RCPSG Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine
This course has been designed in line with the Faculty of Travel Medicine’s publications 'Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service' and 'Recommendations for the Practice of Travel Medicine'.
Course Information
The aim of this course is to develop and support healthcare professionals in their role as travel medicine practitioners. It offers an academic base that assists individuals to become autonomous and reflective practitioners in the delivery of travel medicine services. The course is delivered at postgraduate level and carries 120 credit points at SCQF Level 11 reflecting this .
The content and level of this course facilitates growth of higher audit processes in developing cognitive, leadership and practical skills. This will enhance travel medicine practitioners’ practice, by enabling them to make sound judgements and apply best clinical practice or evidence-based theory to support their decision making. This will ultimately support client care, in situations prone to rapid change and subsequently, improve travellers’ health.
Those completing the course will be eligible to join the College as a Member of the Faculty of Travel Medicine (MFTM) and also to progress on to complete a Masters qualification, achieving an MSc Advanced Practice (Travel Medicine). Details of each of these can be found below.
Course duration and intakes
This course consists of 8 postgraduate modules delivered over a period of 18 months. The course will be delivered by specialists in the travel medicine field using a blended model of two residential elements and online interactive learning. Students will be expected to attend and contribute to online educational and peer support platforms. Cohort two will begin on 28 August 2023 with a residential week of learning.
The second residential is planned to take place on the week commencing Monday 29 April 2024. The residential weeks are mandatory. They contain essential live learning and will take place face-to-face in Glasgow at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. We will consider applications from students requesting online participation.
Fees
The course fee for the Diploma is £4,695 and this will include Affiliate Membership of the Faculty of Travel Medicine, and access to TRAVAX for the duration of the course.
Once accepted onto the course, a deposit of approximately 10% of the course fee will be due to hold your place on the course. The remaining payment will be made over two further instalments, one due by your start date and the other due six months later. Dates will be provided upon enrolment.
Entry and Language Requirements
Applicants must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Academic Requirements
- Applicants must hold a good 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 good 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 do not 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.
| Degree | Working since |
|---|---|
| Medicine | – |
| Nursing | 2009 |
| Dentistry | – |
| Paramedic Science | 2018 |
| Pharmacy | 1967 |
Professional Requirements
- Applicants must hold a professional registration with the governing body for their profession in the country in which the applicant is resident.
- Applicants must have professional experience in travel medicine practice or aspire to practice in travel medicine as a consequence of successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine.
Applicants with English as a second language will be assessed for suitability during the application process. Further information including the scores required in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), TEOFL or an equivalent English Language qualification can be found in the course brochure.
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Those who successfully complete the course will be eligible for admission to Membership of the Faculty of Travel Medicine (MFTM). Those who are non-members will be offered complimentary Affiliate Membership for one year and access to TRAVAX for the duration of the course.
Progression to MSc Advanced Practice (Travel Medicine)
On successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine, diplomates will be eligible to progress on to a final course of study, offered by Glasgow Caledonian University, which will lead to the award of MSc Advanced Practice (Travel Medicine). This is a 60-credit dissertation module, completed over two trimesters in a six-month period. The dissertation would build on the work begun during your Postgraduate Diploma. For more information or to sign up, go to the GCU MSc Advanced Practice page.
Module Overview
Module 1
Epidemiology, Immunology and Travel Risk Assessment
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- Aspects of epidemiology in relation to the subject of travel medicine
- Principles of immunology in relation to travel medicine
- Critical evaluation of the principles underpinning a risk assessment
- Current key principles of behaviour and the human factors that lead individuals to make decisions which impact their health when abroad
Module 2
Non Vector Borne Infections
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and impact of non vector borne infections
- Effective strategies for prevention of non vector borne infections, including immunisations to maximise protection of at-risk populations
- The relationship between travellers, host populations and non-vector borne infections and potential implications for travellers in the context of emerging infections
- Communication of risk assessment and behaviour modification strategies in the preparation of overseas travel, in relation to non vector borne infections
Module 3
Vector Borne Infections
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- The various disease vectors and how they transmit infection
- Epidemiology and health implications of vector-borne infections with particular emphasis on malaria and current control approaches to prevent these infections
- Insect borne infection advice including bite prevention, vaccination where appropriate and in relation to malaria, chemoprophylaxis available and the factors affecting compliance with these measures
- The principles of diagnosing and treating malaria and other vector borne illnesses and resources that support accurate clinical decision making in relation to prevention and treatment of malaria in travellers
Module 4
Environmental Factors and Travel
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- The principles of environmental conditions in the context of traveller’s health
- The environmental impact overseas travel has on host communities alongside the travel industry economy
- Human pathophysiology and physiological effects of flying and the interventions that help prevent illness
- Risk of trauma to travellers and strategies for prevention
- Travel insurance and access to medical care overseas
Module 5
Research Methods
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- Research philosophy
- Types of research and research approaches
- The research process, including literature searches, research design and methodology
- Data management and analyses
Module 6
The Complex Traveller - Pre and Post Travel
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- Categories of travellers and the complex nature of their special travel requirements
- Risk factors associated with different categories of travellers and strategies and mechanisms for advising them for overseas travel
- Management of travellers returning with commonly presented infectious diseases
Module 7
Medical Conditions and Travel
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- Medical conditions and the potential impact they could have on a traveller’s health
- Complexities and implications relating to travellers with medical conditions, and current strategies used to prepare them for overseas travel
Module 8
Governance, Legal and Ethical Considerations
By the end of this module you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- The legal implications and ethical aspects that may affect some travellers
- Differences in legal structures, clinical governance and practice in relation to the delivery a travel medicine services
Downloads
RCPSG Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine Application form
RCPSG Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine Reference form
RCPSG Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine course brochure
RCPSG Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine FAQs
Supported through an Educational Grant by Valneva.