Therapeutics (PgCert)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutics is designed for medical practitioners, pharmacists, specialist nurses, and others who wish to gain further expertise in the practical management of common therapeutic problems.

This one-year part-time, distance-learning course is taught online, and aims to equip you with a sound understanding of the management of common medical conditions and to develop skills in evidence-based medicine. Graduates would be expected to gain the skills and expertise necessary to become the ‘local therapeutics expert’.

The course arises from a leading research centre and aims to encourage critical thinking and to equip students not only with practical and factual knowledge, but also provide a basic approach to therapeutic problems, encouraging attitudes and abilities which will be of lasting value in dealing with future advances in therapy.

Most of the teaching is problem-orientated and is specifically designed to be of direct relevance to practice. There are several different integrated components to the course structure. There is fortnightly reading for each module with copies of or links to key articles. There are also regular clinical exercises to be completed which provide the basis of in-course assessment. There is an electronic discussion board, as well as dedicated email and telephone contacts, to ensure good communication with the University and between candidates.

Distinctive features

• Problem orientated, evidence-based learning specifically designed to be of direct relevance to practice.
• Distance-learning, delivered entirely online. You can choose when and where to study, at home, at work or on the move.
• The course includes a ‘study day’ held in Cardiff, which all candidates are encouraged (but not required) to attend. Presentations will be available online to those unable to attend.
• Targeted fortnightly reading guided by aims and outcomes for the period.
• Audio interviews and presentations are available to download.
• We are also recognised as a major research centre. Advances in therapeutics have been pioneered in Cardiff, including methods for optimal use of anticoagulants, antiarrhythmic drugs and anticonvulsants.

Career prospects

This programme is particularly suitable for those who wish to gain a good grounding in their knowledge of therapeutics in order to improve the management of common medical conditions and to develop skills in evidence-based medicine.

This Masters programme enables you to demonstrate you are taking the opportunity to develop your abilities in critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, finding and using evidence and in dealing with complex issues. Whilst we do not formally assess clinical skills or competencies in a face-to-face context (so the programme is not a substitute for a formal specialty training programme), studying at this level should help successful students demonstrate numerous academic skills that should be highly regarded in relation to their career development and progression. In particular, the programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the application of evidence-based medicine and the potential enhancement of services and governance frameworks. As such, it should provide evidence of commitment and potential that may assist you in relation to taking on greater responsibilities or perhaps seeking management, research, scholarship, or leadership roles.