Renal Medicine MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
Our 2 year part-time MSc in Renal Medicine aims to equip healthcare professionals to confidently and effectively deal with renal afflictions by providing them with advanced skills and specialist knowledge in this field. This includes a professional project in the second year, focused on a topic of interest within the field.
The role of the kidneys in maintaining overall health is vital, and renal diseases can significantly impact patient’s wellbeing and quality of life. In order to optimise patient outcomes and deliver accurate diagnosis and effective management of kidney-related disorders, thorough knowledge of renal medicine is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Our Renal Medicine Master's 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: September 2025Key Facts
Healthcare professionals on the front line, including primary care and specialist units, need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to deal with renal patients confidently and effectively. Our renal master's improves your management of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
The renal master's has a clinical focus and our teaching is scenario-based, based on extensive research with primary care practitioners. By incorporating the most recent developments in renal medicine, we ensure that our curriculum is highly relevant for front-line healthcare professionals.
You will have the opportunity in your second year to refine essential research skills as you complete a professional project, that is relevant to your practice in renal medicine. Our renal MSc is completely flexible, allowing you to fit your studies around your family, work, and lifestyle commitments.
On successful completion of this renal master's, you’ll be able to:
- Confidently diagnose and treat patients with kidney disease symptoms
- Make use of your new knowledge and skills to help prevent or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and to ensure timely referral to secondary care
- From a primary care standpoint, assist in the treatment of dialysis and transplant patients
- Consolidate your knowledge to provide the best possible patient care and service outcomes
Faculty
Programme Leader - Dr. Richard Smith, FRCP, PhD.
Dr Richard Smith
Current post: Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director for Research, East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust.
Richard Smith, Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director for Research at East...
Tutor - Dr. Ahad Qayyum
Current post: Renowned Consultant Nephrologist & currently serves as Medical Director & Chief of Nephrology at one of the largest trust hospital of Asia and Pakistan i.e. Bahria Town International...
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.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, 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.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Next intake: September 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader - Dr. Richard Smith, FRCP, PhD.
Dr Richard Smith
Current post: Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director for Research, East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust.
Richard Smith, Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director for Research at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust is the Programme Leader for our Renal Medicine Postgraduate Diploma. Richard has:
- 28 years of teaching experience including at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Cardiff University, the University of Bristol and now, the University of South Wales.
- 30 years experience of clinical transplantation with 18 years as a consultant nephrologist at hospitals across the UK
- 28 years experience of clinical trials and academic research, including 42 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Richard has always been driven by demystifying kidney disease; helping non-specialists become more confident at treating patients with afflicting symptoms. Most kidney problems present first to non-specialists (GPs, diabetologists, emergency medicine, general medicine and general surgery). Unfortunately, training in how to manage these patients is often covered poorly in ‘general’ training programmes. This course aims to equip these clinicians with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently manage patients with kidney disease.
Tutor - Dr. Ahad Qayyum
Current post: Renowned Consultant Nephrologist & currently serves as Medical Director & Chief of Nephrology at one of the largest trust hospital of Asia and Pakistan i.e. Bahria Town International Hospital Lahore.
- Has a distinct honor of holding renal fellowships from both the Royal College Physicians of United Kingdom and College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan.
- Has published extensively with more than 30 research articles in high impact factor medical journals and sits on the editorial board of the Pakistan Journal of Kidney Diseases.
- Nominated renal scholar by the International Society of Nephrology & Kidney Research UK and a member of the South Asian Regional Board and Educational Ambassador Committee of the International Society of Nephrology.
- Certified mentor and supervisor for ACLS and Renal Fellowship by the American Heart Association and College of Physicians and Surgeons respectively
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Why Study a Renal 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?
Our renal medicine courses are specifically designed for healthcare professionals frequently seeing patients displaying symptoms of kidney disease, who aren’t renal specialists.
You should be working as a healthcare professional (HCP), either in the UK or overseas, in a role in general practice, or a secondary care HCP managing patients with systemic diseases that may affect the kidneys.
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 renal master's 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 renal course 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
Aims of the module:
Provide healthcare professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills to confidently diagnose and initiate management of patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Module Content:
Introduction and definitions: AKI versus “acute on chronic” kidney disease versus CKD. Diagnosis and staging of AKI and CKD. Essential history, observations and investigations in AKI and CKD. Consequences of AKI, both acute and long term. Consequences of CKD, e.g. anaemia and renal bone disease. Prognosis of AKI and CKD.
Learning outcomes:
- Exhibit an advanced knowledge of renal disease, including the ability to diagnose AKI and CKD confidently, and critically analyse their consequences.
- Evaluate and initiate appropriate investigations to inform decisions about further management.
Aims of the module:
Equip healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to confidently manage patients with Acute Kidney Injury and critically evaluate when referral to secondary care is appropriate and necessary.
Module Content:
Identification and understanding of the spectrum of causes of AKI. Acute treatment. When to refer to hospital and to nephrology. Common errors in managing AKI. Prescribing in kidney disease: The ACEI/ARB conundrum and NSAIDs. Prescribing in kidney disease: Antibiotics, metformin and analgesia.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically apply an advanced understanding of the mechanism of AKI to initiate appropriate treatment and management.
- Critically appraise the severity of AKI with critical judgement, ensuring appropriate referral to secondary care.
Aims of the module:
Foster healthcare professionals' in-depth knowledge and skills to confidently manage patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and appraise when referral to secondary care is appropriate and necessary.
Module Content:
Slowing progression of CKD. Hypertension and proteinuria. Genetic kidney disease. Kidney diseases for which there are specific treatments, e.g. Fabry’s disease. Renal anaemia: pathophysiology and treatment. Renal bone disease: pathophysiology and treatment.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically appraise theoretical and evidence-based medicine to select and initiate appropriate management of chronic kidney disease.
- Appraise the severity of Chronic Kidney Disease with critical judgement, ensuring appropriate referral to secondary care.
Aims of the module:
Equip healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to analyse the impact of systemic disease on the kidney and provide evidence-based care for these complex conditions.
Module Content:
Diabetes as a cause of kidney disease. Pregnancy in the patient with CKD, the transplant patient and the dialysis patient. Cardiovascular disease as a cause of CKD and CKD as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Myeloma & rheumatological diseases. Sepsis as a trigger for AKI in ‘at risk’ patients. Impact of surgery and radiological interventions on the kidney.
Learning outcomes:
- Formulate strategies for early identification of kidney disease and appropriate management in complex scenarios.
- Critically evaluate new insights into acute kidney injury, ensuring optimal management of the 'at risk' patient.
Aims of the module:
Impart healthcare professionals with specialised knowledge and skills to confidently manage general medical and surgical problems in the dialysis and transplant patient from a primary care perspective.
Module Content:
Renal replacement therapy options: transplantation, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, conservative management. When is dialysis necessary. Peritoneal dialysis for primary care: practicalities, complications and emergencies. Haemodialysis for primary care: practicalities, complications and emergencies. Transplantation for primary care. Prescribing, especially drug interactions.
Learning outcomes:
- Exercise judgement with regard to medical problems in the dialysis and transplant patient, exhibiting confidence in management in primary care.
- Critically apply advanced understanding of the impact of dialysis and transplantation on the management of common conditions, including appropriate prescribing.
Aims of the module:
Empower healthcare professionals to provide patient-centred care, enabling them to access healthcare advice and treatment options pertinent to their circumstances, facilitating informed decision-making that maximises their quality of life.
Module Content:
Working with children and families. The benefits of diet and exercise for patients with kidney disease. Complex decision making in kidney disease, with a focus on patient empowerment. Travel, including vaccinations, dialysis abroad and insurance. Pain management. Palliative care of patients with renal failure.
Learning outcomes:
- Address complex issues systematically and creatively to inform and empower patients living with kidney disease.
- Exhibit critical awareness of specific issues pertaining to patients with kidney disease to ensure appropriate management is not withheld.
Year 2
Aims of the module:
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.
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
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
- Evaluate and synthesise diverse methodological approaches and research tools to formulate and investigate complex questions within your field of practice.
Aims of the module:
- To formulate the research question that you seek to answer.
- To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
- To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
- To develop skills in independent research and study.
- To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.
Module Content:
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific renal medicine-related project relevant to the student’s practice. 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.
Learning outcomes:
1.Synthesise advanced knowledge of diabetes research to conceptualise, plan, and execute an original investigation that contributes significant insights to the field.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change in a Renal Medicine setting.
Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing Renal Medicine 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 online renal master's course is conducted entirely online, it's 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 or Public Health related 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
- Deposit for September 2025: £420 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £9,440 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Pay-in-full discount is available.
- Option 2: Apply for Interest-free payments each month for the duration of the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
First Year Payments
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £420 † | £420 | £420 |
Total first year payments: £5,040
Second Year Payments
| 11 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £366 | £374 |
Total second year payments: £4,400
You may also be interested in:
- Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
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Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
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