Acute Medicine MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
Our online MSc in Acute Medicine is a two-year programme designed to equip healthcare professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to excel in acute care settings. This master’s in acute medicine not only enhances your ability to provide quality acute care but also significantly contributes to career advancement, positively impacting health outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction.
Acute medicine, closely linked to emergency medicine, critical care and general medicine, is a rapidly expanding hospital-based specialty. Professionals in this field, including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and radiographers, must stay up to date with the latest guidelines for managing acutely ill patients.
Our MSc Acute Medicine programme is aligned with evidence-based, protocol-driven practice, optimising acute delivery. Our Acute Medicine MSc 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
In addition to modules on acute neurological disorders and stroke, sepsis, respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies and many more important topics, our master’s in acute medicine includes an independent research project in year 2. This research is integral to your learning experience, allowing you to develop critical research skills and contribute to the growing body of knowledge and improvements in acute care.
Emphasising collaboration and teamwork, our MSc in Acute Medicine offers a diverse, global learning environment. You will engage with an international, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, sharing best practices and unique experiences that enrich your understanding and application of acute medicine.
On completion of this MSc Acute Medicine, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of acute medicine, skills in critical appraisal and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
- Apply lifelong learning and advanced problem solving skills to clinical practice in acute medicine.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of acute medical specialty-related care.
- Effectively translate and disseminate evidence-based acute medicine information to a wide range of audiences where there are many interesting factors.
- Use the necessary tools and skills to become leaders in the field of acute medicine and take the subject area forward in terms of scholarship, practice and research.
- Produce an independent research project that contributes to the body of knowledge in acute medicine.
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...
Tutor - Jonathan Soldera
Current post: Professor of Clinical Gastroenterology, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
- Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist
- Currently teaching and working in Brazil
- Areas of interest and research are cirrhosis and...
Tutor - Dr. Abdul Naeem
Current Role: Consultant Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Specialty tutor Acute Medicine at University of South Wales.
- Currently he is head of the critical care unit in a tertiary level...
Tutor - Dr. Krishnadas Thulasidoss
Current post: Serves as a Senior Consultant in India, providing expert care in his areas of expertise.
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine,...
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.
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. 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."
Tutor - Jonathan Soldera
Current post: Professor of Clinical Gastroenterology, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
- Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist
- Currently teaching and working in Brazil
- Areas of interest and research are cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and work as a principal investigator for phase 2 and 3 studies on new molecules for IBD
- Researches the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict outcomes in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Currently working on a PhD in Pathology. He is the author of multiple indexed articles on the subjects of his research.
Tutor - Dr. Abdul Naeem
Current Role: Consultant Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Specialty tutor Acute Medicine at University of South Wales.
- Currently he is head of the critical care unit in a tertiary level institute. Beside his clinical expertise, he is certified medical educationist and well versed with online teaching. He holds an excellent performance record of 98% student’s satisfaction rate.
- He is Assistant Professor of Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and educational supervisor for EMFP (Emergency Medicine Foundation Program) of Royal College of Emergency Medicine, UK. He has designed several medical courses for PLAB, MRCP and Intensive Care.
- He has been Incharge of PlabMentor Academy, London.
He is auditor of JCI (Joint Commission International) for hospital accreditation. With interest in evidence based medicine, he has published research papers and standardized the department with clinical audits, pathways and algorithms.
Tutor - Dr. Krishnadas Thulasidoss
Current post: Serves as a Senior Consultant in India, providing expert care in his areas of expertise.
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Rheumatology
- Qualifications including MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCP (Glasgow), and a European Certificate of Rheumatology
- Contributes to medical education as a Registered Tutor and Review Member for postgraduate programmes at Learna, University of South Wales, and University of Buckingham.
Register Interest
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Why Study an Acute Medicine 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?
Applicants will typically be registered healthcare professionals who have continuous exposure to acutely ill patients looking for a master's in acute medicine or a similar discipline.
This may include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Radiographers
- Paramedics
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 master's in acute medicine is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the postgraduate diploma. The second year of the master's in acute medicine starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
Module Aims
Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex cases and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with cardio-respiratory conditions.
Module Content
Guideline directed approach to the management of patients with acute cardio-respiratory diseases including:
- 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
- Cardiac Arrest
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based learning in acute cardiovascular and respiratory scenarios.
- Appraise, reflect upon and create ways forward in the management of patients presenting with acute cardio-respiratory conditions within the multidisciplinary team.
Module Aims
Enhance the management of complex cases presenting with a variety of acute diabetic and endocrine conditions, and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients.
Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute diabetic and endocrine diseases, including:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hyperosmolar Non-Ketosis
- Acute Hypercalcaemia
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypocalcaemia
- Adrenal Crisis
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients presenting with acute endocrine conditions.
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate evidence and guidance-based strategies in the management of acutely unwell patients with diabetic-related conditions.
Module Aims
Reformulate and use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to assess and manage complex cases, and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with gastrointestinal conditions.
Module Content
The management of patients presenting with Acute Gastrointestinal (GI) Illnesses, including:
- Upper GI Haemorrhage
- Acute Abdominal Pain
- Intractable Vomiting
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Acute Liver Disease
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Cirrhosis
- GI Infections (such as Dysentery and Gastroenteritis)
- GI Malignancy
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the treatment of patients presenting with acute GI conditions.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based learning and guideline-based treatment in acute GI disorders.
Module Aims
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.
Module Content
The management of patients presenting with acute bacterial, viral and fungal infection relating to all organ systems; the management, investigation and diagnosis of sepsis and bacteraemia; and the management of the immune-compromised individual in relation to infection.
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute infections.
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate the presentation, cause and management of the immune-compromised patients in the acute medical setting.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment with acute infections and sepsis.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding of the assessment and management of acute neurological disorders and strokes, applying guideline and evidence-based care in the management of acute neurological disorders and strokes.
Module Content
The diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders, including:
- Acute Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral Infections
- Cerebral Haemorrhage and Haematomas
- Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Presentations with:
- Acute Cerebral Malignancy
- Dystonias
- Ataxias
- Acute Neuronopathies
- Neuropathies
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnosis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute neurological disorders.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment in neurological disorders, including stroke medicine.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding of the assessment of acute kidney, metabolic and toxicological disorders and apply guideline and evidence-based care in the management of these disorders.
Module Content
The management of toxicological emergencies, such as overdoses (both accidental and non-accidental), acute drug reactions and anaphylaxis; the presentation of patients with metabolic and renal issues, including acute kidney injury, acid-base disorders, hyperkalemia and acute hyponatraemia; and the implementation of renal replacement therapy including dialysis.
Learning Outcomes
- Use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches for the diagnostic synthesis and management strategy employed in the investigation and treatment of patients presenting with acute kidney disorders.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the assessment and management of overdose and acute metabolic disturbance.
- Apply evidence-based practice and guideline-based treatment in renal, metabolic and toxicological disorders.
Year 2
Module Aims
This module is designed to help you recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to acute medicine research.
Module Content
- Analysis and evaluation of the choice of research tools and/or other methods of enquiry to address research problems.
- Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
- Interpretation of 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, 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.
- Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.
Learning Outcomes
- Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in acute medicine
- Critically analyse and interpret research in acute medicine
Module Aims
The module aims to develop your ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.
Module Content
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to your practice. You will select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (1,200 words). Once your proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,800 words) is then completed through online guidance and supervision from your tutor.
The 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-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
- Learning Outcomes
- Design and undertake a research/development project related to acute medicine.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements for change.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
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
Since our master's in acute medicine is conducted entirely online, it's accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals without any 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. 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.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
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 | £9,500 |
| 1st May 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £850 | |
| 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.
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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