The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology (PgDC) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialise in cardiovascular medicine. 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 practices, the Diploma equips learners with the skills to assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital heart disorders. Learners will gain advanced knowledge of cardiac physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, interventional procedures, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
The programme also emphasises clinical decision-making, research, and evidence-based practice, enabling learners to critically evaluate treatment options, implement innovative care pathways, and contribute to improved patient outcomes. Leadership, ethics, and professional development are integral components, preparing learners to operate confidently in multidisciplinary teams, lead cardiac services, and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
Centres delivering the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology must employ competent and qualified staff and provide access to up-to-date clinical resources, learning materials, and suitable facilities. This ensures learners receive high-quality training, practical experience, and professional support, enabling them to achieve excellence and advance their careers in cardiology and related healthcare fields.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology (PgDC):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology (PgDC), 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 |
| QC27203-1 | Advanced Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27203-2 | Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment of Cardiovascular Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27203-3 | Management of Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Arrhythmias | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27203-4 | Interventional and Non-Pharmacological Cardiovascular Therapies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27203-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Cardiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27203-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Cardiology Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology (PgDC):
- 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, cardiology, or clinical practice, 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 cardiology 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 cardiology.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology (PgDC):
Advanced Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of cardiac structure, function, and physiological processes
- Analyse the pathophysiology of common and complex cardiovascular conditions
- Apply advanced scientific principles to inform clinical cardiology practice
- Evaluate the impact of systemic and lifestyle factors on cardiovascular health
Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment of Cardiovascular Conditions
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and interpret diagnostic tests
- Identify cardiovascular risk factors, complications, and co-morbidities
- Formulate accurate diagnoses for complex cardiovascular conditions
- Develop patient-centred assessment strategies informed by clinical evidence
Management of Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Arrhythmias
- Evaluate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for major cardiovascular conditions
- Apply evidence-based management strategies safely and effectively
- Develop personalised care plans for patients with complex cardiovascular needs
- Monitor treatment outcomes and adjust strategies to optimise patient care
Interventional and Non-Pharmacological Cardiovascular Therapies
- Analyse current and emerging interventional and procedural techniques in cardiology
- Apply minimally invasive and non-pharmacological interventions safely
- Critically evaluate new therapies and technologies for efficacy and safety
- Integrate innovative approaches into evidence-based patient care
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Cardiology
- Critically appraise cardiology 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 Cardiology Care
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professionalism in complex cardiology cases
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams within cardiology services
- 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 Cardiology (PgDC) is designed for healthcare professionals who are already working in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields and wish to specialise in advanced cardiology 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, cardiologists, and clinicians managing patients with cardiovascular diseases
- Nurses and advanced practice practitioners specialising in cardiac care or chronic disease management
- Allied health professionals involved in patient monitoring, rehabilitation, and cardiovascular interventions
- Healthcare researchers and educators focusing on innovative cardiac treatments and evidence-based practice
- Healthcare leaders and managers seeking to develop leadership and professional skills in cardiology services
The Diploma equips learners with advanced knowledge of cardiac anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, interventional therapies, and ethical practice, enabling professionals to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care while advancing their careers in cardiology.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology (PgDC) 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 cardiology, 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 Cardiology receive rigorous training, professional guidance, and the necessary resources to achieve success and advance their careers in cardiology and related healthcare fields.