The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) is a specialised programme designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) is ideal for medical doctors, gastroenterologists, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals aiming to enhance their clinical skills, research capabilities, and leadership in gastroenterology.
Learners will gain comprehensive insights into gastrointestinal physiology, diagnostic techniques, endoscopy, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and evidence-based management strategies.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) aligns with UK professional standards and international best practices, preparing graduates for specialist, senior, and research-focused roles in gastroenterology.
The PgDG programme focuses on advanced clinical practice in gastroenterology, integrating patient care, diagnostics, and research. Learners will explore conditions affecting the digestive system, liver, pancreas, and biliary tract, as well as contemporary approaches to investigation and treatment.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) equips learners with the skills to perform complex clinical assessments, interpret diagnostic findings, implement evidence-based treatments, and contribute to clinical research and governance within gastroenterology services.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG), 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 |
| QC27224- 1 | Advanced Gastrointestinal Physiology and Pathophysiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27224-2 | Diagnostic Techniques in Gastroenterology, including Endoscopy and Imaging | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27224-3 | Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders and Liver Disease | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27224-4 | Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Pancreatic, and Biliary Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27224-5 | Patient-Centred Care, Ethics, and Multidisciplinary Approaches in Gastroenterology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27224-6 | Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Governance in Gastroenterology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree in medicine, nursing, or a related healthcare discipline is required.
Experience:
- Relevant clinical or healthcare experience in gastroenterology, hepatology, or internal medicine is recommended.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken. Non-native speakers should provide evidence such as IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG):
Advanced Gastrointestinal Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of gastrointestinal structure, function, and disease mechanisms
- Analyse physiological and pathological changes affecting digestive health
- Apply theoretical understanding to clinical decision-making in gastroenterology
- Evaluate the impact of systemic conditions on gastrointestinal function
Diagnostic Techniques in Gastroenterology, including Endoscopy and Imaging
- Conduct comprehensive gastrointestinal assessments using clinical, endoscopic, and imaging techniques
- Interpret diagnostic results accurately to inform patient management
- Apply evidence-based protocols for endoscopy, imaging, and laboratory investigations
- Evaluate the reliability and limitations of diagnostic methods in gastroenterology
Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders and Liver Disease
- Develop and implement evidence-based management plans for gastrointestinal and liver disorders
- Apply therapeutic interventions, pharmacology, and lifestyle management strategies
- Monitor and evaluate patient outcomes to optimise care
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches in the management of complex digestive disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Pancreatic, and Biliary Conditions
- Assess, diagnose, and manage patients with IBD, pancreatic, and biliary diseases
- Apply current clinical guidelines and research evidence in patient care
- Develop personalised treatment strategies for complex gastrointestinal conditions
- Evaluate the long-term outcomes and complications of digestive disorders
Patient-Centred Care, Ethics, and Multidisciplinary Approaches in Gastroenterology
- Implement patient-centred care approaches in gastroenterology practice
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in clinical decision-making
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Assess the impact of communication, teamwork, and ethics on patient outcomes
Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Governance in Gastroenterology
- Design, conduct, and critically appraise research relevant to gastroenterology
- Apply evidence-based practice to clinical and patient management decisions
- Implement clinical governance, quality assurance, and ethical standards
- Contribute to policy development, knowledge dissemination, and continuous improvement in digestive health services
The Course is ideal for ;
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology is designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in digestive health and liver medicine. This course is suitable for:
- Medical doctors, gastroenterologists, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals specialising in gastroenterology
- Healthcare professionals working in hospitals, clinics, endoscopy units, or liver services
- Clinical researchers and academics focusing on gastrointestinal, liver, or pancreatic disorders
- Professionals aiming for senior, specialist, or leadership roles in gastroenterology
- Individuals preparing for doctoral studies or advanced research in digestive health
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology must meet the following standards:
- Accreditation: Centres must be formally approved and accredited by QualCert or an equivalent awarding body to deliver and assess this Level 7 programme.
- Qualified Tutors and Assessors: Tutors must hold relevant postgraduate qualifications in gastroenterology, hepatology, or healthcare, with substantial clinical experience. Assessors should be trained to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies.
- Facilities and Resources: Centres must provide access to hospitals, endoscopy units, laboratories, simulation facilities, and digital learning platforms suitable for advanced gastroenterology training.
- Learning Materials: Centres should provide learners with up-to-date textbooks, journals, case studies, research articles, and digital resources relevant to gastroenterology and liver medicine.
- Assessment Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment methods, including written exams, clinical case evaluations, practical demonstrations, and research assignments.
- Quality Assurance: Internal verification and quality assurance procedures must be in place to maintain high academic and professional standards in line with QualCert requirements.
- Learner Support: Centres should offer academic guidance, clinical supervision, pastoral support, and career advice throughout the programme.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance: Centres must ensure a safe clinical and learning environment, adhere to UK healthcare standards, and uphold ethical practices in all clinical, laboratory, and research activities.