The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialise in the effective management of diabetes. This programme is not intended for beginners; it is aimed at experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their clinical expertise, expand their professional knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Focusing on the latest evidence-based approaches, the Diploma equips learners with the skills to assess, diagnose, and manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as complex and co-morbid conditions. Learners will gain in-depth knowledge of pathophysiology, advanced pharmacological treatments, lifestyle interventions, and the use of technology in diabetes care. The programme also emphasises patient-centred strategies, enabling learners to provide holistic and effective care that improves long-term outcomes.
The course further develops skills in clinical decision-making, research, and evidence-based practice, allowing learners to critically evaluate treatment plans, implement innovative care pathways, and contribute to service improvement. Leadership, ethics, and professional development are integral components, preparing learners to take on advanced clinical roles and lead multidisciplinary teams in diabetes management.
Centres delivering the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management are required to employ competent and qualified staff and provide access to up-to-date clinical resources, learning materials, and appropriate facilities. This ensures learners receive high-quality training, practical experience, and professional support, enabling them to achieve excellence and progress confidently in their careers within diabetes care and related healthcare fields.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27202- 1 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Endocrinology of Diabetes | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27202-2 | Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Monitoring in Diabetes Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27202-3 | Pharmacological Management of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27202-4 | Lifestyle Interventions, Technology, and Self-Management Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27202-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Diabetes Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27202-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Diabetes Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 23 years old at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: A recognised Level 6 qualification (or equivalent) in medicine, nursing, or a related healthcare discipline is required. Postgraduate qualifications are considered advantageous.
- Experience: This Postgraduate Diploma is not designed for beginners. Applicants should have relevant professional experience in healthcare, clinical practice, or diabetes management, with exposure to patient assessment and treatment.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to engage effectively with advanced course materials, assessments, and professional communication.
- Commitment to CPD: Applicants must show a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as the programme is designed to enhance specialist knowledge, clinical expertise, and professional growth in diabetes care.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to appropriate clinical environments, study resources, and professional support to complete both theoretical and practical components of the course.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners are well-prepared to gain specialist expertise, advance their careers, and contribute to high-quality patient care and service development in diabetes management.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM):
Advanced Pathophysiology and Endocrinology of Diabetes
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Analyse the role of endocrine systems in glucose regulation and metabolic control
- Evaluate the impact of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors on diabetes development
- Apply advanced scientific principles to inform clinical diabetes management
Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Monitoring in Diabetes Care
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and interpret diagnostic tests
- Identify complications and co-morbidities associated with diabetes
- Develop monitoring strategies to assess glycaemic control and treatment efficacy
- Formulate accurate clinical assessments to inform personalised care plans
Pharmacological Management of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
- Critically evaluate pharmacological options for diabetes management
- Apply insulin therapy, oral hypoglycaemics, and adjunct treatments safely and effectively
- Monitor patient response and adjust pharmacological interventions appropriately
- Assess risks, contraindications, and potential drug interactions in diabetes care
Lifestyle Interventions, Technology, and Self-Management Strategies
- Develop patient-centred lifestyle intervention plans for diet, exercise, and behavioural modification
- Integrate technology, including continuous glucose monitoring and digital health tools, into care
- Empower patients to self-manage diabetes effectively
- Evaluate the outcomes of lifestyle and technological interventions on long-term health
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Diabetes Management
- Critically appraise diabetes-related research and scientific literature
- Apply evidence-based approaches to clinical decision-making and treatment planning
- Develop strategies for implementing research findings into practice
- Enhance patient outcomes through informed, research-driven interventions
Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Diabetes Care
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professionalism in complex diabetes cases
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams within diabetes care settings
- Promote reflective practice and continuous professional development
- Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards in patient care
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM) is designed for healthcare professionals who are already working in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields and wish to specialise in advanced diabetes care. This programme is not intended for beginners; it is aimed at experienced practitioners seeking to enhance their clinical expertise, broaden their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This course is ideally suited for:
- Medical doctors, endocrinologists, and clinicians managing patients with type 1, type 2, and complex diabetes
- Nurses and advanced practice practitioners specialising in diabetes care or chronic disease management
- Allied health professionals involved in patient education, lifestyle interventions, and diabetes management
- Healthcare researchers and educators focusing on innovative diabetes care and evidence-based practice
- Healthcare leaders and managers aiming to develop leadership and professional skills in diabetes services
The Diploma equips learners with advanced knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical assessment, pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, technology use, and ethical practice. It enables professionals to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care while advancing their careers in diabetes management.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management (PgDDM) must meet strict standards to ensure high-quality training, assessment, and learner success. These requirements include:
- Qualified Staff: Centres must employ experienced and appropriately qualified tutors, assessors, and internal quality assurers with expertise in diabetes care, clinical practice, and healthcare education.
- Resources and Facilities: Centres should provide access to up-to-date learning materials, clinical and diagnostic resources, and suitable facilities to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Assessment Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures and internal verification processes to ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with awarding standards.
- Learner Support: Centres are required to offer comprehensive learner support, including academic guidance, pastoral care, and access to relevant study resources.
- Policies and Procedures: Centres must maintain clear policies on safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and data protection to ensure a professional and safe learning environment.
- Commitment to Quality: Centres should conduct regular monitoring, evaluation, and staff development activities to maintain teaching quality and ensure continuous improvement in course delivery.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure that learners undertaking the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management receive rigorous training, professional guidance, and the necessary resources to achieve success and advance their careers in diabetes care and related healthcare fields.