Course Structure

The postgraduate International Diploma in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine comprises of 120 credits, offered on a part-time basis over one to three years, in accordance with the QAA and SCQF Frameworks.

The credit structure for the programme will total 120 master's level credits by undertaking eight taught modules which will include the study of research methods. Each module will represent 15 academic credits and will include online learning in addition to relevant directed reading.

• Part 1
• Part 2

• Introduction, Infectious Diseases and Global Health

  Join us in our central Glasgow venue in November for the opening week of the Diploma. This is your chance to meet the Course Directors and your fellow students, who you’ll be working closely with over the following modules. The residential week will feature a mix of lectures, case-base discussions and workshops. It will prepare you for your Global Health assignment, which you can work on via our online learning platform over the following weeks.

  Research Methods

  The second module of the course is a 3000-word research proposal, completed over four months, via distance learning. With Course Directors and Tutors on hand to advise and assist, the module provides you the opportunity to inform expedition practice. Along with your fellow students, you'll develop your understanding of current issues and debates in epistemology and theoretical perspectives in research.

  Navigation

  Focussing on the development of your navigation skills, the third module will be distance learning-based and come in two parts; a worksheet, featuring short questions on navigation and geolocation, and a logbook. The logbook will be a six-month project, aimed at developing you skills in accurate recording of relevant information when on expedition, along with medical factors that must be considered.

  Cold and Mountainous

  Your second residential week will be held in April, at Glenmore Lodge, in Aviemore, Scotland. Based in the Cairngorm Mountains, the venue provides an ideal location to build on your knowledge in hypothermia, mountain rescue, rope skills, meteorology and climbing skills, while working through various scenarios and workshops. The final assignment for part one will be 3 x 1000-word assignments aimed at developing your knowledge in working in cold and mountainous terrain.

• Emporiatrics

  The opening module of part two of the Diploma focuses on Emporiatrics; dealing with the prevention and management of health problems in international travellers. Delivered online, this module consists of 3 x 1000-word essays aimed at developing your skills in applying travel medicine knowledge to prepare expedition teams for healthy overseas trips.

  Tropical and Maritime Medicine

  The third residential week of the Diploma will be based at Dartington Hall in Devon, England, in July. Featuring a night at camp and a session at the Diving Diseases Research Centre, you'll learn from experts in tropical and maritime medicine and gain practical experience in forest and aquatic environments. Following the residential week, 2 x 1500-word assignments will be available online. One a presentation briefing and the other focussing on medical kits.

  Thermal Injuries

  The thermal injuries module will be completed via distance learning, with a 1500-word assignment on cold injury and a 1500-word assignment on heat injury. This will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of medical conditions relating to cold and hot environments. Through understanding of these core subjects, you'll be able to adapt your knowledge and experience to formulate prevention and treatment strategies.

  Altitude and Desert

  The final residential component of the Diploma will be located in Aroumd and surrounding areas, Morocco, in September. Held over eight days, you'll gain first-hand experience in how to provide expedition medicine at altitude and in the heat of the North African desert. The final assignment will be a 3000-word essay on altitude, allowing you to consolidate the knowledge you have gained whilst on location.