Paediatrics and Child Health

Module Aims
The module aims to critically appraise prenatal testing and screening programmes in reducing childhood disease burden and evaluate child health surveillance programmes in relation to early identification and management of common presentations in infancy.

Module Content
This module will cover:

• Prenatal genetic testing and genetic counselling of inherited disorders
• Impact of maternal risk factors on foetus and newborn e.g. maternal diabetes, pre-eclampsia, hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV etc.
• Principles of resuscitation of newborn and importance of full clinical examination of newborn at birth
• Analyse the effectiveness of the current UK national screening programme in comparison with another country
• Analyse the effectiveness of child health surveillance systems to monitor growth, development and well-being during infancy
• Management of common presentation in infancy in primary care settings e.g. newborn rash, feeding difficulties, vomiting, colic, ear infection etc.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of common presentations in infancy including newborn rash, colic and ear infections.
2. Use recognised criteria to critically appraise, compare and judge the effectiveness of a variety of national guidelines on managing common childhood disease and screening programmes.
3. Demonstrate ability to differentially diagnose, manage and treat a range of common childhood ailments in the first year of life.

Module Aims
This module aims to critically evaluate the preventative approach of reducing disease burden.

Module Content

• National immunisation programme 0-18 years
• Consenting parents for children’s immunisation
• Modifiable risk factors of development of non-communicable diseases and the importance of a healthy lifestyle in modifying the risk
• Age-specific nutritional needs from infancy to adolescence
• Vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases
• Diagnosis and management of childhood allergic disorders including food intolerances

Learning Outcomes

1. To critically evaluate the increasing burden of allergic disorders in childhood, exploring diagnosis and management strategies in a variety of settings.
2. To critically examine known signs and symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases and develop prevention strategies in a variety of global contexts, taking into account the complex factors that affect the ability to resolve the problems.
3. Critically appraise current and potential practical treatments for use in paediatrics and child health.

Module Aims
The module aims to improve the knowledge and understanding of application of evidence based practice in the investigation, diagnosis, and management of common childhood presentations in primary and secondary health care settings.

Module Content
This module will cover approaches to the diagnosis and management of:

• Childhood rashes
• Child presenting with fever
• Child presenting with a recent onset limp
• Child presenting with first seizure
• Child presenting with chronic cough
• Precocious puberty

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of diagnosis, treatment and management of common paediatric presentations in a variety of care settings.
2. Critically evaluate current research in common paediatric presentations within a variety of unpredictable and specialised contexts.
3. Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations, contributing to the investigation, diagnosis, and management of common childhood presentations.

Module Aims
The module aims to improve knowledge and understanding of evidence based practice in managing common paediatric emergencies including child safeguarding.

Module Content
This module will cover a range of common presentations such as:

• Principles of paediatric basic and advanced life support and pre-hospital care
• Management of a child presenting with acute asthmatic attack
• Management of a child with altered consciousness
• Management of a child presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis
• Management of a child with acute abdominal pain.
• Management of a child with unexplained fractures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding in the delivery and advancement of paediatric-related care.
2. Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to practice in general paediatrics.

Module Aims
This module aims to improve knowledge and understanding in the identification and management of developmental disorders, congenital and acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy and mental health disorders in children.

Module Content
This module will cover:

• How to approach diagnosis and management of a child with developmental coordination disorder and supporting long-term developmental, educational and social needs
• Cerebral palsy and consequences of preterm brain injury
• Multidisciplinary assessment and management of developmental and neurological problems of children with chromosomal syndromes, inherited disorders, metabolic syndromes, acquired brain injuries etc.
• Multidisciplinary assessment and management of social communication disorders, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders
• Assessment and management of children and adolescents with emotional difficulties, mental health problems, substance abuse and psychosomatic conditions
• How to support inclusion for children with developmental disorders, mental health issues and disabilities

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply a systematic understanding of developmental disorders and mental health issues in children, and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches.
2. Critically examine the social and ethical implications of developmental disorders and mental health issues in children.
3. Systematically organise and communicate advanced developmental disorder related information, using criteria developed for paediatric audiences in unpredictably complex contexts.

Module Aims
This module aims to critically appraise the influence of environmental, social, political, economic and technological factors on child health across the world and evaluate the effectiveness of global initiatives on improving child health.

Module Content
This module will cover:

• Impact of climate change on global child health
• Pandemics, e.g. Covid-19, and their impact on children’s health
• Common causes of child death worldwide: malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea- how to prevent and advances in management
• Impact of digitalisation on childhood physical activity, mental well-being and social development
• How to identify and prevent violence against children
• Global initiatives to improve child health

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the influences of environmental, social, political, economic and technological factors on child health across the world and the current global initiatives set in place to improve it.
2. Critically evaluate current research in paediatrics and child health.
3. Demonstrate reflection and creativity in addressing complex patient scenarios that involve many interacting factors in the care of patients between the ages of 0-18.
4. Critically appraise and evaluate current and potential practical treatments for use in paediatrics and child health in order to autonomously adapt working practice.

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.