Why Study an Endocrinology 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 comprehensive endocrinology postgraduate courses are tailored for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and expertise in the field of endocrinology. With a focus on advanced theoretical knowledge and practical application, this PG diploma in endocrinology is ideal for those involved in the care and management of patients with endocrine disorders.
This diploma in endocrinology is particularly relevant for:
Endocrine Nurses: Those specialising in the care of patients with endocrine disorders, seeking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their clinical skills.
Specialist Registrars in Endocrinology: Medical professionals in training who wish to gain advanced theoretical and practical insights into endocrine disorders.
Primary Care Physicians with an Interest in Endocrinology: Doctors who manage patients with endocrine conditions as part of their practice and wish to expand their expertise in this specialty.
Clinical Endocrinology Researchers: Researchers focused on studying endocrine diseases and treatments, looking to stay current with theoretical advancements and clinical practices.
Pharmacists Specialising in Endocrine Medications: Professionals involved in the management of endocrine-related drug therapies.
Public Health Professionals Focused on Endocrine Health: Those working in public health settings who need a deeper understanding of endocrine disorders to inform community health strategies.
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 Endocrinology Postgraduate Diploma 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.Aims of the module:
Analyse and evaluate the complex physiological principles governing hypothalamic-pituitary axes, and critically examine common disorders affecting these structures, synthesising current research to inform advanced clinical practice.
Module Content:
Physiology of the hypothalamic-anterior pituitary-end organ axes together with an understanding of the posterior pituitary.
Study of the various anterior and posterior pituitary hormones plus hypothalamic signals.
Hormonal signalling including intracrine, paracrine and endocrine effects together with second messenger effects.
Non-functional pituitary tumours – presentation, diagnosis, investigation and management including medical and surgical approaches.
Surveillance of pituitary tumours.
Functional pituitary tumours – presentation, investigation and management including medical and surgical approaches
Acromegaly
Cushing’s disease
Prolactinomas
TSHomas
Hypopituitarism
Congenital hypopituitarism and associated genetic disorders
Learning outcomes:
- Synthesise complex physiological principles of the hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ axis to analyse and interpret a range of endocrine disorders.
- Critically evaluate the presentation, diagnosis, and management of patients with hypothalamic and pituitary disorders, proposing evidence-based treatment strategies.
Aims of the module:
Integrate advanced understanding of thyroid physiology and hormone function to critically assess and develop strategies for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, considering emerging treatments and patient-specific factors.
Module Content:
The physiology of the thyroid gland, basics control of hormonal secretion and the effects of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid function tests and interpretation. Sick euthyroidism and non-thyroidal illness. Thyroiditis including DeQuervain’s thyroiditis. Thyroid eye disease.
Hypothyroidism – presentation, diagnosis and management. Causes of hypothyroidism.
Principles of thyroid hormone replacement and merits of T4 and T3 replacement.
Hyperthyroidism – presentation, diagnosis and management. Causes of thyrotoxicosis – Graves’ disease, Multinodular goitre and drugs.
Management of hyperthyroidism – surgery, drugs and radio-iodine. Preparation of the thyrotoxic patient for surgery.
Use of thionamides, side effects and management of thionamides. Use of radio-iodine, outcomes and contra-indications to its use. Thyroidectomy, outcomes and potential risks of surgery.
Management of the patient presenting with a thyroid nodule. Fine needle aspiration and classification of the aspirate.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically appraise thyroid disorders, integrating advanced knowledge of underlying physiological mechanisms.
- Exhibit advanced clinical decision-making skills in the diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid disorders, justifying chosen approaches.
Aims of the module:
Synthesise advanced knowledge of adrenal gland physiology and pathophysiology to critically analyse endocrine disorders affecting these glands, evaluating current diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities.
Module Content:
The module examines the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of adrenal gland disorders. Students will explore adrenal anatomy and physiology, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and regulatory pathways of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The curriculum covers primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), secondary adrenal insufficiency, adrenal crisis management, Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, adrenal incidentalomas, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Advanced diagnostic approaches including biochemical testing, imaging techniques, and genetic analysis will be examined. Treatment modalities encompassing pharmacological interventions, surgical approaches, and lifestyle modifications will be critically evaluated.
Learning outcomes:
- Analyse and interpret the complex pathophysiology of various conditions affecting the adrenal glands, relating findings to clinical presentations.
- Formulate and defend critical clinical decisions for the management of diverse adrenal gland conditions, considering potential complications and outcomes.
Aims of the module:
Critically appraise the interrelationships between parathyroid, calcium, and bone physiology and pathophysiology, and apply this advanced understanding to formulate and justify complex clinical management strategies for related endocrine disorders.
Module Content:
Students will examine hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia, including investigation protocols and management strategies, with a focus on Familial Hypercalciuric Hypercalcaemia and acute severe hypercalcaemia. The curriculum covers primary hyperparathyroidism (presentation, diagnosis, and evidence-based management including surgical referral criteria and calcium receptor mimetics) and secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism (addressing vitamin D deficiency and renal failure contexts). Bone health assessment is addressed through DEXA interpretation and osteoporosis management, with critical evaluation of pharmacological interventions including bisphosphonates, SERMs, strontium ranelate, vitamin D/calcium supplementation, and calcitonin, emphasising mechanism of action and adherence to current clinical guidelines.
Learning outcomes:
- Devise and justify complex management strategies for patients with disorders of calcium metabolism and parathyroid function, integrating current research findings.
- Critically appraise and synthesise evidence-based approaches for the investigation and management of patients presenting with osteoporosis.
Aims of the module:
Critically evaluate and synthesise current evidence on the presentation, investigation, diagnosis, and management of reproductive endocrine disorders, developing advanced skills in clinical decision-making and patient care strategies.
Module Content:
This module examines gonadal physiology, sex hormone profiles, and reproductive disorders. Students will explore genetic conditions (eg Turner, Klinefelter, Kallmann syndromes), polycystic ovarian syndrome management, and infertility investigations. The curriculum addresses female hypogonadism (premature ovarian failure, menopause) with critical evaluation of hormone replacement therapies and their safety profiles. Male hypogonadism is covered through diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities, including testosterone replacement options and emerging therapies. The module concludes with erectile dysfunction management, preparing students to provide evidence-based care for patients with reproductive endocrine disorders.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically evaluate the evidence base and design comprehensive strategies for the investigation, diagnosis, and management of patients with endocrine disorders of the gonads.
- Analyse and critique current approaches to the investigation, diagnosis, and management of endocrine-related fertility issues, proposing innovative solutions where appropriate.
Aims of the module:
Conduct in-depth analysis of the presentation, investigation, diagnosis, and management of endocrine-related cancers, critically appraising current research to propose and justify innovative approaches to patient care and treatment.
Module Content:
Students will explore thyroid cancer variants (follicular, medullary, anaplastic), including epidemiology, evidence-based treatment approaches, radioiodine ablation, surveillance protocols, and long-term hormone replacement strategies. The curriculum addresses adrenal cancer presentation, investigation, management, and adjunctive therapies including chemotherapeutic principles. Neuroendocrine tumour components cover classification systems, diagnostic approaches (including chromogranin assays and somatostatin scintigraphy), management strategies featuring somatostatin analogues, carcinoid syndrome manifestations and treatment, and the relationship between NETs and hereditary conditions such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia. Throughout, emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary management and current research in endocrine oncology.
Learning outcomes:
- Synthesise and critically appraise evidence relating to the diagnosis and management of patients with endocrine-related cancers, identifying gaps in current knowledge.
- Develop and justify evidence-based recommendations for improving the investigation and management of patients with neuroendocrine tumours, grounded in critical analysis of current research.
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 endocrinology online are 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 or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals or experienced managers working in the healthcare field, 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. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2025: £450 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £5,360 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Pay-in-full discount is available.
- Option 2: Apply for Interest-free payments each month for the duration of the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
£450 † | £446 | £450 |
Total payments: £5,360
You may also be interested in:
- 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.