PgDip Respiratory Medicine
01 Jul 2026 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Karl New |
|---|---|
| Course Team | |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | Learna Ltd |
| Modes of Study | Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 4 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
The course aims to enable graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of Respiratory Medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study.
The course aims to:
Enable graduates to articulate professional decisions, incorporating an evidence based rationale, in a variety of diverse and complex situations
Equip graduates with an in-depth knowledge of Respiratory Medicine who are equipped to work and lead in the delivery and advancement of related care.
Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to work in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
Develop leadership and evaluation skills in the delivery of care to their patients, colleagues and the general public.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | A systematic understanding of the care of patients in Respiratory Medicine. |
| A2 | A critical understanding of current issues affecting the care of patients undertaking Respiratory treatments. |
| A3 | An advanced knowledge of Respiratory Medicine and other associated conditions that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations. |
| A4 | An ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of health care systems. |
| B1 | An ability to critically evaluate current research in Respiratory Medicine. |
| B2 | An expertise in independent learning using the exploration of knowledge and enquiry to underpin practice. |
| B3 | A demonstration of self-direction and creativity in tackling and solving specialty problems. |
| C1 | Ability to deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with Respiratory conditions. |
| C2 | Develop in depth understanding of the scope and delivery of Respiratory treatments including horizon scanning of potential new treatments for the wider population. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE4S099 | MOD009246 | Respiratory Medicine – Symptoms, Signs and Investigations | Running | 20 | core |
| PE4S100 | MOD009247 | Asthma and Allergy | Running | 20 | specified |
| PE4S101 | MOD009248 | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | Running | 20 | specified |
| PE4S102 | MOD009249 | Thoracic Oncology and Pleural Disease | Running | 20 | specified |
| PE4S103 | MOD009250 | Respiratory Infections; Diagnoses and Management | Running | 20 | specified |
| PE4S104 | MOD009251 | Wider Respiratory Horizon | Running | 20 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Students learn within their employment as well as independently within the course. Formal employer engagement is not required.
Means of Assessment
Online tutor assessment for the modules based upon student contributions to the individual components comprising of:
Weekly case based scenarios and discussion: 40%*
Reflective portfolio: 10%*
Group activity: 20%*
Time limited (1 hour), multiple choice, case based exam 30%
*The assessment of the discussion forum/portfolio/report is added to by the students over a period of six weeks.
Learning Support
Student induction includes Library induction, navigation of the learning platform Moodle, and access to Blackboard and study skills support.
Each module is six weeks in duration. Students have access to the online module at all times for the duration of the module with regular interaction between them, their fellow students and their assigned tutor.
Students also have access to:
The full range of University support facilities including
A student drop-in centre, student services, the Faculty Advice Centre and USW chaplaincy services
A Student Handbook
An on-line tutor
The Learna student administration team
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
Progression Route
MSc Respiratory MedicineOther Postgraduate courses in healthcare
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
First degree or equivalent (including international qualifications).
Relevant professional healthcare (e.g. doctor, nurse) qualifications.
Those without recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. The RPL process is in line with the University of South Wales’ Regulations and students seeking to access this mechanism will submit evidence to the Course Director at Learna Ltd. The portfolio will subsequently be examined in liaison with the Course Link at the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education.
Language requirements for overseas applicants are in line with USW requirements for post-graduate study.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A