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Postgraduate Diploma

Neurology

Validated by
University of Buckingham
Duration
12 months
Apply by
6th Sep 2026

Total fees

£5,130

Next intake

September 2026

Apply by

6th Sep 2026

Commitment

Part time

Format

100% online

Duration

12 months

About this programme

As the population ages, the prevalence of neurological conditions such as headaches, migraines, stroke, dementia and Parkinson’s disease continues to rise, creating an increased demand for neurological specialists. Our diploma in neurology is not just comprehensive but also tailored to meet the growing global need for experts in this critical field, empowering you to lead the charge in neurological care.

If you have a background in medicine, nursing or another allied health profession, studying a diploma in neurology with Learna | Diploma MSc will allow you to upskill and address the rising demand for neurological specialists, all the while enhancing your career, opening up new opportunities for progression and development.

By pursuing our PG Diploma in neurology, you embark on a rewarding career journey where you can make a tangible impact on the lives of patients. Whether aiding patients in their recovery from neurological injuries, providing relief from chronic pain, or assisting with adjustments to life with a neurological disorder, the transformative difference you can make after completing a clinical neurology course is undeniable. Studying our neurology diploma courses allows you to develop a deep understanding of the human brain and nervous system, and use this knowledge to help patients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Upon successfully completing this diploma in neurology online, you will have the expertise needed to provide high-quality care to patients with neurological conditions, and may be eligible to apply for specialist roles in neurology or other related fields. You may choose to further their education in neuroscience with a neurology master’s degree or a PhD to continue to deepen their understanding of the field of neurology and develop critical research skills.

The study of neurology means that you can study from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you, balancing full-time work and family commitments with your studies and career progression.

Accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK

Who can study this Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology?

Our neurology diploma are designed for healthcare professionals who have a background in medicine, nursing, or allied health professions, and who wish to specialise in the field of neurology. These include:

  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Therapists
  • Neurological rehabilitation specialists
  • Geriatricians
  • Primary care physicians
  • Neurodiagnostic technologists
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Specialists in related fields including stroke, acute medicine, paediatrics and psychiatry.

What will you study on this Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology?

The Neurology Diploma is a one-year course, consisting of six modules (120 credits).

Year 1

Module 1 Module 1: Acute Neurology +

Module Aims
To provide a systematic understanding of the knowledge and skills required to identify, diagnose, treat, and manage a range of acute neurological conditions in a variety of settings using the latest evidence-based knowledge and stimulating discussion on different diagnoses.

Module Content

  • Acute headache (including migraine)
  • Acute central nervous system infections (including meningitis)
  • Acute weakness, paraplegia, paraparesis
  • Acute encephalopathy
  • Neurology in cancer
  • Acute confusion and delirium

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of a range of acute neurological conditions
  2. Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of acute neurological conditions
  3. Synthesise the evidence and critically apply it to the management of patients presenting with acute neurological symptoms
Module 2 Module 2: Epilepsy +

Module Aims
To develop a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, investigation, and management of patients with epilepsy or epilepsy mimics, while increasing the knowledge surrounding the semiology of seizures and the management of chronic epilepsy in a variety of settings.

Module Content

  • Definition/classification
  • Acute management
  • Semiology of seizures
  • Management and investigation of chronic epilepsy
  • Epilepsy mimics

Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically apply a systematic understanding of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of epilepsy and conditions which mimic epilepsy
  2. Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of epilepsy
  3. Construct management strategies for the investigation and clinical management of presentations of epilepsy to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations
Module 3 Module 3: Transient Ischaemic Attacks and Strokes +

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the presentations, investigations, and management of patients experiencing transient ischaemic attacks and strokes, including methods of prevention and rehabilitation that would involve multidisciplinary team approaches in a variety of settings.

Module Content

  • Classification and identification of transient ischaemic attack
  • Stroke presentations
  • Investigation and management of stroke
  • Primary and secondary prevention of stroke
  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Stroke mimics

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a systematic understanding of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of transient ischaemic attacks, stroke, and stroke mimics
  2. Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of transient ischaemic attacks and stroke
  3. Develop an ability to synthesise the evidence and critically interpret this into the care of patients presenting with transient ischaemic attacks and strokes including the role of the multidisciplinary team
Module 4 Module 4: Multiple Sclerosis and other Neuroinflammatory Conditions +

Module Aims
To develop an understanding of multiple sclerosis including the presentations, classification, investigation, and management of patients with multiple sclerosis and other neuro-inflammatory conditions in a variety of settings.

Module Content

  • Multiple sclerosis presentation and classification
  • Multiple sclerosis investigation strategies
  • Multiple sclerosis specific management
  • Long-term management and rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis
  • Other neuro-inflammatory conditions
  • Other neuro-inflammatory conditions (continued)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis and other neuroinflammatory conditions
  2. Develop an ability to critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence relating to the diagnosis and management of a patient presenting with multiple sclerosis and other neuro-inflammatory conditions
  3. Synthesise the evidence and implement the knowledge into clinical practice to improve the management of patients presenting with multiple sclerosis and other neuro-inflammatory conditions
Module 5 Module 5: Peripheral Neurological Disorders +

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, classification, and management of peripheral neurological disorders utilising current findings and guidance in a variety of settings.

Module Content

  • Acute Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and GBS like disorders
  • Mononeuritis multiplex and differential diagnoses
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
  • Entrapment neuropathies
  • Chronic neuropathies
  • Genetic neuronopathies

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the assessment, classification, and management of a range of peripheral neurological disorders
  2. Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of peripheral neurological disorders
  3. Synthesise the evidence and critically interpret this into the care of patients presenting with a range of peripheral neurological disorders
Module 6 Module 6: Neurodegenerative Conditions +

Module Aims
To develop a comprehensive understanding of the classification, diagnosis, and management of neurodegenerative conditions in a variety of settings, through the analysis of the latest guidance and findings.

Module Content

  • Presentation and differential diagnosis in movement disorders
  • Parkinson’s disease and multisystem atrophy
  • Parkinson’s disease evidence-based management
  • Classification, identification, and diagnosis of cognitive impairment
  • Investigation and management of cognitive impairment
  • Motor neurone disease (MND)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a range of neurodegenerative conditions
  2. Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of neurodegenerative conditions
  3. Synthesise the evidence and critically interpret this into the care of patients presenting with neurodegenerative conditions

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

The Neurology Postgraduate Diploma course 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 modules on the Diploma in Neurology 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 everyday work and practice.

Due to the online nature of the 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% +
  • 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 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.
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 6.5 (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

Dr Wojciech “Wojtek” Rakowicz

Programme Director

Dr Wojciech “Wojtek” Rakowicz

Dr Wojciech “Wojtek” Rakowicz is a Consultant Neurologist at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and University Hospitals Southampton, and the Lead Medical Examiner for North and Mid Hampshire. He has delivered consultant-led adult neurology services since 2003, with specialist expertise spanning neuromuscular and cognitive neurology, as well as vascular neurology. His early academic career included a PhD at the University of Cambridge focused on motor neurone disease, complemented by a neuromuscular fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. He later co-authored the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE), now widely used internationally as ACE-III in memory clinics.

Dr Rakowicz has held a number of significant leadership and governance roles, including Associate Medical Director for Governance at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he oversaw mortality review processes and chaired both the Serious Event Review Group and Mortality Surveillance Group. His national contributions include longstanding involvement with the Royal College of Physicians as an examiner and question writer for the Neurology Specialist Certificate Examination, advisory work with the Association of British Neurologists, and participation in multiple NICE guideline and appraisal committees. He is currently an Honorary Adviser to the DVLA Neurology Medical Advisory Panel.

A committed educator, Dr Rakowicz has trained doctors across all stages of clinical development, and contributed to national training through writing, standard setting, and examining for the Neurology SCE over more than a decade. His clinical, academic and governance experience provides a strong foundation for his leadership as Programme Director in Neurology.

Accreditors and Endorsers

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.

Royal College of Physicians

Accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.

Royal College of Physicians

Accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.

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
£433
Total course fees (UK & international)
£5,130

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 £433
1st May 2026 £427
1st June 2026 £427
1st July 2026 £427
1st August 2026 £427
1st September 2026 £427
1st October 2026 £427
1st November 2026 £427
1st December 2026 £427
1st January 2027 £427
1st February 2027 £427
1st March 2027 £427

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.

Prospectus

Exam revision

Preparing for a specialty exam?

Question banks for neurology sit alongside this programme. Buy a subscription, practise in your own time — separate from applying for the award.

  • SCE · 501 questions

    Neurology SCE

    Best-of-five questions and a mock exam for the MRCP Neurology SCE, covering the full specialty blueprint.

    View question bank

  • European · 489 questions

    European Board of Neurology Examination

    Question bank for the European Board of Neurology Examination (EBN), written to European board standard.

    View question bank

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