RCPSG Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine

• Applicants must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with honours (2:1 or above) in medicine and surgery, nursing, dentistry, paramedic science or pharmacy or;
• Applicants must hold a UK postgraduate qualification in a health-related subject based on clinical experience or;
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with honours (2:1 or above) from a recognised international provider of higher education in medicine and surgery, nursing, dentistry, paramedic science or pharmacy or;
• Applicants must hold a postgraduate qualification in a health-related subject based on clinical experience from a recognised international provider of higher education or;
• Applicants must have a record of on-going professional development in their respective field if they don't hold a degree. This record must cover professional development with a significant clinical component from when the applicant began working in their field. This only applies to those who have been practicing without a degree since the year outlined in the table below.

• Applicants must hold professional registration with the governing body for their profession in the country which they're resident.
• Applicants must have professional experience in travel medicine practice or aspire to practice in travel medicine when they complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine.

Applicants with English as a second language will be assessed for suitability during the application process. English language requirements for this level of study include:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• Overall score 6.0
• No sub-test less than 5.5

TOEFL IBT: 78; no sub-test less than:

• Reading: 17
• Listening: 17
• Speaking: 17
• Writing: 17

or any other common equivalent English language qualification.

The Diploma complies with university requirements for a postgraduate level diploma in accordance with QAA and SCQF frameworks. The full course comprises 120 credits, built up over eight modules each with 15 credits. Under QAA and SCQF frameworks each credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning for the average learner. This learning will comprise taught components (on the residential courses, the live tutorial sessions and the online learning) and self-directed study and research throughout the course. Credit points provide the associated measure for describing the volume of outcomes, and the actual time each learner spends will vary depending on their style of study and previous knowledge. As a guide, each 15-credit module therefore equates to approximately 150 hours of study (a combination of self-directed study and attendance at lectures/seminars), and will be covered in a period of two months.

There are three types of activity that will require attendance – the residential learning components of the course, the live (online) tutorial sessions and the final online course examinations.

The first residential component of the course is one week long and will run online from approximately 9am to 5pm (UK Time). The second residential component of the course is also one week long and is planned to run as a hybrid format in October. The residential weeks are mandatory and contain essential live learning. Attendance and participation are an integral part of the course. We will accept applications from students requesting online participation and will discuss the requirements for this with any prospective student requesting this option. This request must be made at the time of application and cannot be changed later.

There will be two online live sessions for each of the seven modules. These sessions will run for 90 minutes – 2 hours. The dates and times will be confirmed prior to the start of each module. You will be given as much notice as possible for these sessions and are expected to attend these. If you are not able to attend an individual session you will be asked to evidence work related to the session to the tutor as part of the course. These sessions cover essential information and are therefore compulsory. Individuals who do not attend these will miss out on crucial knowledge and may be underprepared in assessments. At the end of the course participants will be required to attend online assessments, including evidencing practical skills in an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). Dates and times of these sessions will be provided well in advance.

Yes, the course will be delivered from the UK, and sessions will be timed accordingly. You should build this into your planning if you are not within the UK. Please be aware that the UK follows a pattern of Daylight Savings time which may be different from arrangements in other countries.

There will be a variety of assessment methods used in each module of this course. This includes (but is not limited to) written assessments, presentations, an OSCE and case studies. As a guide, a single module may include written assessments totalling 3,000 words.

Each candidate will be given clear feedback for all submitted assessments, to help them achieve any re-sit they may have. Only two opportunities will be given to achieve any of the course assessments. However, if another attempt is necessary, a third attempt may be awarded by the Academic Panel, but only in extenuating circumstances. In other cases, students may be required to complete the full module again.

Each candidate will be fully supported throughout their studies to help them achieve the full award offered. However, life circumstances may intervene so each candidate will be assessed on an individual basis, and may therefore be possible for some candidates to defer until the next cohort.

The course will be led by a Course Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the full course. You will also have the support from individual Module Leads for each of the seven modules. These tutors will support you throughout your learning and you will be able to make contact with them if you have any concerns about your study. The College also provides appropriate administrative support and an Academic Lead to oversee the quality assurance aspects of the course.

The total course fee is £4,545 with payment due on acceptance of application. A payment plan option may be considered. We will request a deposit of £545 to secure your place on the course, with the remaining fees being collected in two stages. The course fees include Affiliate membership of the Faculty of Travel Medicine for the duration of the course. You are required to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements for the second residential learning week, and the College can provide accommodation recommendations upon request.

Each application will be assessed on an individual basis and those with relevant professional qualifications and appropriate travel medicine experience may be offered the opportunity to undertake an entrance assessment. This is designed to evidence academic ability at postgraduate Masters level. Applicants will be guided by the Course Lead on this.

The College may offer you an alternative condition, and may direct you to a lower level of study in preparation for continuing to Masters level in the future.