The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD) is an advanced, specialist qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in clinical dermatology. This programme is not intended for beginners; it is aimed at experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their professional knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Focusing on complex dermatological conditions and advanced clinical management, the Diploma equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of skin disorders. Learners will gain expertise in areas such as inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune skin conditions, as well as advanced diagnostic techniques, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. The programme integrates evidence-based practice, critical analysis, and research methodologies, enabling learners to make informed clinical decisions and contribute to improved patient outcomes.
The course also emphasises professional development, leadership, and ethical practice within dermatology settings, preparing learners to take on advanced clinical roles, lead multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to service innovation.
Centres delivering the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology must employ competent and qualified staff and provide access to current clinical resources, learning materials, and suitable facilities. This ensures learners receive high-quality training, practical experience, and professional guidance, supporting their success and enabling them to advance confidently in their dermatology careers.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Environmental Management, 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 |
| QC27201- 1 | Advanced Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27201-2 | Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment of Complex Dermatological Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27201-3 | Management of Inflammatory, Infectious, and Autoimmune Skin Disorders | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27201-4 | Therapeutic Interventions and Emerging Treatments in Dermatology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27201-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Dermatology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27201-6 | Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Clinical Dermatology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD):
- 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. Higher-level postgraduate qualifications are considered an advantage.
- Experience: This Postgraduate Diploma is not designed for beginners. Applicants should have relevant professional experience in healthcare, clinical dermatology, or medical 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 dermatology.
- 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 clinical dermatology.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD):
Advanced Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of skin structure, function, and physiological processes
- Analyse the pathophysiology of common and complex dermatological conditions
- Apply advanced scientific principles to inform clinical dermatology practice
- Evaluate the impact of systemic factors on skin health and disease
Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment of Complex Dermatological Conditions
- Conduct thorough clinical assessments and diagnostic evaluations for diverse skin conditions
- Interpret laboratory, imaging, and histopathology results in dermatology
- Formulate accurate diagnoses for complex and multi-system dermatological cases
- Develop patient-centred assessment strategies informed by clinical evidence
Management of Inflammatory, Infectious, and Autoimmune Skin Disorders
- Evaluate treatment options for inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune skin conditions
- Apply advanced pharmacological, topical, and systemic therapies safely and effectively
- Develop personalised care plans to manage chronic and complex dermatological conditions
- Monitor treatment outcomes and adjust strategies to optimise patient care
Therapeutic Interventions and Emerging Treatments in Dermatology
- Analyse current and emerging therapeutic techniques in clinical dermatology
- Apply minimally invasive, laser, and procedural interventions safely
- Critically evaluate new treatments and technologies for efficacy and safety
- Integrate innovative approaches into evidence-based patient care
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Dermatology
- Critically appraise dermatological research and scientific literature
- Apply evidence-based approaches to clinical decision-making
- Develop strategies for implementing research findings into practice
- Enhance patient outcomes through informed, research-driven interventions
Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Clinical Dermatology
- Demonstrate ethical and professional decision-making in complex dermatology cases
- Lead and manage clinical teams within dermatology 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 Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD) is designed for healthcare professionals who are already working in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields and wish to specialise in advanced clinical dermatology. 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, dermatologists, and clinicians managing complex skin conditions
- Nurses and advanced practice practitioners working in dermatology or specialised skin care
- Allied health professionals involved in dermatological treatment and patient management
- Healthcare researchers and educators focused on advancing dermatology practice
- Healthcare leaders and managers seeking to develop leadership and professional skills in clinical dermatology
The Diploma equips learners with advanced knowledge of skin anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and ethical practice. It enables professionals to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care while advancing their careers in clinical dermatology.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD) 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 clinical dermatology, advanced medical practice, and healthcare education.
- Resources and Facilities: Centres should provide access to current 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 Clinical Dermatology receive rigorous training, professional guidance, and the resources necessary to achieve success and advance their careers in dermatology and related healthcare fields.