PgCert Diving Medicine

Programme code	7784
Duration	1 year
Course type	Part-time
Study location	Plymouth

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This programme has been developed for medics and healthcare professionals with an interest in advancing their knowledge and clinical skills in the field of diving medicine. The programme has been developed with experts from the Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) in Plymouth, to offer a unique learning experience. The course places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with situational, skills-based learning to build confidence and help develop effective leadership skills.

Careers with this subject

This programme can contribute to professional development for senior positions as a medical doctor or for any allied health professional. The course can help to prepare you for a clinical role within the field of diving medicine, with organisations specialising in recreational or commercial diving, adventure tourism and scientific expeditions. There is a strong leadership component which will stand you in good stead for all career pathways applicable to your chosen field.

Key features

This programme has been developed by specialists in diving medicine, with experience of working across a broad range of dive environments.
Teaching is delivered by DDRC Healthcare, a worldwide specialist in diving medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and medical training.
The course utilises the extensive facilities at DDRC to allow students a unique insight into the field of diving medicine practice and hyperbaric oxygen therapies.
Applicants are enrolled on three core modules based at DDRC which focus on different aspects of diving medicine and providing medical cover in a dive setting.
Teaching on the programme places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with practical learning to build confidence and help develop effective clinical and leadership skills when working both offshore and in onshore diving medicine environments.
Designed for busy professionals, this programme welcomes applications from existing medics, healthcare professionals and healthcare science graduates.

Course details

Year 1
Core modules

EMM713
Fundamentals of Diving Practice

This module equips students with the foundations of knowledge and skills that underpin diving medicine. They will gain understanding of the characteristics of gases relevant to diving and the physiological principles of immersion and exposure to pressure. Students will learn how these principles translate into modern diving practice and the relevant technical, operational and legal framework of how this is practised safely, in a commercial and recreational settings.

EMM714
Fitness to Dive

This module provides the student with an understanding of the assessment of fitness to dive and the practical skills to be able to perform an assessment. The student will build on their knowledge from EMM713 relating to physics, physiology and diving techniques and apply this to common medical problems, in order to minimise risk, utilising case discussion and simulation.

EMM715
Diving Accidents

In this module student will learn about the assessment and treatment of injured divers. The student will develop an in depth understanding of illnesses seen in divers and will develop the clinical skills required to assess a diver, including history taking and examination. Using case discussions and high-fidelity simulation students will become familiar with the management of diving injuries and the operation of a hyperbaric chamber.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine Programme Specification 25-26_7784

Entry requirements

This programme is applicable to healthcare professional graduates and clinicians who wish to advance their career in the fields of expedition and marine medicine. It is also suitable for intercalating medical students between years 4 and 5 of their undergraduate course.

A recognised first degree or equivalent will usually be required, with a minimum of an upper second / 2:1 class honours degree in a health professions related subject (eg. Medicine, Nursing, Paramedic Science, Dentistry, Allied Health Professionals etc).

Clinicians who achieved a lower grade from their first degree or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible to apply. Please contact the admissions or programme team for further information.

Fees, costs and funding

Student	2024-25	2025-26
Part-time (Home)	N/A	£4,635

£1,545 per 20 credit module

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Health and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Health additional costs .

How to apply

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
proof of sponsorship, if applicable.

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

An adventurous future in clinical practice

This new programme has been developed for medics and healthcare professionals with an interest in advancing their clinical and non-technical skills in the fields of expedition, marine and diving medicine.

Teaching on the programme places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with situational, skills-based learning to build confidence and help develop effective leadership skills, when working in remote environments.

Designed for busy professionals, this course offers a variety of pathways with a diving medicine focus, as a full-time or part-time student. Embark on this exciting journey and lay the foundations for an adventurous future in clinical practice.

Diver underwater coming to the surface in a quarry.

Pioneering education

The new Expedition and Marine Medicine programme builds upon a long history of remote medicine teaching within Peninsula Medical School and creates a link between the University’s existing specialities of health and marine sciences. The choice of pathways available offers a suite of dedicated level 7 modules, that incorporate classroom-based teaching and skills-based learning on local and international residential courses.

In the design of the new modules, we have joined forces with world-class leaders in the fields of diving and expedition medicine training; DDRC Healthcare and Endeavour Medical.

By working with DDRC Healthcare we are pleased to be able to offer the first dedicated PgCert Diving Medicine award in the country, and the first Expedition and Marine Medicine Masters with a Diving Medicine focus in the world.

DDRC Healthcare

Medical exercise taking place on the moors

Flexible learning options

The programme offers a variety of full-time and part-time pathways for applicants to choose from with an expedition or a diving medicine focus, or one combining both disciplines.

The full-time programme is completed within a year, whilst the PgCert and part-time courses provide learners with the opportunity to remain in salaried employment whilst completing their studies. Due to the practical nature of the modules, teaching is mostly carried out face-to-face, in combination with an element of online learning.

Individual modules will also be offered as stand-alone continuous professional development courses.