Postgraduate Diploma in Care of the Older Person
Validated by University of Buckingham
In a world where society is living longer than ever, global healthcare requires a system that supports elderly care, and a workforce with a strong knowledge and understanding of geriatric medicine to care of the older person, with the respect and dignity they deserve. Are you a healthcare professional who would like to develop expertise in this increasingly important field of geriatric care?
Our flexible, affordable Postgraduate Diploma in Care of the Older Person is designed specifically for healthcare professionals who want to expand their clinical knowledge, skills and confidence in dealing with the complex health and social needs of the ageing population.
What sets our diploma in geriatric medicine apart is the holistic approach we adopt; we recognise the importance of community and the solution oriented asset-based approach in our teaching.
Our care of the older person diploma 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
Studying our diploma in geriatric care will equip you with specialist elderly care knowledge on a number of interesting subjects, including confusion and dementia, frailty and continence, and many more topics essential for providing comprehensive and ethical care of the older person and communities.
Choosing an online elderly care diploma allows you to study from anywhere in the world - you can balance studying part-time with working full-time and other personal commitments. At Learna, we have selected a handful of top geriatric medical experts to deliver elderly care courses through our exceptional online faculty, meaning that you will receive unparalleled guidance and support throughout the diploma in geriatric care.
Becoming a part of our multidisciplinary learning community allows you to expand your network; you will join thousands of other healthcare professionals around the world, with whom you can share insights and best practices as you embark on a diploma in care of the older person to enhance your career prospects.
On successful completion of this flexible diploma in elderly care, you will be able to:
- Provide a comprehensive, systematic and critical appraisal of issues in caring for older people to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care and best practice.
- Develop skills that aid career progression and leadership potential within a complex and rapidly changing delivery environment.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr David Whitehead
Current Role: Speciality Doctor general medicine, rehabilitation and Geriatrics Cwm Taf University Health Board, Wales, UK
Subspecialty Interests: Laboratory research in immunology and allergies
Professional Activities:
General...
Tutor - Amr Mahmoud Salamah
PhD MD, MRCP(UK), SCE Geriatric, MSc
Current post: Consultant of Geriatric and Internal Medicine at Alexandria Main University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Consultant of Geriatric and Internal Medicine at Elite Private...
Tutor - Dr Sumanjit Gill
Honorary Consultant UCLH, Assoc Prof (Teaching) UCL
Current post: Consultant Stroke Physician and Geriatrician Royal Free Hospital,
- Stroke Frailty Lead, Royal Free Hospital
- Module Tutor& Supervisor, University of Wales
- EDI...
Tutor - Jade Portelli
Current post: Physiotherapist
- Graduated as a physiotherapist from the University of Malta in 2010. Masters in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health, with a thesis titled 'Hamstring Activation Patterns during cutting tasks in Elite Athletes’ at UCL, London.
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
Dr David Whitehead
Current Role: Speciality Doctor general medicine, rehabilitation and Geriatrics Cwm Taf University Health Board, Wales, UK
Subspecialty Interests: Laboratory research in immunology and allergies
Professional Activities:
General Medical Council member
Clinical tutor and supervisor at The University of South Wales - 2015 - present
Clinical supervisor and teacher into clinical tasks - 2003 - present
Competencies into clinical tasks - 2018 -2019
Clinical medicines and diagnosis, therapeutics and clinical examination - 2003 -present
B.Sc Thesis published in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology - 1998
Tutor - Amr Mahmoud Salamah
PhD MD, MRCP(UK), SCE Geriatric, MSc
Current post: Consultant of Geriatric and Internal Medicine at Alexandria Main University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Consultant of Geriatric and Internal Medicine at Elite Private Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Lecturer of Geriatric and Internal Medicine at Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
- Reviewer in the Alexandria Journal of Medicine (AJoM).
- House Officers Training Lead in our Geriatric Unit.
- Tutor of Geriatric Medicine module for postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt.
- Tutor of Geriatric Medicine and Internal Medicine modules for undergraduate students of the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.
Tutor - Dr Sumanjit Gill
Honorary Consultant UCLH, Assoc Prof (Teaching) UCL
Current post: Consultant Stroke Physician and Geriatrician Royal Free Hospital,
- Stroke Frailty Lead, Royal Free Hospital
- Module Tutor& Supervisor, University of Wales
- EDI Committee. UCL
- Endovascular Committee, ESO
- Course Co Director Clinical Neurosciences: Stroke Medicine MSc /MRes
- Course Co Director One Day Advanced Stroke Imaging Course
Register Interest
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Why Study a Care of the Older Person 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?
Applicants will typically be registered healthcare professionals who have a day to day exposure to the elderly population and are looking for an online diploma in geriatric care.
They may be part of a team which delivers care, a leader of that team, or an individual involved in the care of the elderly. This includes but not exclusive to:
- GPs
- Hospital doctors
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Dieticians
- and other allied healthcare professionals working with elderly people.
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 online diploma in geriatric care 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
This module aims to introduce the students to the concept of physiological ageing in comparison with younger adults, differences between physiology and pathology, major presentation of illness in older people and general approach to therapy.
The module encourages weekly discussion where students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of everyday clinical practice and research.
Module Summary
- Physiology of ageing
- Health promotion and Public Health
- Geriatric giants
- Medicine management
- Therapies
- Social issues relating to the older adult; abuse, Deprivation of Liberty (DOLs), mental health, power of attorney, safeguarding
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical and systematic knowledge of the current evidence and practice in the physiology of ageing and care of the older person.
- Combine therapeutic and social constructs to develop care for older people in complex and unpredictable situations.
- Demonstrate a high-level understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the care of the elderly discipline into clinical practice.
Module Aims
This module aims to highlight the importance attached to the risk of falls in older people in different environments (community and institution), consequences of falls, holistic assessment of causes, the importance of the multidisciplinary team assessment, plan of prevention and management.
The module will present weekly case-based scenarios to develop knowledge and understanding of the assessment, treatment, prevention and management of falls.
Module Content
- Initial assessment and comprehensive geriatric assessment – CGA
- Pathophysiology of sarcopaenia, bone loss, identification and management
- Falls and fractures
- Osteoporosis, prevention and management
- Fall and fracture prevention and management
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- A critical appreciation of the interplay between the physiology of ageing with falls and fractures, together with the understanding of diagnostic and management strategies.
- Critically evaluate current research and evidence into the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and falls.
- Critically implement the learning and synthesise the evidence into clinical practice to improve care of the elderly who present with falls and osteoporosis.
Module Aims
This module aims to highlight the risk of confusion and cognitive impairment in older people in different settings, differentiating between different types and causes of confusion, acute and chronic cognitive dysfunction, and measures of assessment and management.
This module teaches students how to critically evaluate and selectively differentiate knowledge between alternative presentations and causes of confusion in older people, in a variety of settings. Weekly activities throughout the module aim to develop skills in diagnosis and selection of appropriate care and treatment paths.
Module Content
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Delirium and acute confusion
- Cognitive decline and dementia
- Therapeutic interventions in dementia
- Emerging approaches to the physiology and treatment of dementia
- Depression and anxiety in the older person
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the assessment, classification and management of the older person presenting with memory disorders.
- Critically evaluate the evidence relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of delirium, confusion and dementia.
- An ability to synthesise and translate the critical knowledge and evidence-base for the management of older subjects presenting with confusion and memory issues in clinical practice.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth and contemporary knowledge of common age-related neurological conditions, TIA (transient ischaemic attack), stroke and causes of syncope. To include approaches to assessment, management and prevention of stroke, myopathies and Parkinson’s disease together with the impact on function and quality of life in older age.
Module Content
- Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) and stroke
- Primary and Secondary stroke prevention
- Muscle disorders: myopathy, MND (motor neurone disease), temporal arteritis, PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Syncope and pre-syncope
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Critically applies a systematic understanding of stroke, age-related neurological disorders and syncope, presenting in the older subject.
- An ability to critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence relating to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, investigation and management of the older patient presenting with stroke, age-related neurological disorders and syncope.
- An ability to analyse, synthesise and relate this knowledge into the care of the older patient presenting with a variety of cerebrovascular and common neuro-muscular disorders.
Module Aims
This module aims to develop an in-depth knowledge of the diagnosis and management of frailty and continence in older people. This will include aetiology, models of assessment, medical and surgical management of frailty, urinary incontinence and constipation in older people.
Module Content
- Definition and pathophysiology of frailty
- Management and prevention of frailty, new horizons in ageing
- Dependency and disability
- Change of bowel habit/function
- Continence and medical conditions in the elderly
- Management of incontinence
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- An ability to critically appraise and understand the evidence relating to the pathophysiology, impact, management and prevention strategies in the care of older people presenting with frailty and continence issues.
- An ability to critically evaluate the current evidence base for the management and prevention strategies applying to frailty and continence disorders.
- An ability to synthesise current evidence and critically interpret this into the care of subjects presenting with frailty and continence disorders.
Module Aims
This module provides an in-depth and contemporary knowledge of ethical issues and end-of-life care in the older person. In particular it analyses issues relating to consent to treatment, quality of life and also brings to attention the complex aspects of end-of-life care.
Module Summary
- Safeguarding
- Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
- Advance care planning and ethical considerations
- End-of-life interventions and ethics
- Palliative interventions and ethics
- Withholding treatment, assisted dying and the law
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- An ability to critically understand and synthesise the evidence and legal frameworks relating to ethical dilemmas in relation to mental health and end-of-life care.
- An ability to critically evaluate and synthesise complex ethical, mental health and end of life care of the elderly patient.
- Develop an ability to incorporate the knowledge into complex clinical scenarios relating to ethics, mental health and end of life care in the elderly person.
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.
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.
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.
- 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 diploma in geriatric care course is conducted entirely online, it's accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals without international surcharges.
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 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 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. 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 | £874 | £5,229 |
| 1st May 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £871 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £871 |
† 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.
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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.
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