Cardiology

Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with ischemic heart disease.

Synposis of Module Content

• Acute presentation with chest pain and diagnostic dilemmas
• Chronic and recurrent chest pain
• Diagnostic tests in coronary artery disease (CAD) – ECG, echo, stress test, SPECT, CT, cMRI
• Pharmacological treatment of coronary artery disease
• Interventional treatment of coronary artery disease
• Complex patient with coronary artery disease – comorbidities, non-cardiac surgery, end-stage disease

Module Outcomes

• Differentially diagnose causes of chest pain and ischaemic heart disease and select appropriate investigative and treatment options.
• Critically analyses incomplete and/or contradictory evidence, developing effective methodologies to explain recommendations in complex ischemic heart disease contexts.
• Develops advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations and contributes to the field of ischaemic heart disease. Expands ability of argument presentation in multipronged discussion with the focus on the optimal patient benefit.

Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Shortness of breath and other symptoms of heart failure
• Diagnostic tests in heart failure – ECG, echo, CT, cMRI
• Pharmacological treatment of heart failure
• Interventional treatment of heart failure
• Right heart failure – symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnostic management, treatment
• Complex patient with heart failure – comorbidities, non-cardiac surgery, end-stage disease

Module Outcomes

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of heart failure, including the management of exacerbations and co-morbidities recognising the complex effects on patient morbidity and mortality.
• Selects and adapts appropriate advanced problem-solving strategies, methods and techniques to design systematic investigations that define and critically evaluate problems related to heart failure.
• Critically evaluate the role of palliative and end-of-life care in heart failure with an identification of a crucial role of local services.

Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with arrhythmias.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Symptoms and basic diagnostic tests of arrhythmia - ECG, Holte
• Other investigation tests in arrhythmia - echo, stress test, CT, cMRI, EPS, genetic test
• Atrial arrhythmia – differentiation, pharmacological management, interventional management
• Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation – anticoagulation, non-pharmacological prophylaxis
• Ventricular arrhythmia – differentiation, pharmacological management, interventional management
• Syncope due to other reasons

Module Outcomes

• Compare and contrast the range of presenting rhythm disturbances and how they are investigated.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of supraventricular arrhythmias.
• Identify and differentiate common causes of syncope, and propose their investigation and treatment.
• Communicate advanced arrhythmia-related information for different audiences in a variety of contexts.

Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with valvular heart disease.

Synopisis of Module Content

• Symptoms and signs of valvular heart disease
• Diagnostic tests in valvular heart disease – ECG, echo, stress test, CT, cMRI
• Aortic valve disease – screening, pharmacological and interventional management
• Mitral valve disease – screening, pharmacological and interventional management
• Pulmonary and tricuspid valvular disease– screening, pharmacological and interventional management
• Congenital Heart Disease

Module Outcomes

• Apply in-depth understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology and the physiology of the cardiovascular system and its relevance to the pathophysiology of valvular heart disease.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of valvular heart disease.
• Justify and critically evaluate indications for interventional management of valvular heart disease.
• Demonstrate understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of Congenital Heart Disease.
• Systematically synthesises advanced and specialist cardiological-related information and ideas, and formulates and develops innovative proposals to address valvular and congenital heart disease.
• Applies advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to enhance team performance in unpredictable contexts strategically and contributes to the field of Valvular Heart Disease and Congenital Heart Disease.

Module Aims
Develop an understanding of the presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with wide-range cardiovascular diseases.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Cardio Oncology
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Aortopathy and other vasculopathies
• Endocarditis
• Myocarditis and pericarditis

Module Outcomes

• Identify and manage cardiovascular issues related to oncological therapies
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of pulmonary embolism
• Critically differentiate conditions that lead to pulmonary hypertension, their investigation and treatment
• Formulate a robust approach for investigating and treating patients with aorta abnormalities
• Compare the presentation, diagnosis and management of myocarditis, pericarditis and endocarditis
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues related to the management of a patient with endocarditis

Module Aims
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the significance of physical activity and cardiovascular prevention, and depth insight into the association of various comorbidities with cardiovascular risk.

Synopsis of Module Content

• Dyslipidemia – diagnostic management, risk assessment and treatment
• Hypertension – diagnostic management, risk assessment and treatment
• Patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular disease
• Physical activity of patients with arrhythmia and elements of sports cardiology
• Physical activity of patients with CAD, HF or after a heart surgery

Module Outcomes

• Identify and manage cardiovascular risk factors in primary and secondary prevention
• Formulate a robust approach for investigating and treating patients with dyslipidemia
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of hypertension
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues related to the management of a patient with diabetes
• Apply in-depth understanding of the interdependence between cardiovascular diseases and renal dysfunction, its investigation and management
• Formulate comprehensive recommendations for physical activity in different clinical scenarios

To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation. The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.

Module outlines
This module will start by focussing on research methods using the Academic Forum. Students will learn about research methodologies and critical appraisal over a period of 8-weeks.

• Quantitative Studies
• Statistical Analysis Interpretation
• Interpreting the Evidence
• Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
• Qualitative Studies
• Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
• Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
• Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review

Following the research methods, students will submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic, this includes a proposal form and ethics application. Students are given a 4-week period after the research methods to complete this.

Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:

• Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
• Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
• Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
• Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
• Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
• Secondary data analysis

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.