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Wednesday 30 April
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6pm - 7pm
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PgCert Expedition and Marine Medicine
| Programme code | 7783 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Course type | Part-time |
| Study location | Plymouth |
This new postgraduate level 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 and marine 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.
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 prepares you for clinical roles within the field of remote and expedition medicine across the globe, with organisations specialising in adventure tourism, humanitarian assistance 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
- The teaching on this programme brings together specialists in expedition and marine medicine, with experience of working across a broad range of remote and austere environments, from high mountains to deep seas.
- An array of dedicated modules has been developed with leaders in the expedition and marine medicine training; Endeavour Medical.
- Teaching across all pathways places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with practical learning to build confidence and help develop effective clinical and leadership skills when working in remote environments.
- Online and classroom-based teaching within the University is combined with practical sessions on local or international residential courses, delivered by the team at Endeavour medical.
- Further to being enrolled on core modules focusing on marine and remote medicine, applicants have the opportunity to choose an additional module relating to expedition medicine, diving medicine, global health or healthcare research.
- Designed for busy professionals, this programme welcomes applications from existing medics, healthcare professionals and healthcare science graduates.
Course details
-
Programme overview
-
The MSc programme comprises of 180 Higher Education Institution (HEI) credits at Level 7 and PgCert programmes comprise of 60 credits. Other than a 40 credit dissertation module, all modules are worth 20 credits.The programme will be offering the following modules as either core or elective modules, depending on the pathway chosen.
Core modules
EMM710
Remote and Expedition MedicineThis module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of remote and expedition medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a remote clinical practitioner.
EMM712
Marine MedicineThis module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of marine medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a healthcare professional in marine environments.
Optional modules
CLE723
Design and Development of HealthCare EducationIn this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.
CLE723DL
Design and Development of HealthCare EducationIn this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.
EMM711
Human Factors in Extreme EnvironmentsThis module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of how human factors relating to psychological processes and environmental factors can impact both positively and negatively on the provisions of effective healthcare in expedition and marine medicine. It will analyse the role of non-technical skills systems, from a broad range of disciplines, to encourage their utilisation in professional practice to reduce human error in challenging environments.
GH715DL
Health in Humanitarian EmergenciesThis module explores the management models of healthcare provision in response to humanitarian emergencies, resulting from both natural and human-induced crises. By evaluating the history of the humanitarian movement and factors affecting the current delivery of national and international aid programmes, this modules aims to review potential strategies for implementing sustainable healthcare programmes in LMICs.
HML717
Quality Improvement and InnovationThis module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of tools and theories for quality improvement and innovation, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on the applicability of these to past, current, and future healthcare challenges. Students will develop confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation individually and collaboratively.
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:
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 | £4,350 - £4,635* |
*Exact fee will range between £4,350 and £4,635 depending on module choice. This 60 credit programme is made up of three 20 credit modules.
2025 / 26 20 credit module fees set as:
£1,545 - EMM Badged module fee
£1,260 - Shared PMS module fee
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 and marine 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 an expedition 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.
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.
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.
An outstanding level of teaching
Ashley is an NHS doctor and Peninsula Medical School student, who recently completed the Remote and Expedition Medicine module.
“The most incredible thing about this module is the level of expertise and experience of the teachers. There is an outstanding level of teaching and taking away the experiences, tips and tricks of the teachers, just having such a hands-on and vocational teaching style really helps build confidence and leadership skills that I hope to take into more remote environments.”
