Postgraduate Certificate in Hypertension
Validated by University of South Wales
"As the only fully online, comprehensive qualification on hypertension in the world, our online Postgraduate Certificate in Hypertension equips healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to manage hypertension effectively. This 6-month, part-time PGCert in Hypertension is designed for GPs, cardiologists, and other healthcare professionals committed to improving patient outcomes." — Dr Raj Thakkar, Learna | Diploma MSc Programme Leader
"At the University of South Wales, we are proud to validate this high-quality programme, which focuses on evidence-based practice and patient-centred care. The flexible, online structure ensures that learners can advance their careers while working." — Dr Karl New (PhD), University of South Wales Course Leader
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
This comprehensive Hypertension PGCert programme covers all aspects of hypertension, from pathophysiology to the latest advancements in treatment. You’ll explore diagnostic approaches, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological treatments, preparing you to deliver cutting-edge care in your clinical practice. With a unique focus on managing hypertension in special populations, this course stands out by offering practical, real-world applications that immediately benefit your patients and practice.
What sets this hypertension specialist certification apart is its fully online delivery - the only comprehensive qualification on hypertension in the world - allowing you to fit learning around your existing commitments while still benefiting from collaboration with a global network of healthcare professionals. In line with our commitment to holistic professional development, this hypertension online course includes a focus on communication skills and patient education.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Prof. Raj Thakkar
Prof. Raj Thakkar is an accomplished GP and an expert in primary care cardiology and hypertension. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, Dr Thakkar...
Validating partner
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
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. Raj Thakkar
Prof. Raj Thakkar is an accomplished GP and an expert in primary care cardiology and hypertension. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, Dr Thakkar has established himself as a key figure in cardiovascular healthcare.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a medical degree from University College London. His postgraduate training includes both the Royal College of General Practitioners and Physicians membership exams, alongside an enhanced cardiology post as a GP registrar. Prof Thakkar’s clinical expertise is further bolstered by his leadership roles, including serving as President of the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society, primary care cardiology lead for the Oxford Academic Health Science Network, and co-lead for the NHSE cardiac transformation programme.
A prolific writer, Raj has authored over 200 articles and several books, including the award-winning MIMS Consultation Guide. He also sits on the editorial board for the British Journal of Cardiology and is a regular speaker and advisor on cardiovascular health. His dedication to improving patient outcomes has earned him numerous accolades, including two atrial fibrillation pioneer awards and national recognition as a GP of the Year finalist.
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Why Study a Hypertension Postgraduate Certificate 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?
This Postgraduate Certificate in Hypertension is designed for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge in the increasingly prevalent subject of hypertension, and is particularly suited to:
GPs
Enhance your ability to diagnose and treat hypertension effectively, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
Cardiologists
Gain specialised knowledge in hypertension management, helping you provide more comprehensive cardiovascular care.
Endocrinologists
Deepen your understanding of how hypertension intersects with endocrine disorders, enabling better patient management.
Nephrologists
Master the link between hypertension and kidney disease to improve treatment plans and patient outcomes.
Nurses
Strengthen your role in patient education and hypertension management, fostering adherence to treatment plans.
Pharmacists
Develop expertise in antihypertensive medications and their management, ensuring safe and effective patient care.
Dietitians and Physiotherapists
Learn to design lifestyle interventions that support hypertension management through diet and exercise.
Public Health Professionals
Enhance your knowledge to design and implement impactful hypertension prevention programmes.
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 Hypertension Postgraduate Certificate allows you to study for just six months and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Module aims:
This module aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge of hypertension to facilitate effective identification, diagnosis, and management.
Content summary:
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and investigation of hypertension. Weekly topics will include:
- Introduction to Hypertension and Epidemiology
- Pathophysiology of Hypertension
- Diagnosis and Assessment of Hypertension
- Investigative Approaches to Hypertension
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk
- Hypertension and Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Cerebrovascular Kidney, Eye, and Mobile Technology
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse and evaluate data on the prevalence, incidence, and related risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, evaluating the quality of evidence and interpreting findings to assess disease burden.
- Critically implement evidence-based strategies into a range of scenarios within current clinical practice to support investigations and diagnosis of people with hypertension to stratify cardiovascular risk.
Module aims:
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage hypertension in clinical practice, with an emphasis on lifestyle interventions and pharmacological therapies to optimise blood pressure control and improve patient outcomes.
Content summary:
This module focuses on the management of hypertension, emphasising lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatment strategies. Weekly topics will include:
- Lifestyle Modifications for Hypertension Management
- Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Hypertension
- Antihypertensive Drug Classes and Mechanisms of Action
- Initiation and Titration of Antihypertensive Medications
- Individualised Pharmacological Treatment for Hypertension
- Medication Adherence and Monitoring in Hypertension Management
Learning outcomes:
- Critically appraise and evaluate the evidence base for advising modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to hypertension and develop evidence-based strategies to facilitate positive behaviour change for blood pressure management, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Critically apply knowledge of pharmacological therapies and clinical guidelines to clinical practice in selecting and titrating antihypertensive medications to inform safe, patient-centred practice in managing hypertension.
Module aims:
This module aims to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the unique pathophysiological considerations, challenges, and evidence-based diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring approaches required to effectively manage hypertension in complex situations and special populations.
Content summary:
This module explores the complexities of hypertension in special circumstances, including pregnancy, diabetes, elderly patients, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, malignant hypertension, difficult-to-treat or resistant hypertension, and secondary hypertension.
- Hypertension in Pregnancy
- Hypertension in Diabetes
- Hypertension in Elderly Patients
- Hypertension in Ethnic Minority Populations
- Malignant Hypertension, Difficult-to-treat and Resistant Hypertension
- Secondary Hypertension
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the unique pathophysiological considerations, challenges, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches for managing hypertension in complex cases and special populations such as pregnancy, diabetes, elderly patients, and ethnic minorities.
- Critically implement knowledge of secondary hypertension, difficult-to-treat and malignant hypertension to integrate evidence-based management to optimise patient outcome and mitigate complications.
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!
This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:
Group activity
Designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum and the leader allocates tasks to group members. The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
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.
- 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.
Entry requirements
Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis, but typically, applicants for the programme will:
- Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent.
- Provide evidence in the personal statement as to how they can apply learning to a practical setting and reflect on practice.
- Basic IT skills (e.g. word processing, email and internet).
- If English is not the student’s first language they must hold an English language qualification.
English requirements:
- IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 or above.
- GMC / NMC (Nursing Midwifery Council) / GPhC / HCPC registered – with a licence to practise.
- Proof of study at a UK, USA, Australian, New Zealand or Canadian University or membership to a medical body from one of these countries.
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 | £850 | £2,550 |
| 1st May 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £850 |
† 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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