Acute and Urgent Care MSc (University of Wolverhampton)
"Our MSc in Acute and Urgent Care equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to excel in rapidly evolving medical scenarios. This programme is ideal for those seeking to enhance their decision-making abilities and clinical expertise in acute settings." - Dr. Hayder Ewad, Learna | Diploma MSc Programme Leader
"The University of Wolverhampton is proud to validate this high-quality Acute and Urgent Care MSc. It offers a unique blend of practical knowledge and critical thinking skills, essential for today's acute care professionals."- Ben Appleby, University of Wolverhampton Course Leader
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
The MSc in Acute and Urgent Care is designed to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive, cutting-edge knowledge across a wide spectrum of acute medical specialties. From cardiorespiratory emergencies to neurological crises, this programme covers the entire breadth of acute care medicine, ensuring you're prepared for any clinical challenge.
Our MSc in Urgent Care stands out by offering a truly global perspective on acute care. You'll learn from and alongside healthcare professionals from around the world, gaining insights into diverse healthcare systems and approaches. This international collaboration, combined with our flexible online learning platform, allows you to enhance your skills without interrupting your career progression.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr. Hayder Ewad
Dr Ewad is a Consultant Physician in General and Acute Medicine for the NHS, working in very challenging times and environment. Over the last 11 years in...
Validating partner
University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton, founded in 1827, is a nationally recognised and internationally respected institution. The University has achieved four stars in the QS international ratings and boasts a 96% graduate employability rate (DLHE 2018). Offering over 500 courses, including 250 undergraduate and 120 postgraduate programmes, many are accredited by professional bodies. With a 190-year history, its research is world-leading, with more than half rated internationally excellent or world-leading in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr. Hayder Ewad
Dr Ewad is a Consultant Physician in General and Acute Medicine for the NHS, working in very challenging times and environment. Over the last 11 years in this senior role, Dr Ewad has earned the respect of every team he has joined. In December 2021, he was chosen as one of the heroes for South Mead hospital of NBT NHS trust/Bristol, which was very similar to the recognition he received in 1990, just two years after graduating from medical school in Iraq.
Dr Ewad has been a tutor with Learna for over two years, tutoring different subjects, he is now delighted to be the programme leader. Medical education is at the heart of his interests, previously he was a Clinical Physiology tutor at Al Nahrain Medical in Iraq from 1991 to 1994. Dr Ewad has earned a master's degree in Cardiac Physiology in 1993 and is a member of the RCP of London. He also has two diplomas from the universities of Leicester and Cardiff to support his interests in diabetes and therapeutics.
"If I see myself teaching my students something new, something different from what they already knew, something beneficial that could change the course of their professional lives for the better, then I consider myself a successful educator."
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Why Study an Acute and Urgent Care Master's 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 MSc in Acute and Urgent Care is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their skills in managing critically ill patients and excelling in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. It is particularly suited for:
Doctors
Doctors working in emergency departments, intensive care units, or urgent care settings will benefit from the advanced knowledge and skills gained in this MSc. The programme focuses on evidence-based practice, advanced treatment protocols, and critical decision-making, preparing doctors to handle acute or life-threatening conditions with confidence. This course is ideal for doctors seeking leadership roles or specialised positions in acute care.
Nurses
This MSc provides nurses with advanced clinical skills in diagnostics, patient stabilisation, and acute care management. It enhances their ability to triage, stabilise, and deliver comprehensive care in urgent care settings, equipping them to take on more senior roles in acute care teams or emergency medicine.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists involved in acute care will gain specialised knowledge in the assessment and early management of patients with acute injuries or post-surgical conditions. This MSc helps them develop skills in early rehabilitation, trauma care, and managing patients with complex needs, allowing them to contribute more effectively to the recovery of patients in critical care or emergency settings.
Physician Associates and Occupational Therapists
Physician Associates and Occupational Therapists working in acute settings will expand their understanding of urgent care models and patient management strategies. This MSc provides them with the competencies to assess and manage patients with acute conditions or functional impairments, improving their ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to patient stabilisation and flow in urgent care settings.
Radiographers
Radiographers play a crucial role in acute care, particularly in trauma and emergency imaging. This MSc enhances their knowledge of advanced imaging techniques used in acute settings, such as trauma imaging and interventional radiology. It prepares radiographers to work more effectively in critical care environments, improving diagnostic speed and accuracy in life-threatening situations.
Paramedics
Paramedics are often the first point of contact in acute care scenarios. This MSc deepens their knowledge of prehospital care, patient triage, and stabilisation techniques, equipping them with advanced skills for managing life-threatening emergencies. It is ideal for paramedics seeking to expand their expertise and take on leadership roles in prehospital and emergency care services.
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
The MSc diabetes online programme spans 2 years and consists of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits spread across six 20 credit modules in year 1. The second year of the master's in diabetes begins with an initial 10 week online module that will develop essential skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. You will then complete a professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and a 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
Module Aims
The module aims to use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex cases, applying guideline and evidence based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with cardio-respiratory conditions.
Module Content
The module will cover the guideline directed approach to the management of the patient with acute respiratory and cardiovascular disease to include management of severe hypertension, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, thromboembolic disease, acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusions, acute asthma, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.
Weekly topics:
- Arrhythmias / hypertension
- Acute coronary syndrome / IHD+
- Heart failure
- Thromboembolic disease and C-P arrest
- Asthma / pneumothorax
- COPD and lung oncology
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute cardio-respiratory conditions within a multidisciplinary setting.
Aims of the module:
The module aims to develop an ability to manage complex cases presenting with a variety of acute diabetic and endocrine conditions, applying guideline and evidence based care in the management of acutely ill patients.
Content summary:
The module will explore the management of the patient presenting with acute diabetic and endocrine disease including diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia, hyperosmolar non-ketosis, acute hypercalcaemia, thyrotoxicosis, hypocalcaemia and adrenal crisis.
Weekly topics:
- Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
- Chronic complications and diabetes
- Adrenal & Pituitary
- Acute Hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia and hyponatraemia
- Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Module Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute diabetes and endocrine emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute diabetes and endocrine conditions within a multidisciplinary setting.
Aims of the module:
The module aims to reformulate and use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to assess and manage complex cases, applying guideline and evidence based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with gastrointestinal conditions.
Content summary:
The module will explore the management of the patient presenting with acute gastrointestinal (GI) illness including upper GI haemorrhage, acute abdominal pain, intractable vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease, GI infections including dysentery and gastroenteritis together with the acute management of GI malignancy. Managing acute liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy and cirrhosis.
Weekly topics:
- Acute gastrointestinal bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease; evaluation and management
- Liver 1
- Liver 2
- Acute gastroenteritis and acute abdominal pain
- Acute complication of GI malignancies
Module Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal (GI) emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute GI conditions within a multidisciplinary setting.
Aims of the module:
The module aims to apply guideline and evidence based care in the management of acutely ill patients, facilitating the critical evaluation of actions, methods and results used in the management of acute infections.
Content summary:
The management of patients presenting with acute bacterial, viral and fungal infection relating to all organ systems; management, investigation and diagnosis of sepsis and bacteraemia; management of the immune compromised individual in relation to infection.
Weekly topics:
- Sepsis Management
- Pneumonia and hospital acquired infections
- Cellulitis and skin infection
- Acute infections in immunocompromised patients
- Pyrexia of unknown origin, including travellers’ infection
- Genito-urinary infections
Module Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute infections.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute infections within a multidisciplinary setting.
Aims of the module:
The module aims to develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute neurological disorders and stroke, applying guideline and evidence based care in the management of acute neurological disorders and stroke.
Content summary:
This module will explore the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders such as acute stroke, epilepsy, cerebral infections, cerebral haemorrhage/haematomas, venous sinus thrombosis, presentations with acute cerebral malignancy, dystonias, ataxias, acute neuronopathies/neuropathies and raised intracranial pressure.
Weekly topics:
- Acute headache evaluation and management
- Seizures
- Cerebral infections: meningitis and encephalitis
- Intracranial pathology inc. haemorrhage
- TIA and acute stroke
- Other neurological presentations
Module Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders including stroke medicine within a multidisciplinary setting.
Aims of the module:
The module aims to develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute kidney, metabolic and toxicological disorders and apply guideline and evidence based care.
Content summary:
This module will explore the management of toxicological emergencies such as overdose both accidental and non-accidental, acute drug reactions and anaphylaxis. The module will also cover the presentation of the patient with metabolic and renal issues to include acute kidney injury, acid-base disorders, hyperkalaemia and acute hyponatraemia. It will also touch upon the implementation of renal replacement therapy including dialysis.
Weekly topics:
- Approach to the management of acute hyponatremia
- Renal Injury, renal replacement and hyperkalaemia
- Acid-Base balance
- Acute drug reactions, Urticaria and Anaphylaxis
- Poisoning
- Illicit drugs
Module Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and apply advanced theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of selected methodologies and approaches in the diagnostic synthesis and management strategies employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute renal, metabolic and toxicological emergencies.
- Combine advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge with evidence-based practice in order to systematically appraise, reflect upon, and create ways forward in the treatment and management of patients presenting with acute renal, metabolic and toxicological disorders within a multi-disciplinary setting.
Year 2
Aims of the module:
The Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal element of the module will help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies related to the specialty.
The Professional Project Proposal and Professional Project elements will develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.
Content summary:
Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal-
- Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
- Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots and meta-analyses.
- Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and number needed to treat. Statistical tests and their applications including t-tests, ANOVA and chi-square.
- Qualitative research methods.
- Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
- Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
- Establishing patient registers and the value of disease-specific registers.
Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
Professional Project-
This module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
Learning outcomes:
- Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in the field.
- Critically analyse and interpret research in the subject area.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
- Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
- Evaluate ethical considerations in research and the process of engagement with ethical committees.
- Design and undertake a professional project related to the field of practice in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
- Create evidence-based recommendations to add to the knowledge base of the subject area.
- Demonstrate critical evaluation skills enabling an in-depth critique of the academic literature.
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!
Year 1
- 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.
Year 2
This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.
Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.
Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.
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 | £895 | £9,760 |
| 1st May 2025 | £893 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £893 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £893 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £893 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £893 | |
| 1st March 2026 | £733 | |
| 1st May 2026 | £733 | |
| 1st July 2026 | £733 | |
| 1st September 2026 | £733 | |
| 1st November 2026 | £733 | |
| 1st January 2027 | £735 |
† 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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We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
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