MSc and PgCert Expedition and Marine Medicine / Diving Medicine

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
Sitting on top of a high rock overlooking streams
For any queries regarding admissions or enrolments, please contact the Admissions team
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Visit: Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday 8:30–17:00
Friday 8:30–16:30.
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 an expedition or 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.

Why choose us

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.

Useful links

DDRC Hyperbaric Chamber
DDRC Healthcare
Climbers ascending to the peak of a snowy mountain
Endeavour Medical
Medical exercise taking place on the moors

The programme

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.
 

Key features

  • Paramedics taking part on a practice exercise on a beach.

    Full-time and part-time pathways.

  • Scuba diver underwater with a mountain in the background.

    Starting September 2025.

  • Two people trekking in the snow, walking away from a mountain at sunrise.

    We have joined forces with world-class leaders in the fields of diving and expedition medicine training.

  • Group of divers holding a rope underwater.

    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.

  • People taking part in a medical simulation in a tent.

    Variety of pathways with an expedition or diving medicine focus, as a full-time or part-time student.

Overview of modules 
The MSc programme comprises of 180 Higher Education Institution (HEI) credits at Level 7, whilst the 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.
  • Remote and Rural Medicine  
  • Human Factors in Extreme Environments
  • Marine Medicine
  • Foundations of Diving Medicine
  • Fitness to Dive
  • Diving Accidents
  • Health in Humanitarian Emergencies  
  • Introduction to Global Health
  • Research Methods in HealthCare
  • Research Design and Development
  • Leadership in Global Health
  • Design and Development of HealthCare Education
  • Management in Healthcare: Theory and Practice

Entry requirements 

Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of an upper second (2:1) class honours degree in a relevant health care professional subject (e.g. BMBS, Nursing, Paramedicine, Allied Health Professionals degree). 
Entrants who have acquired related experience through work or other means will also be considered, as will international applicants from healthcare backgrounds. Medical students are also eligible to apply, as part of an intercalated degree prior to their final year at medical school.
diver underwater attached to some ropes
 
People trekking through a snowy mountain on skis.
Green figure with heartbeat image

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.