Pain Management MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
Pain and pain management are associated with a wide range of conditions (both acute and chronic). Year after year, life expectancy rises as technology and understanding of physical illness improve. However, the number of patients presenting with debilitating pain-related conditions is increasing.
Specialist knowledge in pain management is a valuable asset and is becoming an additional responsibility for healthcare professionals. Our flexible Pain Management MSc course focuses on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to pain management and service provision as it is such a broad and complex area of medicine.
Our master's in pain management 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
Our master's in pain management covers a wide range of pain-related conditions and meets the educational needs of both primary and secondary healthcare professionals. This flexible, online pain management master's emphasises direct application to current topics, case studies, and processes pertinent to your own remit and country of practice.
Alongside that, you’ll be able to collaborate with students from all over the world from various disciplines. This will provide you with clinically accurate and relevant information that you can immediately apply in your clinical practice, while also expanding your network and broadening your career opportunities.
On a successful completion of this flexible master's in pain management, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients in pain management.
- Critically evaluate current research in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary pain management.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of self-care promotion for acute and chronic pain.
- Deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with pain conditions.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr. Tzvetanka Ivanova-Stoilova, MD PhD FRCA FFPMRCA
Current post: Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- 40 years of experience in the field of Pain Management...
Tutor - Patricia Schofield
Patricia was one of the first pain specialist nurses in the UK and set up the acute and chronic pain services. She has worked in a number of Universities across the UK, and is now currently working part-time in Sheffield.
Tutor - Dr Sunil Dasari
MBBS, MD,FCAI, FFPMRCA, EDPM, PG Certificate(Pain)
Current post: Consultant, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine,University Hospital of Wales Cardiff
- Faculty Tutor (Pain), FPM RCOA.
- Oversee pain medicine training for anaesthesia trainees. I...
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. Tzvetanka Ivanova-Stoilova, MD PhD FRCA FFPMRCA
Current post: Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- 40 years of experience in the field of Pain Management
- Director of Pain Clinic/Consultant Anaesthetist
- ABUHB lead for Interventional Pain Procedures
- Fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine to the Royal College of Anesthetists
- Clinical Teacher with Cardiff Medical School
- Author of more than 60 peer-reviewed publications
I have always been involved in the teaching of pain medicine to anaesthetic trainees from the Welsh School of Anaesthesia. I am a lifelong learner and I truly believe that medical professionals should work together and learn from each other for the best outcome for our patients.
Tutor - Dr Sunil Dasari
MBBS, MD,FCAI, FFPMRCA, EDPM, PG Certificate(Pain)
Current post: Consultant, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine,University Hospital of Wales Cardiff
- Faculty Tutor (Pain), FPM RCOA.
- Oversee pain medicine training for anaesthesia trainees. I teach anaesthesia trainees on pain related topics.
- Lecturer(Hon),Cardiff University.
- Tutor MSc (Dip) in Pain Management,University of SouthWales.
- Vice-Chair, Welsh Pain society.
- Lead-Welsh School Anaesthesia shadowing programme(WASP).
- Organise shadowing in anaesthesia for medical students and junior doctors to see how anaesthesia specialist works.
Register Interest
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Why Study a Pain Management 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?
Our master's in pain management is ideal for:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
- Practice Nurses
Also those with related undergraduate degrees (such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Dentists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists and Rehabilitation Specialists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience who wish to gain specialist knowledge in the field of Chronic Pain Management.
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 pain management 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 pain management 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
To develop an advanced understanding and knowledge of the underpinning causes and associated experiences of pain.
Module Content
- History and epidemiology. Biopsychosocial model with gender consideration
- Chronic versus acute pain e.g.distinctions
- Pain science e.g. physiology of pain systems and syndromes. Taxonomy of pain systems
- Current evidence/research
- Severe pain syndromes
- Patient considerations (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)
- Global impact on a person in pain (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)
Learning Outcomes
- Application of the biopsychosocial model to the varied presentations of pain
- Apply knowledge of complex pain mechanisms to the differentiation between, and impact of, acute and chronic pain
Module Aims
Enhance the knowledge and understanding of different types of pain with an emphasis on clinical importance.
Module Content
- ISP taxonomy of different types of pain
- Acute vs. chronic. Importance of early recognition and prevention of chronicity. Clinically important aspects of acute and chronic pain; difference between nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
- Cancer/Visceral
- Headache/Neuropathic
- Fibromyalgia/musculoskeletal
- Understanding of pain changes in the light of new evidence
Learning Outcomes
- Critically discriminate between different types of pain
- Demonstrate knowledge of the complex clinical considerations that need to be taken into account in different types of pain
Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the clinical principles and practice of pain assessment and management.
Module Content
- Assessment
- Measurement
- Diagnosis and Prognosis
- Treatment modalities - Primary Care (British Society Guidance 26/8)
- Alternative treatment modalities
- Clinical management (British Society Guidance 28/30)
- Roles, responsibilities and management
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the assessment and treatment of patients with different pain presentations.
- Critically appraise treatment modalities in different clinical scenarios
Module Aims
To develop an understanding of different treatment approaches to pain within the context of overall approach to pain management.
Module Content
- Physiology/Pharmacology /Medication
- Psychology/Cognitive Behaviour
- Manual therapies
- Patient Education/Self-Management/ Preventative Education
- Functional Rehabilitation
- Surgery and Post Surgery Care
- Deployment of different modalities for maximum effect
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse current evidence related to multi-disciplinary approach of treating different types of pain
- Critically evaluate the risk and benefits of different approaches to pain management
Module Aims
Students will have an understanding and appreciation of pain across the life-span and experience.
Module Content
- Older People
- Infants and children
- Disabilities including those with limited communication skills
- Pregnancy
- Vulnerable populations
- Pain in individuals with substance abuse
- Looking at how pain will present itself in all groups
- Considering similarities and differences
- Physical and psychological disorders
- How pain changes
- How to communicate in pain and cognitive impairment
- Working with vulnerable populations (mental health issues, homelessness, learning disabilities, delirium, dementia)
- Social aspects of pain (stigma, social isolation, labelling stigma, labelling isolations)
- Enhancing communication with different social groups
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate ability to manage pain in a variety of complex situations and /or populations
- Demonstrate ability to communicate with populations who have complex/specific or changing needs
Module Aims
To draw on the knowledge and understanding of previous modules to critically evaluate the development of interdisciplinary pain services
Module Content
- Evidence supporting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary of pain
- Organisational services The consequences and influence rising from organisations
- The management team in a clinical setting
- The role of evaluating organisations, clinical settings (the way care is organised)
- The realistic expectations of the practitioner and carer
- Emerging ideas of services
- How emerging updated guidelines and impact of services
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the benefits of inter and multidisciplinary pain management in a clinical setting and the consequences within healthcare schemes
- Demonstrate expertise in organising approaches to pain management
Year 2
The module runs over a 12 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies used in pain management. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the professional project module.
You will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,500 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 10,500 word professional project.
To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.
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
Entry Requirements
Since our master's in pain management course is conducted entirely online, it's accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals without any international surcharges.
Applicants for our chronic pain manageemnt courses will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals or experienced managers working in the healthcare field, without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
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 | £840 | £9,440 |
| 1st May 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £840 | |
| 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.
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