Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology
Validated by University of Buckingham
Our flexible, quick-to-complete part-time diploma in cardiology aims to increase your competency in practice and theoretical knowledge, enhance your earning potential, and enable you to rise to the challenges of delivering high-quality care to your patients within a complex primary or secondary care environment.
This programme is directed at healthcare professionals looking to take their current knowledge to the next level. If you’re a specialist nurse in cardiology, a GP trainee with an interest in cardiology, or work in A&E, then our cardiology diploma courses will certainly open up an array of opportunities for you.
Our Cardiology Medicine programme has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (RCP), enabling graduates of this programme to receive CPD points as accredited by the RCP.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
The postgraduate diploma in cardiology is collaborative in nature, giving you the opportunity to work with students from around the world from a range of disciplines, providing you with clinically accurate and relevant information you can take straight into your practice. Delivered by experts in their field, you will be learning from the very best and will come away with an enhanced understanding of cardiology that will help facilitate your decision-making in unpredictable and complex situations. Upon completion of our affordable online diploma in cardiology for healthcare professionals, you will:
- Gain a systematic understanding of cardiology and apply this knowledge for direct patient benefit, service development, and future study.
- Develop life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that you can apply to practice in cardiology.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of heart-related care.
- Provide leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural, and/or international contexts.
- Critically evaluate practice in relation to the evidence base in cardiology.
- Appraise evidence-based medicine critically in relation to cardiology.
- Utilise relevant understanding, methodologies, and approaches to address complex issues of cardiology.
- Implement best practices and innovation in complex cardiology scenarios.
Faculty
Programme Leader - Prof. Maciej Kostrubiec
Prof. Maciej Kostrubiec
Prof. Maciej Kostrubiec, MD, PhD obtained his medical doctor degree at the Warsaw Medical University in Poland in 2000, where subsequently he started his scientific and teaching...
Validating partner
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and also one of the smallest with around 2,700 students, who study for honours degrees in two intensive years of study. The University houses its own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
Accreditors and Endorsers
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate course has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
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.
Postgraduate Diploma courses
In order to be eligible for our Postgraduate Diploma courses you need to hold a medical degree or undergraduate degree in a health related science and be working within the field that you wish to study, as the course is designed to further your knowledge within your chosen subject and is not designed to introduce these as new topic areas.
We have two intakes a year in March and September. Click the following link for the up to date application deadlines and module dates: Module Dates.
The Action Taker Discount offers savings based on your programme: £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount. The Action Taker Discount will be applied to your final payment. To take advantage, act quickly after acceptance to secure your savings.
Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader - Prof. Maciej Kostrubiec
Prof. Maciej Kostrubiec
Prof. Maciej Kostrubiec, MD, PhD obtained his medical doctor degree at the Warsaw Medical University in Poland in 2000, where subsequently he started his scientific and teaching career. In 2005 he completed his PhD research in pulmonary embolism. In 2013 he secured the habilitation and accordingly was granted the title of Professor by the President of the Republic of Poland in 2021 for his research projects and educational achievements. In parallel, he continued his clinical training and obtained the title of specialist in Internal Medicine and subsequently in Cardiology. As a member of the Polish and European Society of Cardiology and an expert in the fields of thromboembolic disease, pulmonary circulation, echocardiography and invasive imaging, he was granted the titles of Fellow of European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and Fellow of European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (FEACVI).
Prof. Kostrubiec was a leader of a teaching programme in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology for the English Division Faculty while working at the Medical University of Warsaw. Additionally, he was responsible for developing the Pulmonary Embolism Management Program which included in-hospital and outpatient treatment of patients with acute and chronic thrombosis. Also, he was a lecturer at the University Cork College when he worked as a General Physician and Cardiology Consultant at Mercy University Hospital in Ireland. Since 2019, he has been holding the post of Cardiologist Consultant at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. Moreover, he serves as an expert at the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products in Poland and the European Medicines Agency.
Prof. Kostrubiec is an editor of several medical textbooks and author of approximately 30 chapters. As well, he has published almost 100 scientific papers with over 300 of a summary Impact Factor and has more than 1700 citations including in the ESC guidelines. He is an internationally recognised specialist in pulmonary circulation, especially secondary to venous thromboembolic disease. His scientific activities were acclaimed by awards from the Presidents of the Polish Cardiac Society, the Ministry of Health, and the Rector of the Medical University of Warsaw.
Register Interest
Complete the form below to keep in the loop
Success
Thank you for registering interest in the PgDip in Cardiology
Why Study a Cardiology Postgraduate Diploma with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our cardiology online courses are directed to specialist nurses in cardiology, GP trainee with a view to cardiology, healthcare professionals who work in A&E, Specialist Registrars/CTs and Pharmacists with a specialist interest. The knowledge of heart and cardiovascular anatomy and physiology is mandatory. The students are expected to be familiar with cardiovascular medication and have at least a basic understanding of electrocardiogram (ECG).
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
Our diploma in cardiology allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.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
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- 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.
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 problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.
- The online exam is marked automatically.
- The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.
Entry requirements
Since our diploma in cardiology is 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 for the postgraduate diploma in clinical cardiology 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 also 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 (with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £790 | £4,725 |
| 1st May 2025 | £787 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £787 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £787 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £787 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £787 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
Talk To Our Students
Reviews
Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
