Pediatric surgery is a highly specialised branch of medicine focused on the surgical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (PgDPS) is designed for medical professionals seeking advanced skills in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of paediatric conditions. This programme equips learners with the knowledge and expertise to provide safe, evidence-based care for young patients, while enhancing clinical decision-making and leadership in surgical practice.
The PgDPS programme covers paediatric anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, alongside surgical techniques for congenital, acquired, and trauma-related conditions. Learners explore preoperative and postoperative care, minimally invasive surgery, and the latest innovations in paediatric surgical practice. The course emphasises clinical reasoning, patient safety, and evidence-based practice, preparing professionals to manage complex surgical cases in children with confidence and precision.
The PgDPS enables healthcare professionals to develop specialist surgical skills for infants and children, focusing on clinical excellence and safe practice. Learners gain advanced knowledge in operative techniques, critical care, and patient management. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, surgical centres, research institutions, and academic settings, contributing to advancements in paediatric surgery.
Graduates of the PgDPS can progress to senior surgical roles, consultant positions, research leadership, and academic appointments. The qualification also provides a foundation for further subspecialty training, professional development, and leadership within paediatric surgical departments.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (PgDPS):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (PgDPS), 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 |
| QC27239- 1 | Advanced Principles of Pediatric Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27239-2 | Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Techniques in Pediatric Surgery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27239-3 | Surgical Management of Congenital and Acquired Pediatric Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27239-4 | Perioperative and Postoperative Care in Pediatric Surgery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27239-5 | Minimally Invasive and Emerging Techniques in Pediatric Surgery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27239-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Pediatric Surgery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (PgDPS):
Minimum Age:
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment
Educational Background:
- A recognised medical degree (MBBS, MD, or equivalent) or an undergraduate degree in a relevant health discipline with substantial clinical experience
Experience:
- Practical experience in surgical or paediatric clinical practice is strongly recommended
Language Proficiency:
- English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or higher, or an accepted alternative, is required to engage with postgraduate-level study and clinical research
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Surgery (PgDPS):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Pediatric Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Analyse paediatric anatomy and physiological differences across age groups
- Evaluate pathophysiological mechanisms of congenital and acquired conditions in children
- Apply advanced scientific knowledge to clinical decision-making in paediatric surgery
- Critically appraise current literature and research relevant to paediatric surgical practice
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Techniques in Pediatric Surgery
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of infants, children, and adolescents requiring surgery
- Interpret diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, and functional tests in paediatric patients
- Develop evidence-based clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches into patient assessment and care
Unit 3: Surgical Management of Congenital and Acquired Pediatric Conditions
- Design and implement surgical interventions for congenital and acquired conditions
- Apply evidence-based operative techniques to optimise patient safety and outcomes
- Evaluate risks, benefits, and post-surgical care requirements for paediatric patients
- Develop protocols for multidisciplinary surgical care in complex paediatric cases
Unit 4: Perioperative and Postoperative Care in Pediatric Surgery
- Plan and implement perioperative care to minimise complications and enhance recovery
- Apply critical care principles for postoperative monitoring and management
- Assess recovery progression and adapt care plans according to patient needs
- Integrate family-centred care into perioperative and postoperative management
Unit 5: Minimally Invasive and Emerging Techniques in Pediatric Surgery
- Analyse indications, benefits, and limitations of minimally invasive paediatric surgery
- Evaluate emerging technologies and innovations in surgical techniques
- Apply advanced strategies for novel interventions to improve patient outcomes
- Assess patient safety and ethical considerations in innovative surgical practice
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Pediatric Surgery
- Critically appraise research methodologies and evidence in paediatric surgical practice
- Apply evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes and decision-making
- Demonstrate leadership in multidisciplinary surgical teams and paediatric care services
- Design and implement research or quality improvement projects in paediatric surgery
The Course is ideal for ;
The PgDPS is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to specialise in advanced paediatric surgery and patient management. It is suitable for:
- Medical doctors and surgeons specialising in paediatric, general, or congenital surgery
- Anaesthetists, critical care practitioners, and surgical nurses involved in paediatric surgical care
- Allied health professionals supporting surgical teams, rehabilitation, and post-surgical recovery for children
- Researchers and academics pursuing advanced studies in paediatric surgery or related clinical fields
- Healthcare professionals aspiring to leadership roles within paediatric surgical departments, hospitals, or academic institutions
Approved centres delivering the PgDPS must meet the following standards:
- Qualified Faculty: Tutors and assessors must hold postgraduate qualifications in paediatric surgery, medicine, or a related discipline, with substantial clinical experience
- Learning Resources: Access to up-to-date textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, clinical case studies, and research databases relevant to paediatric surgery
- Facilities: Classrooms, seminar rooms, and clinical/practical training spaces equipped to support paediatric surgical skills development and postgraduate learning
- Clinical Access: Opportunities for learners to engage with real-world surgical practice, operating theatres, and post-surgical care environments
- Assessment Standards: Rigorous assessment through case studies, reflective practice, research projects, and evidence-based assignments
- Quality Assurance: Systems for internal verification, external moderation, and continuous quality improvement
- Learner Support: Academic guidance, clinical supervision, and pastoral support to ensure learner success and professional development