Pain Management

Module Aims
To critically analyse the advanced underpinning causes and associated experiences of pain to synthesise a comprehensive understanding.

Module Content

• History and epidemiology. Biopsychosocial model with gender consideration
• Chronic versus acute pain e.g.distinctions
• Pain science e.g. physiology of pain systems and syndromes. Taxonomy of pain systems
• Current evidence/research
• Severe pain syndromes
• Patient considerations (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)
• Global impact on a person in pain (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the application of the biopsychosocial model to the various types of pain.
2. Analyse in-depth complex pain processing mechanisms to distinguish between, and assess the impact of, acute and chronic pain.

Module Aims
To synthesise an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of different types of pain, emphasising their clinical implications and practice.

Module Content

• ISP taxonomy of different types of pain
• Acute vs. chronic. Importance of early recognition and prevention of chronicity. Clinically important aspects of acute and chronic pain; difference between nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
• Cancer/Visceral
• Headache/Neuropathic
• Fibromyalgia/musculoskeletal
• Understanding of pain changes in the light of new evidence

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate and differentiate between different types of pain.
2. Synthesise an advanced knowledge of the complex clinical considerations that need to be taken into account in different types of pain.

Module Aims
To construct a critical knowledge of the clinical principles and practices in pain assessment and management through rigorous evaluation.

Module Content

• Assessment
• Measurement
• Diagnosis and Prognosis
• Treatment modalities - Primary Care (British Society Guidance 26/8)
• Alternative treatment modalities
• Clinical management (British Society Guidance 28/30)
• Roles, responsibilities and management

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the assessment and treatment of patients with different pain diagnoses.
2. Critically appraise treatment modalities in diverse clinical scenarios.

Module Aims
To critically evaluate different treatment modalities applicable to different pain diagnoses within the context of patient-centred and holistic approaches to pain management.

Module Content

• Physiology/Pharmacology /Medication
• Psychology/Cognitive Behaviour
• Manual therapies
• Patient Education/Self-Management/ Preventative Education
• Functional Rehabilitation
• Surgery and Post Surgery Care
• Deployment of different modalities for maximum effect

Learning Outcomes

1. Scrutinise and evaluate current evidence related to the multidisciplinary approach of treating different types of pain.
2. Appraise the risk and benefits of different treatment modalities applied in a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.

Module Aims
To appraise in-depth the pain trajectories across the life-span and personal experiences to develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation.

Module Content

• Older People
• Infants and children
• Disabilities including those with limited communication skills
• Pregnancy
• Vulnerable populations
• Pain in individuals with substance abuse
• Looking at how pain will present itself in all groups
• Considering similarities and differences
• Physical and psychological disorders
• How pain changes
• How to communicate in pain and cognitive impairment
• Working with vulnerable populations (mental health issues, homelessness, learning disabilities, delirium, dementia)
• Social aspects of pain (stigma, social isolation, labelling stigma, labelling isolations)
• Enhancing communication with different social groups

Learning Outcomes

1. Formulate strategies to manage pain in a variety of complex situations and/or populations.
2. Deconstruct the complex/specific or changing needs of populations regarding pain management.

Module Aims
To synthesise the knowledge and understanding from previous modules to critically evaluate the development of interdisciplinary pain services.

Module Content

• Evidence supporting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary of pain
• Organisational services The consequences and influence rising from organisations
• The management team in a clinical setting
• The role of evaluating organisations, clinical settings (the way care is organised)
• The realistic expectations of the practitioner and carer
• Emerging ideas of services
• How emerging updated guidelines and impact of services.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the benefits of inter and multidisciplinary pain management in clinical settings and the consequences within healthcare schemes.
2. Synthesise expertise in organising service structures for pain management.

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.