- Validated by
-
- Duration
- 12 months
- Apply by
- 6th Sep 2026
Total fees
£4,900Next intake
September 2026
Apply by
6th Sep 2026
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
12 months
About this programme
Develop your understanding of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions with our university-validated Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology. Designed for healthcare professionals with an interest in rheumatology, this Level 7 qualification explores the science, diagnosis, assessment, and management of inflammatory, autoimmune, and non-inflammatory rheumatic conditions through flexible, 100% online, part-time study.
Across six modules (120 credits), you'll examine the pathophysiology of common rheumatological disorders before exploring rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritides, connective tissue disorders, systemic rheumatic conditions, and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. You'll also consider diagnostic imaging, multidisciplinary rheumatology services, pharmacological treatments, and current evidence, developing a comprehensive understanding of contemporary rheumatology.
Validated by the University of South Wales and accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, the programme is designed to fit around a full professional workload. With March and September intakes, you can develop your knowledge of rheumatology alongside your existing professional commitments.
Who can study this Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop their knowledge of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions through a university-validated postgraduate qualification.
The programme is particularly suitable for:
- Doctors
- GPs
- Nurses
- Allied health professionals
- Healthcare professionals working with people with rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions
- Professionals looking to develop their knowledge of contemporary rheumatology
Whether you already work with people with rheumatic conditions or want to develop greater knowledge in this area, the postgraduate diploma enables you to examine a broad spectrum of rheumatological disorders, from their underlying science and diagnosis to assessment, treatment, multidisciplinary care, and management.
What will you study on this Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology comprises six 20-credit modules (120 credits), providing an in-depth exploration of the science, evidence, and approaches underpinning contemporary rheumatology.
You'll begin by examining the foundations of rheumatology, including the genetics, pathophysiology, and immunology of common rheumatological disorders, alongside multidisciplinary services, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutics. You'll then explore rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides before examining connective tissue disorders and a wider range of systemic rheumatic conditions.
The programme progresses into non-inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility syndromes, and metabolic bone disorders. Throughout your studies, you'll critically evaluate the science, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions.
During the programme, you'll study:
- Rheumatology: A Clinical Overview – examine the current landscape of rheumatology, including the genetics, pathophysiology, and immunology of common rheumatological disorders, multidisciplinary rheumatology services, diagnostic imaging, and drugs and therapeutics.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – develop your understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and associated disorders, including immunology, genetics, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, biochemistry, serology, imaging, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, palindromic rheumatism, postpartum arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Spectrum of Other Inflammatory Arthritides – explore seronegative inflammatory disorders, crystal arthropathies, and infection-associated arthritic conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic spondyloarthropathies, reactive and enteropathic inflammatory arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, and infective arthritis.
- Connective Tissue Disorders – examine the presentation, immunopathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, investigation, and management of connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, Raynaud's disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, vasculitis, and scleroderma.
- Miscellaneous Rheumatic Conditions – explore complex multi-system rheumatic disorders, common paediatric rheumatology disorders, and paraneoplastic rheumatic conditions, including sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease, myositis and anti-synthetase syndromes, adult-onset Still's disease, familial Mediterranean fever, and other systemic autoinflammatory disorders.
- Non-inflammatory Musculoskeletal Conditions – examine the assessment, diagnosis, and management of common non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders, including soft tissue disorders, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility syndromes, osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders, and metabolic and neurogenic disorders.
Together, these six modules provide a comprehensive academic understanding of contemporary rheumatology, spanning the underlying science and diagnosis of rheumatic disease through to assessment, treatment, management, and multidisciplinary care.
Year 1
Module 1 Module 1: Rheumatology: A Clinical Overview +
Module Aims
To give an overview of the current state of Rheumatology, critically examining the underpinning science, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and healthcare/organisational delivery of common rheumatic disorders.
Module Summary
- Introduction
- Genetics, pathophysiology and immunology of common rheumatic disorders
- Role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in rheumatology services
- Imaging in rheumatology
- Drugs & therapeutics
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiological science of common rheumatology disorders.
- Critically evaluate the contribution of the MDT services, disease activity assessments, diagnostic imaging and drugs and therapeutics used in Rheumatology.
Module 2 Module 2: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) +
Module Aims
To develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its associated disorders (polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and palindromic rheumatism).
Module Summary
- Immunology, genetics, clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria in RA
- Biochemistry, serology and imaging in RA
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in RA
- Biologics in RA
- Palindromic rheumatism, postpartum arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the science, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Differentiate, diagnose and treat complex complications of rheumatoid arthritis and the associated conditions of polymyalgia rheumatica and palindromic rheumatism.
Module 3 Module 3: Spectrum of Other Inflammatory Arthritides +
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of the seronegative spectrum inflammatory disorders, crystal arthropathies and infection-associated arthritic disorders.
Module Summary
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis & non-radiographic spondyloarthropathies
- Reactive arthritis & enteropathic inflammatory arthritis
- Gout & other crystal arthropathies
- Septic arthritis & COVID-19-related autoimmune phenomena
- Infective arthritis
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an evidence-based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and other inflammatory arthropathies.
- Demonstrate an evidence-based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of crystal arthropathies and infection-associated arthritic disorders.
Module 4 Module 4: Connective Tissue Disorders +
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of the wide range of connective tissue disorders (CTDs) seen in rheumatology.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics on a range of connective tissue disorders such as:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Raynaud's disease
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Vasculitis
- Scleroderma
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the presentations, immuno-patho-physiologies, diagnostic criteria and diagnostic investigations of CTDs.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of multi-system management, disease activity assessments, potential multi-system complications of CTDs.
Module 5 Module 5: Miscellaneous Rheumatic Conditions +
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of multi-system rheumatic disorders, common paediatric rheumatology disorders and paraneoplastic rheumatic conditions.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Sarcoidosis
- Behçet's disease
- Myositis & anti-synthetase syndromes
- Adult-onset Still's disease, familial Mediterranean fever and other systemic autoinflammatory disorders
- Paediatric rheumatology
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an evidence based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of complex multi-system rheumatic disorders.
- Demonstrate an ability to assess and manage common Paediatric rheumatological disorders.
- Demonstrate an ability to assess and manage the relation of adult rheumatic disorders and cancers (paraneoplastic associations).
Module 6 Module 6: Non-inflammatory Musculoskeletal Conditions +
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of a range of non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Soft tissue disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypermobility syndromes
- Osteoporosis & other metabolic bone disorders
- Metabolic & neurogenic disorders
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise the clinical assessment and diagnosis of common rheumatological non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
- Critically appraise the current management strategies of common rheumatological non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
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.
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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.
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About 10 hours a week
A little and often — daily login beats a weekly cram.
Assessment methods
The diploma in rheumatology 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 six modules on the diploma in rheumatology 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales 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. Rizwan Rajak MBBCh, MRCP, LLM
Tutor
Dr. Md Abu Bakar Siddiq
Tutor
Dr. Krishnadas Thulasidoss
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Accreditors and Endorsers
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
PCRMM - Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society
The Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society approve and endorse the Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Rheumatology.
ELCAS - Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services
The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) is a key Ministry of Defence (MoD) initiative established to promote lifelong learning and support career development for members of the UK Armed Forces, both during and after their service. The scheme provides significant financial assistance towards the cost of higher-level learning, helping service personnel achieve valuable, nationally recognised qualifications.
Royal College of Physicians
Accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.
PCRMM - Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society
The Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society approve and endorse the Postgraduate Diploma / Masters in Rheumatology.
ELCAS - Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services
The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) is a key Ministry of Defence (MoD) initiative established to promote lifelong learning and support career development for members of the UK Armed Forces, both during and after their service. The scheme provides significant financial assistance towards the cost of higher-level learning, helping service personnel achieve valuable, nationally recognised qualifications.
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
- £412
- Total course fees (UK & international)
- £4,900
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 | £412 |
| 1st May 2026 | £408 |
| 1st June 2026 | £408 |
| 1st July 2026 | £408 |
| 1st August 2026 | £408 |
| 1st September 2026 | £408 |
| 1st October 2026 | £408 |
| 1st November 2026 | £408 |
| 1st December 2026 | £408 |
| 1st January 2027 | £408 |
| 1st February 2027 | £408 |
| 1st March 2027 | £408 |
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.
Why study a Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology? +
A Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology develops an evidence-based understanding of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, including their underlying science, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management.
Can I study the Postgraduate Diploma in Rheumatology online? +
Yes. The programme is delivered 100% online and part-time, allowing you to study alongside your professional and personal commitments from wherever you are based.
Does the Postgraduate Diploma cover rheumatoid arthritis? +
Yes. You'll study rheumatoid arthritis in depth, including its immunology and genetics, clinical presentation and diagnosis, serology and imaging, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and associated conditions.