The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialise in emergency and critical care. 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).
The Diploma equips learners with comprehensive skills to manage acute medical, surgical, and trauma cases in high-pressure emergency settings. Learners will gain in-depth understanding of advanced life support, rapid clinical assessment, diagnostic decision-making, and emergency intervention strategies. The programme also covers risk management, patient safety, and the application of evidence-based protocols in critical care scenarios.
Emphasising clinical decision-making, research, and evidence-based practice, the course enables learners to critically evaluate emergency care pathways, implement best practices, and optimise patient outcomes. Leadership, ethics, and professional development are integral components, preparing learners to lead multidisciplinary emergency teams, contribute to service improvement initiatives, and uphold the highest standards of care in emergency medicine.
Centres delivering the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine are required to employ competent and qualified staff and provide access to modern clinical resources, emergency care equipment, and suitable training facilities. This ensures learners receive high-quality theoretical and practical training, professional guidance, and the necessary support to achieve excellence and advance confidently in their careers within emergency and critical care services.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM), 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 |
| QC27208- 1 | Advanced Principles of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27208-2 | Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Rapid Decision-Making in Emergencies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27208-3 | Management of Trauma, Acute Medical, and Surgical Emergencies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27208-4 | Resuscitation, Life Support, and Minimally Invasive Emergency Interventions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27208-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Governance in Emergency Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27208-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Emergency and Critical Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM):
- 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, paramedicine, 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 emergency medicine, critical care, trauma, or acute healthcare settings.
- 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 emergency medicine.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to appropriate clinical environments, emergency care equipment, 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 emergency and critical care medicine.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM):
Advanced Principles of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of emergency medicine principles and critical care concepts
- Analyse the physiological and pathological basis of acute and life-threatening conditions
- Apply advanced knowledge to prioritise patient care in high-pressure scenarios
- Evaluate current standards and emerging practices in emergency medicine
Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Rapid Decision-Making in Emergencies
- Conduct systematic clinical assessments and rapid patient evaluations
- Interpret diagnostic tests and imaging relevant to acute conditions
- Make timely, evidence-based decisions in emergency care situations
- Integrate clinical findings with patient history to guide management strategies
Management of Trauma, Acute Medical, and Surgical Emergencies
- Develop effective management plans for trauma and acute medical or surgical cases
- Apply protocols for stabilisation, monitoring, and intervention
- Prioritise treatment in multi-casualty or high-risk scenarios
- Optimise patient outcomes through coordinated, multidisciplinary care
Resuscitation, Life Support, and Minimally Invasive Emergency Interventions
- Demonstrate proficiency in advanced life support techniques and resuscitation protocols
- Apply minimally invasive interventions in emergency care settings
- Evaluate patient response to interventions and adjust treatment accordingly
- Maintain patient safety and adhere to clinical guidelines during emergency procedures
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Governance in Emergency Medicine
- Critically appraise research and evidence relevant to emergency medicine
- Apply evidence-based principles to clinical decision-making and patient management
- Develop strategies for implementing best practice and quality improvement initiatives
- Promote clinical governance and compliance with professional standards
Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Emergency and Critical Care
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional conduct under pressure
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary emergency teams effectively
- Promote reflective practice and continuous professional development
- Ensure adherence to legal, ethical, and professional standards in emergency medicine
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM) is designed for healthcare professionals who are already working in medicine, nursing, paramedicine, or allied health roles and wish to specialise in emergency and critical 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, emergency physicians, and clinicians working in acute care or trauma units
- Nurses, advanced practice practitioners, and paramedics specialising in emergency or critical care
- Allied health professionals involved in emergency patient assessment, monitoring, and intervention
- Healthcare researchers and educators focusing on evidence-based emergency medicine practices
- Healthcare leaders and managers aiming to develop leadership and professional skills within emergency departments
The Diploma equips learners with advanced knowledge of emergency medicine principles, rapid clinical assessment, trauma and acute management, life support techniques, and ethical leadership, enabling professionals to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care while advancing their careers in emergency and critical care services.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine (PgDEM) must meet stringent 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 emergency medicine, critical care, and healthcare education.
- Resources and Facilities: Centres should provide access to up-to-date learning materials, emergency care equipment, simulation 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 Emergency Medicine receive rigorous training, professional guidance, and the necessary resources to achieve success and advance their careers in emergency and critical care healthcare services.