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Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes

Validated by University of South Wales

University of South Wales
Apply now

10 years of impact badgeCelebrating over a decade of excellence, our PGDip in Diabetes has empowered over 1000 healthcare professionals globally. Since its inception in 2012, the programme has set the benchmark in diabetes, continually evolving to reflect the latest advancements and prepare practitioners for leadership in the field.

"Our PGDip in Diabetes is an opportunity to elevate your understanding of the key developments and transformations in this space, including the emergence of precision medicine, continuous glucose monitoring, diabetes prevention and engaging patients to achieve remission. This programme empowers healthcare professionals to stay at the forefront of these advancements. By deepening your understanding of emerging technologies and treatment strategies, you’ll be equipped to deliver cutting-edge care and improve patient outcomes." – Dr. Vinay Eligar, MD, MRCP(D&E),FRCP(Lon), CCT (UK). Consultant Endocrinologist. SCOPE certified Bariatric Physician. Imperial College Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi. Course Director-Dip & MSc in Diabetes, University of South Wales, UK.

"The field of diabetes care is evolving rapidly, and staying updated on the latest advancements is crucial for healthcare professionals. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes programme, validated by the University of South Wales, offers a comprehensive blend of academic rigour and real-world clinical application, enabling you to integrate innovative solutions into your practice. From understanding the science behind the latest therapies to exploring new patient management approaches, this course will enhance your skills and broaden your career opportunities." – Dr. Karl New, PhD, Senior Lecturer - Physiology & Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, Sport and Exercise Research and Innovation Group, Learna/USW Programme Link Officer, University of South Wales (USW).

"As a tutor, I see firsthand how SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists offer such a good opportunity for the treatment of diabetes. I am excited by new technologies like AI-driven glucose monitoring and also its application in diabetic screening. Our PGDip in Diabetes programme is designed to give you not just the knowledge of these advancements but the confidence to apply them in clinical settings. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or lead change in your practice, our programme will provide the tools you need to excel in an ever-evolving field." – Dr. Anish Kotecha, MRCGP, FAcadMEd, MBBCh, BSc, Head of Medical Education.

Total Fees

£5,360
View options

Next Intake

1st September 2025

Apply By

29th August 2025

Commitment

Part time

Format

100% online

Duration

12 months

Curriculum

Our online Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes 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.

Year 1

Module aims:
To critically analyse the precision diagnosis, classification, and personalised presentation of diabetes, with a person-centred approach.
To evaluate the epidemiology and pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus through research and evidence-based understanding.
To understand the driving factors for Type 2 diabetes.
To understand the fundamentals of obesity.

Module content:

  • Glucose metabolism
  • Definition of diabetes
  • Incidence and prevalence
  • Aetiology
  • Diagnostic criteria of diabetes, its classification, presentation and epidemiology
  • To make precision diagnoses of diabetes types and classify them appropriately (ie.: Genetic diabetes, ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD), secondary diabetes)
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Screening for diabetes

Module outcomes:

  1. Critically evaluate the diverse types, diagnostic criteria, and clinical presentations of diabetes, including genetic, autoimmune, and obesity-related forms.
  2. Analyse epidemiological trends, pathophysiological mechanisms, and statistical concepts related to diabetes and its complications.

Module aims:
This module aims to synthesise a critical and applied understanding of diverse approaches to delivering personalised diabetes care, including multidisciplinary collaboration in complex and unpredictable situations.

Module content:

  • The interrelationship between obesity and diabetes
  • Behavioural change in diabetes management
  • Exercise and nutrition in diabetes management
  • Structured educational programmes in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Module outcomes:

  1. Develop personalised strategies for behavioural change, exercise, and nutrition management in individuals with diabetes, considering psychological and educational aspects.
  2. Critically evaluate the roles and impact of multidisciplinary teams and structured educational programmes in delivering comprehensive diabetes care.

Module aims:
This module aims to tically analyse the evolving landscape of pharmacological interventions in diabetes management, shifting towards a comprehensive approach emphasising cardio-renal-metabolic control and protection, and equip students with knowledge of emerging therapeutic horizons beyond glycemic control.

Module content:

  • Oral medication in the management of T2DM
  • Non-insulin injectables
  • Pivotal studies
  • Insulin-based therapies

Module outcomes:

  1. Synthesise knowledge of the mechanisms of action, evidence base, and clinical applications of pharmacological interventions for type 2 diabetes, with a focus on cardio-renal protection.
  2. Integrate practical considerations and emerging approaches in insulin-based therapies for effective management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Module aims:
This module aims to critically evaluate the increasing role of technology in enabling precision and personalised diabetes care, and develop practical competencies in the application of technological advancements for effective management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while addressing the unique challenges of diabetes as a comorbidity across various medical disciplines.

Module content:

  • Technology and diabetes: from theory to practice
  • Management of specific conditions
  • Inpatient diabetes management

Module outcomes:

  1. Critique the practical applications of technology in diabetes management, including insulin delivery systems, continuous glucose monitoring, and ambulatory glucose profile interpretation.
  2. Develop personalised management strategies for specific conditions related to diabetes, such as gestational diabetes, drug-induced diabetes, and genetic forms of diabetes and obesity.

Module aims:
This module aims to critically appraise the short and long-term complications of diabetes, considering the perspective of the person with diabetes. This module will also prepare students to evaluate the evidence base and apply strategies for the prevention, delay and treatment of diabetes complications.

Module content:

  • Short-term complications: hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
  • Short-term complications: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS/HONK)
  • Management of home emergencies in diabetes
  • Long-term complications: microvascular disease and diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy
  • Long-term complications: diabetic nephropahty and neuropathy
  • Long-term complications: sexual dysfunction and comprehensive management strategies

Module outcomes:

  1. Illustrate proficiency in recognising and managing acute metabolic complications associated with diabetes.
  2. Exhibit mastery in recognising and managing microvascular complications of diabetes and evaluate strategies for prevention and treatment.

Module aims:
This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of risk factors and comprehensive management approaches for macrovascular complications, considering the perspective of the person with diabetes.

Module content:

  • Macrovascular disease in diabetes: overview and epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular disease and diabetic foot management
  • Cardiovascular risk factors and their management
  • Primary and secondary preventative measures
  • Treatment targets and interventions
  • Clinical trials, data interpretation and critical evaluation

Module outcomes:

  1. Utilise the evidence base to identify and assess risk factors for macrovascular complications in individuals with diabetes.
  2. Critically appraise and apply clinical trial evidence in the comprehensive management of macrovascular complications in diabetes.

Course Fees & Payment Options

Course Fees

  • Deposit for 1st September 2025: £450 †
  • Total Course Fees (UK & International) for 1st September 2025: £5,360 ††

Payment Options

  • Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
  • Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.

Payment Plan Breakdown

Postgraduate Diploma
Deposit10 Monthly PaymentsFinal Payment
£450 †£446£450

Total payments: £5,360

Additional Financing

Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††

† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.

Entry requirements

Our online courses are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.

Academic requirements

Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant healthcare field, such as medicine or nursing.

Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. 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 to demonstrate they can work comfortably at postgraduate level and have the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.

Documents required

  • Updated CV including your address and date of birth.
  • Copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
  • Reference details (name and email) — this can be a work colleague, employer, or former tutor.
  • Personal statement explaining your motivation for undertaking the course.
  • Proof of English language competency (if applicable).

English language requirements

Proficiency in English is essential to complete our courses. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency during the application process.

We accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band) or an equivalent qualification.

If you do not meet these requirements, don't worry. The offers English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for academic studies.

For more details on accepted qualifications, please contact our admissions team at admissions@diploma-msc.com.

Progression to MSc

If you have successfully completed the 1-year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc (by completing the second year), this is possible. Please contact our admissions team at admissions@diploma-msc.com to learn more.

Faculty

Accreditors, Endorsers & Partners

University of South Wales
University of South Wales
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
Royal College of Physicians
Royal College of Physicians

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.

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 and The University of Wolverhampton accept 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 other 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. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.

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.

Who is this course for?

Applicants will typically be registered healthcare professionals who have a day to day exposure to people with diabetes. They may be part of a team which delivers care, a leader of that team, or a practitioner in diabetology. Our diploma in diabetology online course is for health professionals including General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Dieticians and Pharmaceutical Representatives.

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.

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.
  • 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.

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