The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Paediatric Surgery (Dip PS) is a prestigious qualification designed to meet the professional development needs of healthcare practitioners already working in the field. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; instead, it is tailored for experienced professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their expertise, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Focusing on advanced knowledge and specialist skills, the Diploma provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of paediatric surgical principles, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice. It equips learners to critically analyse complex surgical cases, apply advanced techniques, and contribute to improving patient-centred care within paediatric healthcare settings.
This qualification supports professional growth by enabling learners to expand their competence, enhance leadership within multidisciplinary teams, and improve service delivery standards. With a focus on real-world applications, the Diploma aligns with current healthcare practices and ensures that learners gain the confidence and expertise to make informed decisions in critical paediatric surgical environments.
Centres delivering the Level 6 Diploma in Paediatric Surgery are required to have highly competent and qualified staff, as well as access to up-to-date materials, clinical resources, and suitable facilities. This ensures that every learner receives rigorous, high-quality training that supports both their academic and professional journey, while maintaining the highest standards of practice and learner success.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (Dip PS):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (Dip PS) 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 |
| QC27196- 1 | Advanced Principles and Practices in Paediatric Surgery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27196-2 | Preoperative Assessment, Anaesthesia, and Perioperative Care in Children | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27196-3 | Surgical Management of Congenital and Acquired Paediatric Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27196-4 | Minimally Invasive and Emerging Techniques in Paediatric Surgery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27196-5 | Clinical Decision-Making, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27196-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Paediatric Surgical Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (Dip PS):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: A recognised Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in medicine, healthcare, nursing, or a related discipline is required. Higher-level qualifications will be considered advantageous.
- Experience: This programme is not intended for new entrants. Applicants should have relevant professional experience in healthcare or surgical practice, ideally with exposure to paediatric care.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate strong proficiency in English to engage effectively with course materials, assessments, and professional discussions.
- Commitment to CPD: Applicants should have a clear commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as the qualification is designed to enhance career growth and specialist knowledge in paediatric surgery.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to suitable clinical environments, study resources, and professional support to meet both theoretical and practical elements of the course.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners are fully prepared to undertake this advanced qualification, develop specialist expertise, and contribute effectively to paediatric surgical practice.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (Dip PS):
Advanced Principles and Practices in Paediatric Surgery
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of paediatric surgical anatomy and physiology
- Critically evaluate core surgical principles in relation to paediatric care
- Apply evidence-based approaches to complex surgical scenarios
- Analyse challenges and solutions in paediatric surgical practice
Preoperative Assessment, Anaesthesia, and Perioperative Care in Children
- Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments for paediatric patients
- Evaluate anaesthetic techniques and their implications in paediatric surgery
- Implement perioperative care strategies to optimise patient outcomes
- Manage risks and complications associated with surgical procedures in children
Surgical Management of Congenital and Acquired Paediatric Conditions
- Assess and diagnose congenital and acquired conditions requiring surgery
- Apply surgical techniques to manage a wide range of paediatric disorders
- Critically appraise treatment plans for individual patient needs
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches to enhance surgical outcomes
Minimally Invasive and Emerging Techniques in Paediatric Surgery
- Evaluate the principles and applications of minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Analyse the benefits and limitations of laparoscopic and robotic approaches
- Apply emerging technologies to improve surgical precision and recovery times
- Compare traditional and innovative methods for paediatric surgical interventions
Clinical Decision-Making, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to complex surgical cases
- Interpret and utilise current research to inform paediatric surgical practice
- Design and evaluate strategies for evidence-based decision-making
- Critically reflect on clinical outcomes to improve future practice
Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Paediatric Surgical Care
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making in sensitive paediatric surgical contexts
- Apply principles of professionalism in multidisciplinary healthcare environments
- Lead and manage teams to ensure safe and effective surgical care
- Promote continuous professional development and reflective practice in surgery
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Paediatric Surgery (Dip PS) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals who wish to advance their specialist knowledge and skills in paediatric surgical practice. This programme is not intended for beginners but is ideally suited for:
- Surgeons and surgical trainees seeking to enhance expertise in paediatric procedures and complex case management
- Medical doctors and paediatricians aiming to broaden their clinical competence in surgical care for children
- Anaesthetists and perioperative practitioners wishing to deepen their understanding of paediatric surgical contexts
- Nurses, operating department practitioners, and allied health professionals involved in paediatric surgical support and perioperative care
- Healthcare leaders and managers who wish to strengthen their role in decision-making, leadership, and improving service delivery in paediatric surgery
This course is particularly valuable for professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career progression in paediatric surgery. It equips learners with advanced surgical knowledge, leadership skills, and evidence-based practices to meet the demands of modern healthcare and deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred surgical care for children.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Paediatric Surgery (Dip PS) must meet specific requirements to ensure the highest standards of training, assessment, and learner achievement. These include:
- Qualified Staff: Centres must employ suitably qualified and experienced tutors, assessors, and internal quality assurers with expertise in paediatric surgery and healthcare education.
- Resources and Facilities: Centres should provide access to up-to-date learning resources, clinical reference materials, and where appropriate, simulated or clinical environments to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Assessment Systems: Robust assessment and internal verification processes must be in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with awarding standards.
- Learner Support: Centres must offer comprehensive learner support services, including academic guidance, pastoral support, and access to appropriate study materials.
- Policies and Procedures: Centres are expected to maintain clear policies on equality and diversity, safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection to ensure a professional and supportive learning environment.
- Commitment to Quality: Regular monitoring, evaluation, and staff development must be implemented to uphold teaching quality and continuously improve delivery standards.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure that learners undertaking the Level 6 Diploma in Paediatric Surgery receive high-quality training and the necessary professional support to achieve success in their studies and career advancement.