Stroke Medicine

Module Aims
To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the clinical definition of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) to make an informed diagnosis based on neuroanatomy.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack definition
• Epidemiology
• Diagnosis
• Classification of stroke
• Stroke mimics
• Stroke chameleons

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate clinical knowledge about pathology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of stroke
• Differentiate between stroke and other clinical scenarios (not stroke) when patient presents with similar initial sign/symptoms
• Critically apply an advanced knowledge of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) definition, diagnosis and epidemiology to decision making in unpredictable and/or complex situations
• Critically appraise research in the subject area of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke mimics
• Critically appraise current and potential practical stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) prevention and management options for use in a variety of patient population groups

Module Aims
To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of a range of risk factors for stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and the impacts and management of each of these risk factors, including secondary prevention.

Synposis of Module Content

• Non modifiable risk factors
• Pharmacologically modifiable risk factors
• Lifestyle related risk factors
• Risk factor for Hemorrhagic stroke
• Uncommon risk factors
• Secondary prevention and general approach to risk factors

Learning Outcomes

• Understand risk factors for stroke
• Develop strategies to control risk factors and prevent stroke
• Critically appraise stroke risk factor control in different targeted population groups
• Critically appraise stroke risk factor control in different targeted population groups
• Critically appraise current evidence related to risk factors. Demonstrate creative application of this knowledge when delivering individual patient-centred care
• Demonstrate a structured approach to the care of a range of patients to identify and diagnose potential risk factors and provide leadership within teams to selectively place patients in specific groups based on the number of risk factors and their severity

Module Aims
To develop a deep and systematic understanding of acquiring an accurate history from patients to rule out non-transient ischaemic attack neurological conditions, and establish a diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack. Once an accurate diagnosis has been established, to demonstrate the ability to initiate appropriate investigation, treatment and advice for the patient.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Transient ischaemic attack - diagnosis/neuroanatomical types
• Transient ischaemic attack - mimics/chameleons
• Transient ischaemic attack - neuroanatomy
• Transient ischaemic attack - investigation
• Overall approach to transient ischaemic attack
• Other neurological conditions

Learning Outcomes

• The ability to diagnose TIA effectively
• The ability to address TIA in appropriate manner
• Demonstrate knowledge of the range of neurological conditions which may present as transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Demonstrate rational thinking about neurological manifestations of different conditions
• Develop the skill set required to make a clinical diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) based on thorough history focusing on relevant features; Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in unpredictable contexts and contributes to the professional field of stroke medicine

Module Aims

1. To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the skills needed to effectively diagnose and initiate pathways when managing hyperacute and acute stroke, which includes appropriate history taking, effective and rapid clinical examination, arranging appropriate investigation and trigger pathways for best clinical outcome.
2. To critically evaluate different modes of treatment and relevant indications and contraindications of each.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Hyperacute stroke
• Imaging in hyperacute/acute stroke
• Infarct - Thrombolysis
• Infarct - Thrombectomy
• Haemorrhagic stroke
• Other relevant clinical facts

Learning Outcomes

• Efficiency to diagnose acute stroke
• Plan urgent investigations and appropriate treatment
• critically appraise indications and contraindications of different modes of treatment in stroke management
• Critically appraise the structure and application of recognised scoring models in a variety of settings
• Critically appraise indications and contraindications of different modes of treatment in stroke management
• Critically evaluate the evidence relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of the patient presenting with hyperacute and acute stroke.
• Critically appraise the structure and application of recognised scoring models in a variety of settings

Module Aims

1. Develop a systematic understanding of the importance and indication of a range of investigations to accurately inform decision making in the approach to diagnose the site and extent of stroke.
2. To explore and critically evaluate different modes of therapy which will inform the selection of patient groups for each type of therapy.
3. Develop knowledge in key concepts and strategies required to manage stroke where circumstances are rare and/or unusual.

Synposis of Module Content

• CT (computerised tomography) scan /CT (computerised tomography) angio
• Doppler/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Scan
• Pharmacotherapy
• Surgical treatment
• Stroke in young patients
• Cerebral venous thrombosis

Learning Outcomes

• Develop the ability to plan the most relevant investigation suited for a specific clinical scenario
• Select the most relevant management plan suited to a specific clinical scenario
• To critically appraise the indications, benefits, limitations and appropriate use of the various investigations and treatments in special circumstances
• Use skills to individualise care for patients in special circumstances taking into account a wide range of factors
• Critically appraise the indications, benefits, limitations and appropriate use of the various investigations and treatments in stroke medicine, including consideration of special circumstances
• Critically apply knowledge to individualise care for stroke medicine patients, including special circumstances, taking into account a wide range of factors
• Selectively choose the most appropriate investigation and treatment for an individual stroke medicine patient taking into account the clinical, social, and circumstancial factors while maintaining synchronisation with available resources

Rehabilitation is a vital component following a stroke. Effective rehabilitation reduces morbidity and mortality, as well as offering improvement to the quality of life for stroke survivors. A specialised multispecialty input is required for effective rehabilitation, delivered by strong and insightful leadership. An efficient and successful stroke service should be critically evaluated around a model that delivers hyperacute, acute and rehabilitation services streamlined together towards a common goal related to patient outcomes.

Module Aims

1. To develop systematic understanding and critical application of the importance of rehabilitation and multispeciality input.
2. To critically apply a systematic understanding of the leadership and resourcing of stroke services in line with patient pathways to ensure that patients have appropriate and timely input from the correct team.
3. To critically evaluate different components of an effective stroke service model

Synopsis of Module Content

• Establishing the TIA (transient ischaemic attack) service
• Establishing the acute Stroke service
• The MDT (multidisciplinary team) in the Stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) service
• Acute Stroke Rehabilitation
• Longer term disabilities arising from Stroke and their management
• The evidence base for the Stroke and Stroke rehabilitation services

Learning Outcomes

• Critically apply a systematic understanding of the importance of rehabilitation in stroke medicine to include the impact of the multidisciplinary team and an effective stroke service
• Critically evaluate the evidence and research relating to the multidisciplinary management in stroke rehabilitation and in establishing a stroke service
• The ability to synthesise the evidence and critically apply the knowledge into complex clinical scenarios in the context of rehabilitation in stroke medicine
• Synthesise the evidence and critically apply knowledge into complex clinical scenarios in the context of rehabilitation in stroke medicine. Develops advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations and contributes to the professional specialist community of stroke medicine

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.