Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare
Validated by University of South Wales
This Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare is exclusively designed for healthcare professionals who hold a University undergraduate qualification in a medical field.
This newly launched Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare is designed to increase awareness and provide a greater understanding of neurodiversity, along with a critical need for healthcare professionals to cultivate specialised knowledge and skills within this context, with a focus on neuro-affirmative language, intersectionality, and trauma-informed practice.
With a completion time of just six months, you can now upskill in this crucial field faster than ever before, and you'll be better equipped to offer accurate diagnoses and choose appropriate treatment plans.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
Successful completion of our online neurodiversity-inclusive healthcare course will add value to your CV and will enable you to rise to the challenges of delivering high-quality care to your patients within a complex primary and secondary care environment.
Unlike competitors who emphasise theoretical learning through extensive reading and essay writing, our PgCert in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare focuses on practical, clinically-rich scenarios. We offer a multidisciplinary approach, enabling you to apply your knowledge in real-life situations alongside your day job.
This Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare aims to:
- Equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of neurodiversity to enhance assessment, diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Develop critical analytical skills to evaluate research and evidence-based methodologies for supporting neurodiverse individuals across a variety of settings.
- Advance students capabilities in the construction of inclusive and systemic strategies that are tailored to the multifaceted needs of neurodiverse individuals.
- Promote interdisciplinary learning and collaboration to formulate holistic, patient-centred approaches for coordinated care across healthcare teams.
Faculty
Dr Georgina Brown
DR GEORGINA BROWN
Clinical Governance Lead
MBCHB MRCGP DFFP SMN Mediation
PG Diploma Clinical Psychiatry (Merit)
PG Certificate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Georgina Brown is an experienced General Practitioner with...
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.
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
Dr Georgina Brown
DR GEORGINA BROWN
Clinical Governance Lead
MBCHB MRCGP DFFP SMN Mediation
PG Diploma Clinical Psychiatry (Merit)
PG Certificate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Georgina Brown is an experienced General Practitioner with an Extended Role (GPwER) in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD.
She is a GP Principal and also Clinical Governance lead in a National private ADHD and Autism assessment service and holds responsibility for overseeing clinical standards within the service and a commitment to ensure the service remains current and actively evolves with the changing fields of ADHD Research . She hold an addition service role in the creation and maintenance of administrative and clinical governance systems and staff training. She is a joint author of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Framework for GP with an extended role in ADHD, Recent Vice Chair of the British association for Neurodiversity and continues her professional development within the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, whose remit is exchanging and promoting research in the field of Neuropsychopharmacology, with a commitment to ensuring that advances in the understanding of brain function and human behaviour, are translated into better treatments and enhanced public health. As such she presently working towards an additional European qualification of ‘Specialist Expertise in ADHD’. She has a robust foundation in Clinical Governance and is also an Expert Witness for the General Medical Council evaluating the standards provided by doctors and past Medical Adviser to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
Over the years Dr Brown has contributed to both NHS and Private Service development and service improvements in both a direct and advisory role including committee representation with the British medical association. This includes chairing the BMA Equality and Diversity committee, representing Doctors on the Scottish council, leading the greater Glasgow and Clyde Scottish Deprivation Group, contributing to process Development within NHS24 and additional roles in Local NHS Children’s service Development.
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Why Study a Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare Postgraduate Certificate 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 neurodiversity-inclusive healthcare programme is directed at:
- Graduates with a related degree, who have an interest in neurodiversity.
- Healthcare professionals with an interest in neurodiversity such as paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, GPs, medical researchers, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, health profession educators, healthcare administrators and policy makers, and those working in care settings.
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 Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare allows you to study for just six months and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Providing a comprehensive introduction to neurodiverse conditions, this first module aims to develop a systematic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, its impact on health, and the strategies for diagnosing and managing this condition in primary care settings.
Indicative Content
- Autism diagnosis and classification
- Child assessment
- Adult assessment
- Autism management
- Autism and co-occurring conditions (Mood, addiction, OCD, Anxiety, ODD)
- The MDT approach in autism and how co-occurring conditions influence management
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the diagnostic criteria and classification systems used in the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Critically evaluate the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in managing individuals with ASD, integrating advanced knowledge of co-occurring conditions.
This module aims to develop a systematic and advanced understanding of the process of diagnosing ADHD, and managing it in a primary care setting, focusing on the presentation, assessment, diagnosis and management of ADHD by exploring differential diagnoses, use of diagnostic tools, and collaboration with specialists.
Indicative Content
- ADHD diagnosis and classification
- Child assessment
- Adult assessment (including specifically separate section ADHD in women and girls)
- ADHD and comorbidities
- Non-pharmacological management (parent training / CBT / coaching)
- Pharmacological treatment (stimulant and non-stimulant medication)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the latest research and best practice related to ADHD assessment methods and tools to systematically assess the appropriateness and limitations for individuals presenting in a range of primary care settings.
- Systematically develop and critically evaluate assessment strategies for ADHD across the lifespan, that integrate evidence-based practices, individualised care plans, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
To provide an advanced understanding of dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodiverse conditions in depth and to critically evaluate inclusive practices that can be implemented in primary care to manage these conditions, particularly where healthcare providers need to accommodate the needs of patients with dyslexia and dyspraxia through successful collaborations and exploring common challenges faced during the process.
Indicative Content
- Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia, dysgraphia
- Tourette, sensory processing disorder and developmental language disorder
- Complex case history presentations and assessing risk in neurodiversity (including criminality, substance misuse and addiction)
- Neurodiversity and trauma and understanding executive function
- Equality legislation, home, school, and workplace adaptations
- The neurodiverse movement - disorder or difference
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the assessment and management of a range of neurodiverse conditions within a variety of settings.
- Critically evaluate the wider implications associated with neurodivergent conditions to develop advanced and creative strategies to enhance inclusivity and accessibility across a variety of settings.
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!
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires the students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme as the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides regular feedback to the student and marks it at the end of the module.
Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for both professional re-validation and professional development.
The group activity is 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 (designed to put leadership skills into practice) 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.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically.
Entry requirements
Since our PGCert in Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare 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 for the Neurodiversity-inclusive Healthcare programme 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. 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 | £850 | £2,550 |
| 1st May 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £850 |
† 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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