Metabolic Medicine

Module aims:

• To enable participants to critically analyse the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors in the development of different types of diabetes.
• To equip participants with advanced skills in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of diabetes mellitus, considering individual patient characteristics and evidence-based guidelines.
• To promote a multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care, fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient support.

Content summary:
This module provides an in-depth exploration of diabetes mellitus, encompassing type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Weekly topics will include:

• Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes
• Lifestyle Management in Diabetes
• Pharmacotherapy for Diabetes
• Complications and Comorbidities of Diabetes
• Diabetes in Special Populations
• Technological Advances in Diabetes

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate the evidence relating to the diagnosis, treatment and management of diabetes, applying a systematic understanding of these principles to a variety of settings.
2. Critically implement evidence-based strategies into a range of scenarios within current clinical practice, to support and inform the prevention, detection and management of diabetes.

Module aims:

• To develop a deep understanding of the pathophysiology, behavioural factors, and health consequences of obesity in diverse patient populations.
• To equip participants with the skills to assess, diagnose, and manage obesity, utilising a patient-centred and compassionate approach.
• To foster interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing obesity, promoting continuity of care and long-term patient success.

Content summary:
This modules delves into the complexities of obesity as a metabolic disorder and a significant risk factor for various health conditions, topics covered within this module include:

• Pathophysiology of Obesity and Appetite
• Epidemiology and Morbidity of Obesity
• Behavioural Interventions in Obesity
• Pharmacological Interventions
• Bariatric Interventions

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically apply a systematic understanding of the pathophysiology, behavioural factors, and health consequences of obesity, as well as specialist theoretical and methodological approaches to practice, when applied to diverse patient populations.
2. Critically evaluate the evidence base for various weight management interventions, including dietary, exercise, and behavioural approaches and apply this knowledge to clinical practice, optimising patient health and well-being.

Module aims:

• To enable participants to investigate and evaluate the diverse factors contributing to hypertension development and its impact on cardiovascular health.
• To equip participants with the skills to implement evidence-based guidelines for hypertension diagnosis, monitoring, and management.
• To promote interdisciplinary collaboration in hypertension care, enhancing treatment adherence and patient outcomes.

Content summary:
With a focus on the assessment, diagnosis and management of hypertension, a common yet critical component of metabolic medicine, topics covered on this module include:

• Pathophysiology and Risk Factors
• Evaluation and Diagnosis of Hypertension
• Non-Pharmacological Management
• Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension
• Hypertension in Special Populations
• Hypertensive Emergencies and Complications

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate the evidence relating to different diagnostic approaches and classification systems for hypertension, ensuring accurate assessment and appropriate management.
2. Critically evaluate the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for blood pressure control in diverse patient populations, and implement personalised hypertension management plans that would consider individual patient characteristics, comorbidities, and potential drug interactions.

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.