The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine (Dip FM) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise in comprehensive family medicine practice. This diploma is not intended for beginners; it is specifically structured for experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their professional knowledge, improve clinical decision-making, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this Level 6 Diploma will explore a wide range of topics, including advanced diagnostic techniques, patient-centred care, chronic disease management, and preventive healthcare strategies. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and practical application, ensuring learners are equipped to provide high-quality care across diverse patient populations.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to uphold the highest standards of training. This includes employing fully qualified and experienced staff, as well as providing comprehensive learning materials, clinical resources, and supportive environments to ensure learner success. By meeting these standards, centres guarantee a robust educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical competence.
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine represents a significant step for healthcare professionals aiming to advance their careers, achieve specialist recognition, and contribute effectively to the provision of high-quality, patient-centred care. Learners completing this qualification will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles, enhance clinical practice, and make meaningful contributions to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine (Dip FM):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine (Dip FM) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27167- 1 | Advanced Principles of Family Medicine and Primary Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27167-2 | Patient Assessment, Diagnosis, and Clinical Decision-Making | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27167-3 | Chronic Disease Management and Preventive Healthcare | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27167-4 | Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Treatment Planning in Family Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27167-5 | Public Health, Community Medicine, and Health Promotion | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27167-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Family Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine (Dip FM):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 21 years old, ensuring sufficient professional experience and maturity for advanced study.
- Educational Background: Candidates should hold a Level 5 qualification in healthcare, medicine, nursing, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional qualifications or substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
- Professional Experience: Learners are expected to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working in clinical, primary care, or healthcare settings, with exposure to patient management and family medicine practice.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate a strong command of English, including reading, writing, and comprehension, to engage effectively with advanced clinical materials and assessments.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Candidates should actively participate in CPD and demonstrate a commitment to applying advanced knowledge and skills in their professional practice.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to clinical settings, patient care environments, or healthcare facilities, as well as the necessary learning materials and technology, to complete practical and independent study components effectively.
These entry requirements ensure learners are fully prepared to succeed in this advanced diploma, enhancing their clinical expertise, career prospects, and ability to provide high-quality, patient-centred care.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine (Dip FM):
Advanced Principles of Family Medicine and Primary Care
- Analyse the core principles and scope of family medicine and primary care practice
- Evaluate patient-centred approaches to healthcare delivery
- Understand the integration of multidisciplinary care in family medicine
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to complex patient scenarios
Patient Assessment, Diagnosis, and Clinical Decision-Making
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments using advanced clinical techniques
- Interpret diagnostic findings to formulate accurate clinical diagnoses
- Develop critical decision-making skills for effective patient management
- Integrate evidence-based approaches into clinical reasoning
Chronic Disease Management and Preventive Healthcare
- Develop strategies for managing long-term and complex conditions
- Apply preventive healthcare measures to improve patient outcomes
- Monitor and evaluate treatment effectiveness for chronic diseases
- Promote lifestyle interventions and patient education for disease prevention
Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Treatment Planning in Family Medicine
- Assess pharmacological interventions and their clinical applications
- Design safe and effective treatment plans based on individual patient needs
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic strategies in family medicine
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of medications and treatment protocols
Public Health, Community Medicine, and Health Promotion
- Analyse public health principles and their relevance to family medicine
- Develop strategies for health promotion and disease prevention in communities
- Assess the impact of community health interventions on population wellbeing
- Integrate public health knowledge into clinical and community practice
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Family Medicine
- Conduct research using appropriate methodologies and ethical standards
- Critically appraise scientific literature to inform clinical practice
- Apply evidence-based findings to improve patient care and outcomes
- Develop a structured plan for ongoing professional development in family medicine
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine is specifically designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and career prospects in family medicine and primary care. This course is ideal for:
- Senior nurses, general practitioners, and clinical practitioners working in primary care or community healthcare settings
- Healthcare professionals aiming to take on leadership roles in patient management, clinical governance, or care coordination
- Public health practitioners and community health officers seeking advanced knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, and population health management
- Medical professionals and allied health practitioners committed to enhancing patient-centred care and chronic disease management skills
- Professionals dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to expand their specialist knowledge, apply evidence-based practice, and strengthen their career opportunities
Learners completing this diploma will gain the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence necessary to make a significant impact in family medicine practice, while improving the quality of care for the communities they serve.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Family Medicine must maintain the highest standards to ensure quality training and learner success. To meet these requirements, centres must:
- Employ competent and qualified staff with relevant expertise in family medicine, primary care, clinical practice, and public health
- Provide access to comprehensive learning materials, clinical resources, and technology necessary for effective teaching, practical work, and independent study
- Ensure learners have access to clinical settings, primary care environments, or healthcare facilities to complete practical and applied components of the course
- Maintain a robust quality assurance system to monitor teaching standards, learner progress, and assessment integrity
- Facilitate an environment that supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and encourages learners to apply advanced knowledge in professional practice
- Comply with all health and safety regulations relevant to family medicine training, including patient safety protocols and clinical risk management procedures
By adhering to these centre requirements, institutions ensure that learners receive a high-quality educational experience, gain advanced clinical and professional skills, and are fully prepared to excel in family medicine and primary care practice.