Program Overview

Introduction to the Advancing Diabetes Care MSc Program

The Advancing Diabetes Care MSc program is a collaborative effort between Birmingham City University and the University Hospitals Birmingham Diabetes Team. This innovative program is designed to help healthcare professionals gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of living with diabetes and how to support and enable effective individualized self-management.

Program Overview

This online course, with the option of bespoke flying faculty delivery for international partners, aims to address the global increase in diabetes cases and the need for developments in care. The program has a global perspective, utilizing knowledge and experience of working with international partners.

Entry Requirements

• Essential requirements: Applicants must hold current professional registration with a UK regulatory body (NMC, HCPC, GMC).
• Additional requirements:
  • Have studied to BSc Hons or equivalent, ideally including a Research Methods module.
  • Have a minimum of three years in their area of clinical practice and a first degree or evidence of recent professionally related study at diploma or degree level.
  • Have completed degree-level study within the last five years or the Birmingham City University module Essential Academic Skills to be completed prior to starting the program.
• International qualifications: The course is suitable for experienced professionals employed in health-related settings with their own in-country professional registration.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent.

Fees and How to Apply

• UK students: Annual and modular tuition fees apply, with the University reserving the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study.
• International students: Similar to UK students, with fees applicable to the first year of study.
• Included in course fees:
  • Access to computer equipment.
  • Printing credit.
  • Field trips and associated travel costs.
  • Access to Microsoft Office 365.
  • Key software.
  • Key subscriptions.
• Not included in course fees:
  • Excess printing.
  • Personal stationery and study materials.
  • Accommodation and living costs.

Course Structure

• To complete a Postgraduate Diploma, students need 120 credits, including all core modules except the dissertation.
• To complete the MSc, students need 180 credits, with 70 credits of optional modules required.

Core Modules

• Effective Person-centred Diabetes Education (20 credits).
• Evidence into Care for People with Diabetes (20 credits).
• Leadership in Diabetes Care (10 credits).
• Dissertation (40 or 60 credits).

Optional Modules

• Type 1 Diabetes Opportunities and Complexities (20 credits).
• Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (20 credits).
• Effective Diabetes Care for Pregnancy (10 credits).
• Psychological and Psycho-social Aspects of Diabetes (10 credits).
• Children and Young People's Diabetes Care (20 credits).
• Care and Prevention of Diabetes-related Complications (20 credits).
• Physical Activity Management in Diabetes Care (10 credits).
• Foot Care and Treatments in Diabetes and Peripheral Vascular Disease (10 credits).

Employability

The program enhances employability and career progression by allowing students to explore their employment situation, recognize potential for excellence in practice-led care, and identify ways to improve practice and services.

Facilities and Staff

The program is delivered through an online learning resource, with optional periodic seminar talks. The course team includes experienced professionals such as Martha Stewart, Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead, and visiting professors like Professor Wasim Hanif.