Stroke Medicine MSc
Validated by University of Buckingham
Stroke has already reached epidemic proportions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke every year. Of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. The purpose of this affordable and flexible MSc stroke medicine, is to give healthcare professionals at all levels of their career the opportunity to recognise and prevent strokes from happening.
Postgraduate training in stroke care is limited worldwide, with inadequate training opportunities for doctors, nurses and multidisciplinary teams. However, our fully online master's stroke medicine is designed to support and develop clinicians and researchers in stroke medicine ensuring the patient's condition is well managed through extensive research and reflection. Research is an essential component to our master's stroke medicine that will leverage substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge, practice and care in stroke medicine.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
At Learna | Diploma MSc we provide an immersive method of learning allowing intuition and independent education to thrive. You will connect with multidisciplinary, lifelong learners around the world, engaging in tutor-led discussions to help you expand your insights, improve your knowledge application and boost your career prospects. Our modules cover crucial aspects of stroke care, including the accurate diagnosis and management of transient ischemic attacks (TIA), understanding stroke epidemiology, and exploring prevention strategies. You will delve into hyperacute and acute stroke management, comprehensive investigations, therapeutic options, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
In Module 7, as an MSc student you will engage in a professional project, applying methods used in healthcare research. This includes literature reviews, practice audits, evidence-based practice reviews, and case-based assessments, developing skills in independent research and writing for publication.
Completion of our stroke master's programme will:
- Equip the individual with a systematic understanding of stroke medicine, and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to practice in stroke medicine.
- Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of stroke-related care.
- Enable graduates to deliver leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
- Enable graduates to evaluate practice critically in relation to the evidence base in stroke medicine.
- Equip students to critically appraise evidence-based medicine in relation to stroke medicine.
- Enable graduates to use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex issues encountered in stroke medicine.
- Equip students with the ability to implement best practice and innovation in complex scenarios related to stroke medicine.
Faculty
Programme Leader - Dr Amlan Bhattacharya
Dr Amlan Bhattacharya, MBBS, FRCP
Current Role: Consultant in Acute Medicine and Stroke at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. Royal College of Physicians Clinical Tutor for Cardiff and...
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 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 Amlan Bhattacharya
Dr Amlan Bhattacharya, MBBS, FRCP
Current Role: Consultant in Acute Medicine and Stroke at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. Royal College of Physicians Clinical Tutor for Cardiff and Vale Health Care Board
Subspecialty Interests: Virtual TIA clinic
Professional Activities:
- Honorary Tutor with Cardiff University
- Previous Honorary Clinical Tutor - Queens University, Belfast
- Lead for ACCS trainees, AIM - University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
- Senior Faculty-IMPACT course - University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
- Member, British Association for Stroke Physicians
- Member, Society of Acute Medicine
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 a Stroke 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?
This clinical neuroscience stroke medicine MSc programme is ideally suited for healthcare professionals looking to specialise in stroke medicine and advance their careers in this critical field. The flexibility and comprehensive nature of the courses make them accessible and beneficial to a wide range of practitioners in both primary and secondary care.
Doctors: Seeking to specialise in stroke medicine, enhance their expertise in stroke diagnosis, management, and prevention, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.
Primary Care Physicians: Looking to improve their ability to identify and manage stroke risk factors, and provide better preventive care and early intervention in primary care settings.
Nurses: We offer stroke courses for nurses looking to deepen their knowledge in stroke care, including acute management and rehabilitation, and improve patient outcomes.
Clinical Nurse Specialists: Aiming to specialise in stroke medicine and integrate advanced knowledge and skills into their clinical practice.
Emergency Medicine Physicians: Interested in improving their rapid assessment and intervention skills for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Neurologists: Wanting to expand their expertise in stroke medicine, including haemorrhagic stroke, cerebral venous thrombosis, and thrombotic events.
Allied Health Professionals: Working in relevant clinical settings with a deep interest in conditions such as transient ischaemic attack, haemorrhagic stroke, cerebral venous thrombosis, neuroanatomy, thrombotic events, and acute stroke.
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
Our master's in Stroke Medicine online part-time, distance-learning course comprises seven modules. The first six modules are each worth 20 credits and run over a period of six weeks. The seventh module lasts 10 weeks and will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the final module - the professional project - which consists of a 1,000 word proposal and 11,000 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
Module Aims
To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the clinical definition of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) to make an informed diagnosis based on neuroanatomy.
Synopsis of Module Content
- Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack definition
- Epidemiology
- Diagnosis
- Classification of stroke
- Stroke mimics
- Stroke chameleons
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate clinical knowledge about pathology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of stroke
- Differentiate between stroke and other clinical scenarios (not stroke) when patient presents with similar initial sign/symptoms
- Critically apply an advanced knowledge of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) definition, diagnosis and epidemiology to decision making in unpredictable and/or complex situations
- Critically appraise research in the subject area of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke mimics
- Critically appraise current and potential practical stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) prevention and management options for use in a variety of patient population groups
Module Aims
To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of a range of risk factors for stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and the impacts and management of each of these risk factors, including secondary prevention.
Synposis of Module Content
- Non modifiable risk factors
- Pharmacologically modifiable risk factors
- Lifestyle related risk factors
- Risk factor for Hemorrhagic stroke
- Uncommon risk factors
- Secondary prevention and general approach to risk factors
Learning Outcomes
- Understand risk factors for stroke
- Develop strategies to control risk factors and prevent stroke
- Critically appraise stroke risk factor control in different targeted population groups
- Critically appraise stroke risk factor control in different targeted population groups
- Critically appraise current evidence related to risk factors. Demonstrate creative application of this knowledge when delivering individual patient-centred care
- Demonstrate a structured approach to the care of a range of patients to identify and diagnose potential risk factors and provide leadership within teams to selectively place patients in specific groups based on the number of risk factors and their severity
Module Aims
To develop a deep and systematic understanding of acquiring an accurate history from patients to rule out non-transient ischaemic attack neurological conditions, and establish a diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack. Once an accurate diagnosis has been established, to demonstrate the ability to initiate appropriate investigation, treatment and advice for the patient.
Synopsis of Module Content
- Transient ischaemic attack - diagnosis/neuroanatomical types
- Transient ischaemic attack - mimics/chameleons
- Transient ischaemic attack - neuroanatomy
- Transient ischaemic attack - investigation
- Overall approach to transient ischaemic attack
- Other neurological conditions
Learning Outcomes
- The ability to diagnose TIA effectively
- The ability to address TIA in appropriate manner
- Demonstrate knowledge of the range of neurological conditions which may present as transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Demonstrate rational thinking about neurological manifestations of different conditions
- Develop the skill set required to make a clinical diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) based on thorough history focusing on relevant features; Develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in unpredictable contexts and contributes to the professional field of stroke medicine
Module Aims
- To develop a systematic understanding and critical knowledge of the skills needed to effectively diagnose and initiate pathways when managing hyperacute and acute stroke, which includes appropriate history taking, effective and rapid clinical examination, arranging appropriate investigation and trigger pathways for best clinical outcome.
- To critically evaluate different modes of treatment and relevant indications and contraindications of each.
Synopsis of Module Content
- Hyperacute stroke
- Imaging in hyperacute/acute stroke
- Infarct - Thrombolysis
- Infarct - Thrombectomy
- Haemorrhagic stroke
- Other relevant clinical facts
Learning Outcomes
- Efficiency to diagnose acute stroke
- Plan urgent investigations and appropriate treatment
- critically appraise indications and contraindications of different modes of treatment in stroke management
- Critically appraise the structure and application of recognised scoring models in a variety of settings
- Critically appraise indications and contraindications of different modes of treatment in stroke management
- Critically evaluate the evidence relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of the patient presenting with hyperacute and acute stroke.
- Critically appraise the structure and application of recognised scoring models in a variety of settings
Module Aims
- Develop a systematic understanding of the importance and indication of a range of investigations to accurately inform decision making in the approach to diagnose the site and extent of stroke.
- To explore and critically evaluate different modes of therapy which will inform the selection of patient groups for each type of therapy.
- Develop knowledge in key concepts and strategies required to manage stroke where circumstances are rare and/or unusual.
Synposis of Module Content
- CT (computerised tomography) scan /CT (computerised tomography) angio
- Doppler/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Scan
- Pharmacotherapy
- Surgical treatment
- Stroke in young patients
- Cerebral venous thrombosis
Learning Outcomes
- Develop the ability to plan the most relevant investigation suited for a specific clinical scenario
- Select the most relevant management plan suited to a specific clinical scenario
- To critically appraise the indications, benefits, limitations and appropriate use of the various investigations and treatments in special circumstances
- Use skills to individualise care for patients in special circumstances taking into account a wide range of factors
- Critically appraise the indications, benefits, limitations and appropriate use of the various investigations and treatments in stroke medicine, including consideration of special circumstances
- Critically apply knowledge to individualise care for stroke medicine patients, including special circumstances, taking into account a wide range of factors
- Selectively choose the most appropriate investigation and treatment for an individual stroke medicine patient taking into account the clinical, social, and circumstancial factors while maintaining synchronisation with available resources
Rehabilitation is a vital component following a stroke. Effective rehabilitation reduces morbidity and mortality, as well as offering improvement to the quality of life for stroke survivors. A specialised multispecialty input is required for effective rehabilitation, delivered by strong and insightful leadership. An efficient and successful stroke service should be critically evaluated around a model that delivers hyperacute, acute and rehabilitation services streamlined together towards a common goal related to patient outcomes.
Module Aims
- To develop systematic understanding and critical application of the importance of rehabilitation and multispeciality input.
- To critically apply a systematic understanding of the leadership and resourcing of stroke services in line with patient pathways to ensure that patients have appropriate and timely input from the correct team.
- To critically evaluate different components of an effective stroke service model
Synopsis of Module Content
- Establishing the TIA (transient ischaemic attack) service
- Establishing the acute Stroke service
- The MDT (multidisciplinary team) in the Stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) service
- Acute Stroke Rehabilitation
- Longer term disabilities arising from Stroke and their management
- The evidence base for the Stroke and Stroke rehabilitation services
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply a systematic understanding of the importance of rehabilitation in stroke medicine to include the impact of the multidisciplinary team and an effective stroke service
- Critically evaluate the evidence and research relating to the multidisciplinary management in stroke rehabilitation and in establishing a stroke service
- The ability to synthesise the evidence and critically apply the knowledge into complex clinical scenarios in the context of rehabilitation in stroke medicine
- Synthesise the evidence and critically apply knowledge into complex clinical scenarios in the context of rehabilitation in stroke medicine. Develops advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in complex situations and contributes to the professional specialist community of stroke medicine
Year 2
Module Aims
- To help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to research in stroke medicine.
- To develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.
Synopsis of Module Content
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of the literature and organisational assessment.
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.
- 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.
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.
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 MSc stroke medicine is conducted entirely online, it is 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 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 (with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. They 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 at 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 | £650 | £7,800 |
| 1st May 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £650 | |
| 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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