PgCert Diving Medicine

About

Step into the world of diving medicine with a programme designed for medics and healthcare professionals ready to elevate their clinical and non‑technical skills. Developed by world leading experts in diving medicine, this course blends essential theory with immersive, skills‑based learning to build confidence, capability and strong leadership skills in challenging settings.

The programme offers a flexible pathway with a dedicated focus on diving medicine. Whether you’re expanding your clinical scope or seeking a more adventurous direction in practice, this is your opportunity to advance your career and prepare for work in some of the world’s most remote and dynamic environments.

Expert-led diving medicine training

Learn from leading specialists in diving medicine and hyperbaric care, all teaching through – a global authority in the field. This expert driven approach ensures every learner gains practical, relevant skills shaped by real world dive environment experience.

Hands-on learning in world class hyperbaric facilities

Train inside DDRC’s advanced hyperbaric and medical teaching facilities for an immersive understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Real equipment, real scenarios, real clinical insight – all built into three core modules delivered on site.

Built for busy healthcare professionals

Designed for working medics and healthcare graduates, this programme blends theory with applied practice to build strong clinical and leadership skills for diving medicine roles across offshore and onshore environments. Flexible, focused and career enhancing.

Details

Year 1

Core modules

EMM713
Fundamentals of Diving Practice

This module equips students with the foundations of knowledge and skills that underpin diving medicine. They will gain understanding of the characteristics of gases relevant to diving and the physiological principles of immersion and exposure to pressure. Students will learn how these principles translate into modern diving practice and the relevant technical, operational and legal framework of how this is practised safely, in a commercial and recreational settings.

EMM714
Fitness to Dive

This module provides the student with an understanding of the assessment of fitness to dive and the practical skills to be able to perform an assessment. The student will build on their knowledge from EMM713 relating to physics, physiology and diving techniques and apply this to common medical problems, in order to minimise risk, utilising case discussion and simulation.

EMM715
Diving Accidents

In this module student will learn about the assessment and treatment of injured divers. The student will develop an in depth understanding of illnesses seen in divers and will develop the clinical skills required to assess a diver, including history taking and examination. Using case discussions and high-fidelity simulation students will become familiar with the management of diving injuries and the operation of a hyperbaric chamber.

^{The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.}

Careers, industry and research

An adventurous future in clinical practice

This programme has been developed for medics and healthcare professionals with an interest in advancing their clinical and non-technical skills in the fields of expedition, marine and diving medicine.

Teaching on the programme places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with situational, skills-based learning to build confidence and help develop effective leadership skills, when working in remote environments.

Designed for busy professionals, this course offers a variety of pathways with a diving medicine focus, as a full-time or part-time student. Embark on this exciting journey and lay the foundations for an adventurous future in clinical practice.

Pioneering education

The Expedition and Marine Medicine programme builds upon a long history of remote medicine teaching within Peninsula Medical School and creates a link between the University’s existing specialities of health and marine sciences. The choice of pathways available offers a suite of dedicated level 7 modules, that incorporate classroom-based teaching and skills-based learning on local and international residential courses.

In the design of the new modules, we have joined forces with world-class leaders in the fields of diving and expedition medicine training; DDRC Healthcare and Endeavour Medical.

By working with DDRC Healthcare we are pleased to be able to offer the first dedicated PgCert Diving Medicine award in the country, and the first Expedition and Marine Medicine Masters with a Diving Medicine focus in the world.

Flexible learning options

Our varied pathways enable you to embark on an exciting journey and lay the foundations for an adventurous future in clinical practice.

N

MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine (full-time, part-time route available)

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MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine (Diving Medicine)

(full-time, part-time route available)

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PgCert Expedition and Marine Medicine

(part-time)
N PGCert Diving Medicine (part-time)

The full-time programme is completed within a year, whilst the PgCert and part-time courses provide learners with the opportunity to remain in salaried employment whilst completing their studies. Due to the practical nature of the modules, teaching is mostly carried out face-to-face, in combination with an element of online learning.

Individual modules are also be offered as stand-alone Continuing Professional Development (CPD)courses.

Meet your lecturers

Mr Matt Griggs
Programme Lead MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine and Lecturer MSc Global Health

Dr Lucy Obolensky
Honorary Associate Professor (Global and Remote Medicine)

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the �鶹��ýӳ�� is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.

With a supportive learning environment and flexible part-time study options, you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, �鶹��ýӳ�� offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.

The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.

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Postgraduate student

Your �鶹��ýӳ�� community

At the �鶹��ýӳ��, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.

You’re a full member of the �鶹��ýӳ�� community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.

Enrich your studies with a society

Postgraduate study is about more than academic achievement. Joining a society is a great way to connect with other students, build friendships, develop new interests, and create a healthy balance alongside your studies.

Whether you're looking to meet people with similar interests, try something new, expand your professional network, or simply take a break from academic commitments, there's a society for everyone.

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Two students having a drink together on �鶹��ýӳ��'s Barbican

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees for UK students starting in

2026-2027 academic year.

Part-time study
£4,770 per year

Tuition fees for UK students starting in

2027-2028 academic year.

Part-time study
£4,910 per year

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying.

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate student at �鶹��ýӳ��, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate master's loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds, that can help towards costs.

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.

Tuition fee discount for �鶹��ýӳ�� graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at �鶹��ýӳ��, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.

10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students

Learn more about the tuition fee discount

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.

The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.

Access support for students experiencing rising costs

Apply

Entry requirements

This programme is applicable to healthcare professional graduates and clinicians who wish to advance their career in the fields of expedition and marine medicine.

Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of a lower second (2:2) class honours degree in a relevant health care professional subject (e.g.: BMBS, Nursing, Allied Health Professionals degree).

Clinicians who achieved a lower grade from their first degree or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible to apply. Please contact the admissions or programme team for further information.

Ready to apply?

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Programme code
7784

Duration

1 year

Course type
Part-time

Study location
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You won’t be able to apply for this programme if you need a Student Visa to enter the UK. If you’re unsure, .

Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening

Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.

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PgCert

Diving Medicine