Paediatrics and Child Health MSc
Validated by University of Buckingham
While paediatric specialists are in short supply in developed nations like the UK, they are even more scarce in developing nations that are experiencing severe healthcare shortages. While raising awareness of the problem will be helpful, improving access to postgraduate paediatric education is the only way to truly impact child health outcomes on a global scale.
Our part-time, online MSc in paediatrics will broaden your knowledge of current issues that are especially important for practising paediatric medicine in the 21st century. From the perinatal period up to adolescence, the quick-to-complete programme will provide you with a thorough understanding of paediatric medicine, covering a wide range of conditions and presentations. The scenario-based topic discussion will equip students with knowledge and skills of dealing with real life situations and cases.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
The preventative focus, coverage of a wide range of disorders from the prenatal period to adolescence and inclusion of the global child health module, make the paediatrics online courses distinctive and provide the learner with a broad clinical overview of the practise of paediatric medicine. This affordable, high-value programme is authored and delivered by skilled paediatric doctors who are exceptionally experienced in the field, therefore maximising active learning opportunities for students.
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to promote a preventative approach for reducing the risk of developing a childhood disease. You will be able to apply the knowledge and skills in managing common childhood emergencies, as well as common childhood conditions in the primary care and community settings. Students will be able to apply a holistic approach in assessing childhood issues taking into account psychosocial, safeguarding and mental health.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Ambalika Das currently holds the position of Consultant Neonatologist, having worked in paediatrics and child health for over 25 years. An interest in teaching and training, Dr. Das has...
Validating partner
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and also one of the smallest with around 2,700 students, who study for honours degrees in two intensive years of study. The University houses its own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
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 Ambalika Das currently holds the position of Consultant Neonatologist, having worked in paediatrics and child health for over 25 years. An interest in teaching and training, Dr. Das has been teaching medical students, nursing students, advanced nursing practitioners, midwives, GP and paediatric trainees over many years.
As a neonatologist Dr. Das is fascinated by perinatal medicine, and within this particular programme she is most excited about the Global Child Health module.
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Why Study a Paediatrics and Child Health 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?
The Paediatrics and Child Health Postgraduate Diploma is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists.
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 online Paediatrics and Child Health MSc is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma.Year 1
Module Aims
Equip the individual with a systematic understanding of general paediatrics, and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
Module Content
- Genetic testing and counselling
- Maternal risk factors on newborn
- Resuscitation and examination
- Screening
- Monitor growth and development and learn management in infancy and primary care settting
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of; antenatal testing, maternal history taking, neonatal resuscitation, national screening programme, 0-5 years child health surveillance, neonatal common presentations.
- Critically Apply an in-depth knowledge of health promotion strategies into their practice as General Paediatrician.
Module Aims
To recognise the importance of immunisation in preventing communicable disease and thus reduction in mortality and morbidity.
Module Content
- Preventing communicable disease and reduction in mortality and morbidity
- Modify risk factors e.g obesity and asthma
- Prevent development of chronic diseases
- Appropriate diet and nutritional management
- Increasing incidences of allergic disorders in childhood
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of; national immunisation programme, modifiable risk factors in chronic diseases, healthy lifestyle choices, childhood nutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases, common childhood allergic disorders.
- To justify the rationale of universal immunisation to prevent communicable diseases in childhood.
Module Aims
To be able to apply evidence based practice in diagnosing and managing common childhood presentations in primary and secondary care settings.
Module Content
- Childhood rashes
- Child presenting with fever
- Child presenting with a recent onset limp
- Child with first seizure and chronic cough
- Precocious puberty
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding to apply evidence based diagnostic and management pathway for a child presenting with rash in primary or secondary care setting.
- To evaluate practice critically in relation to the evidence base in child health and general paediatrics.
Module Aims
To learn about the application of evidence based medicine in managing common paediatric emergencies.
Module Content
This module will cover a range of common presentations such as; paediatric basic and advanced life support, acute asthma, status asthmaticus, status epilepticus, altered consciousness, head trauma, encephalopathy, non-accidental injury, diabetic keto-acidosis, acute abdominal pain, child abuse, child safeguarding procedures.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding in the delivery and advancement of paediatric-related care.
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to practice in general paediatrics.
Module Aims
To learn about the presentation, diagnosis and management of children with developmental disorders. To learn about the support needs and current support availability for children with developmental disorders.
Module Content
- This module will provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of; chromosomal syndromes, inherited disorders, metabolic syndromes and ex-preterm and developmental disorders.
- This module will also cover an overview of; mental health disorders, substance abuse, domestic, social and environmental factors and how to prevent these.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of common primary care presentations in mental health.
- Critically evaluate a variety of methods used to support an inclusive environment in the community.
- Critically apply problem-solving skills that they can apply to practice in general paediatrics.
Module Aims
To learn about the impact of digitalisation on childhood physical activity, mental well-being and social development. To learn about and evaluate the effectiveness of global initiatives on improving child health.
Module Content
This module will provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of; climate change, Covid-19, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, digitalisation, violence against children, global child health initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
- Equip students to critically appraise evidence-based medicine in relation to child health.
- To discuss about the prevention and advances in management of common causes of childhood deaths eg; pneumonia, malaria, diarrhoea.
- To elaborate about ways to identify and prevent violence against children.
Year 2
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation. The professional project module provides students with an opportunity to complete an important, substantial and potentially publishable study of their own choosing.
Module Content
- Quantitative Studies
- Statistical Analysis Interpretation
- Interpreting the Evidence
- Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
- Qualitative Studies
- Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
- Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
- Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review
Following the research methods, students will submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic, this includes a proposal form and ethics application. Students are given a 4-week period after the research methods to complete this.
Students will then create a piece of work based upon a specific subject-related project relevant to the student’s practice. The students will have a further 24-weeks to complete this. This project may comprise:
- Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
- Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
- Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
- Secondary data analysis
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!
- Case problems reflective of day-to-day practice/research will be presented for the students to consider and answer every week.
- Students discuss the concepts being presented in the case within their online group discussion forum, facilitated throughout the module by their tutor and marked by them at the end of the module.
- The content of the academic forum is based on the learning outcomes for the module.
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.
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.
- 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
Since our paediatrics courses 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 field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered for the Child Health and Paediatrics MSc 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 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
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 | £830 | £8,880 |
| 1st May 2025 | £830 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £830 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £830 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £830 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £830 | |
| 1st March 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st May 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st September 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2027 | £650 |
† 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.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
