Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the process of ordering initial investigations for patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the principles of anticoagulation therapy in a variety of settings, including indications, initiation, monitoring, and complications.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge of the clinical features and common causes of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly while elaborating on the most common lymphatic disorders presenting to healthcare professionals, ie Hodgkins and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Module Content

• Causes and specific investigations and management of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly
• Types of lymphomas presenting to primary care

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the systematic evaluation of patients presenting with lymphatic disorders, including lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and suspected lymphomas, integrating knowledge of clinical features, medical history and physical examination.
• Critically evaluate the process of ordering appropriate investigations and interpreting findings to establish a diagnosis in primary care settings, considering the specific characteristics and limitations of a range of appropriate tests.
• Demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach and advanced clinical reasoning skills to the process of implementing initial management strategies for patients with lymphatic disorders, including appropriate interventions, monitoring plans and referral pathways, ensuring timely and optimal patient care in a variety settings.

Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the presentation of the main pathophysiological features of suspected haematological malignancies and the impact to patients, along with rapid referral pathways by recognising red flags and indications for urgent referral or hospital admission, therefore implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input.

Module Content
This module will address all haematological malignancies, and a non malignant disorder but with similar consequences to patients(aplastic anaemia).

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the assessment of patients with suspected haematological malignancies, considering their clinical signs, symptoms, laboratory test results and imaging findings, to identify potential malignancies and their characteristics such as types, stages and prognostic factors.
• Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input with a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring the integration of specialist expertise and resources in the management of patients with haematological malignancies in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrate advanced diagnostic and management skills to confidently assess and appropriately refer patients presenting with suspected haematological malignancies in a variety of settings, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcomes.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the different types of thalassaemia, sickle cell and their genetic basis by recognising clinical features, diagnostic criteria and interpretation of investigations; developing appropriate management plans for patients with thalassaemia in primary care; exploring the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease; recognising the acute and chronic complications associated with sickle cell disease; implementing a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of primary care settings.

Module Content

• Thalassaemia intermedia and thalassaemia major
• Sickle cell anaemia and its complications
• Principles of transfusion practice including exchange transfusion

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the diagnosis, complications and management of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, integrating knowledge of genetic factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory testing to assess these presentations at an advanced level and in a range of settings.
• Critically evaluate referral pathways, including emergency referrals for patients presenting with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease in a range of complex scenarios, adopting a multidisciplinary approach across a range of primary and secondary care settings.
• Critically organise and communicate appropriate strategies for the delivery of a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of 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.