Respiratory medicine is a vital specialty in modern healthcare, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (PgDRM) has been developed to meet international academic and clinical standards, providing healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge, research skills, and clinical expertise to excel in this specialised field.
The postgraduate diploma in respiratory medicine is designed for medical professionals who wish to enhance their expertise in managing complex respiratory conditions. It offers a comprehensive framework for advanced practice, ensuring that learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical applications to improve patient outcomes.
This Level 7 diploma explores a wide range of topics including advanced respiratory physiology, diagnostic techniques, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, critical care, and emerging therapies in respiratory medicine. The programme ensures that learners are fully equipped to meet the growing demands of healthcare systems and provide evidence-based respiratory care across diverse clinical settings.
The course is open to both domestic and international learners who meet the entry criteria. Healthcare organisations may also enrol staff members to strengthen their respiratory medicine expertise and service delivery.
Graduates of the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine may progress to doctoral-level research or advanced clinical training. The qualification also provides pathways into senior medical, academic, or policy-making roles, offering global career opportunities within respiratory healthcare.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (PgDRM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (PgDRM), 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 |
| QC27231- 1 | Advanced Principles of Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27231-2 | Diagnostic Methods and Investigations in Respiratory Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27231-3 | Management of Chronic and Acute Respiratory Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27231-4 | Respiratory Critical Care and Emergency Interventions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27231-5 | Public Health, Prevention, and Emerging Therapies in Respiratory Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27231-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Respiratory Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (PgDRM):
Minimum Age:
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- A recognised undergraduate degree in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or an Allied Health discipline from an accredited institution is required. Applicants with equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered.
Experience:
- Relevant clinical or healthcare practice experience is strongly recommended. This may include work in respiratory care, pulmonology, critical care, emergency medicine, or general hospital and community healthcare settings. Candidates with leadership or specialist responsibilities in respiratory medicine will be given preference.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, evidenced by:
- Completion of previous education in English, or
- A recognised English language qualification (such as IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for international applicants.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (PgDRM):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
- Critically evaluate the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the respiratory system
- Analyse the mechanisms of common and rare respiratory disorders at an advanced level
- Apply theoretical models of respiratory medicine to clinical decision-making
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches to the holistic management of patients
Unit 2: Diagnostic Methods and Investigations in Respiratory Diseases
- Demonstrate advanced competence in interpreting pulmonary function tests and imaging techniques
- Evaluate the clinical applications of bronchoscopy, biopsy, and molecular diagnostics
- Critically assess the role of biomarkers and genetic testing in respiratory medicine
- Apply evidence-based diagnostic strategies to complex respiratory cases
Unit 3: Management of Chronic and Acute Respiratory Conditions
- Design and implement management plans for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease
- Apply advanced treatment approaches for acute respiratory illnesses including pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and ARDS
- Critically appraise pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in respiratory care
- Evaluate integrated care models for long-term respiratory disease management
Unit 4: Respiratory Critical Care and Emergency Interventions
- Demonstrate advanced skills in the assessment and management of patients in respiratory failure
- Critically evaluate the use of non-invasive and invasive ventilation techniques
- Apply evidence-based interventions in respiratory emergencies including trauma and acute exacerbations
- Integrate critical care protocols with palliative and supportive care approaches when appropriate
Unit 5: Public Health, Prevention, and Emerging Therapies in Respiratory Medicine
- Analyse global trends and risk factors in respiratory health including smoking, pollution, and occupational hazards
- Evaluate public health strategies for respiratory disease prevention and health promotion
- Critically assess vaccination programmes and emerging therapies for respiratory conditions
- Apply principles of epidemiology and policy-making to improve respiratory healthcare systems
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Respiratory Medicine
- Critically appraise research studies and methodologies relevant to respiratory medicine
- Design and conduct research or quality improvement projects in respiratory care
- Integrate evidence-based practice into clinical decision-making and policy development
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing multidisciplinary teams and advancing respiratory healthcare services
The Course is ideal for ;
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and expertise in respiratory care and pulmonology. It is ideally suited for:
- Medical doctors specialising or intending to specialise in respiratory medicine, pulmonology, or internal medicine
- Registered nurses working in respiratory wards, critical care, emergency medicine, or community healthcare
- Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists, supporting patients with respiratory conditions
- Healthcare practitioners aiming to enhance their competence in diagnosing and managing complex respiratory disorders
- Clinicians seeking to take on leadership, academic, or policy-making roles within respiratory healthcare services
- International healthcare professionals who want to gain a postgraduate qualification aligned with UK and global standards in respiratory medicine
Centres offering this qualification must demonstrate that they have the appropriate facilities, staff, and resources to deliver high-quality learning and assessment in line with international postgraduate standards.
- Staffing
- Tutors and assessors must hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in medicine, nursing, or an allied health profession.
- Teaching staff should have specialist expertise and professional experience in respiratory medicine or related clinical practice.
- Assessors must be qualified and experienced in teaching and assessing at Level 7 or higher.
- Facilities
- Classrooms, lecture spaces, and seminar rooms equipped with suitable learning technology.
- Access to clinical or simulated practice environments for demonstrating diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Facilities that comply with health, safety, and accessibility standards.
- Learning Resources
- Up-to-date textbooks, clinical guidelines, and specialist journals in respiratory medicine.
- Access to digital platforms, online learning resources, and virtual learning environments (VLEs).
- Availability of research databases and evidence-based practice tools to support independent study and research.
- Quality Assurance
- Internal verification processes to ensure assessment reliability and consistency.
- Regular professional development opportunities for teaching and assessment staff.
- Systems for monitoring and reviewing course delivery to maintain academic and clinical standards.
- Learner Support
- Academic and pastoral support for all learners throughout the programme.
- Access to guidance services for research, clinical application, and professional development.
- Policies in place to support equality, diversity, and inclusion for all learners.