Course information
Taught by Population Health Sciences
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Course description
Course description
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide. This global epidemic demands highly skilled healthcare professionals who can deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care.
Our part-time, distance learning MSc in Diabetes equips you with the knowledge and confidence to become a specialist in diabetes care while continuing your professional role. Delivered by the world-renowned Leicester Diabetes Centre and the University of Leicester, this programme combines cutting-edge research with real-world examples of clinical application.
Our expertise is internationally recognised. The Leicester Diabetes Centre is one of Europe’s largest and most respected centres for diabetes research, education, and clinical innovation. Founded on a partnership between University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester, the Centre is led by Professors Melanie Davies CBE and Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE, both ranked among the world’s top leaders in diabetes care.
At Leicester you will learn from global pioneers – our faculty includes internationally recognised specialists in:
- Diabetes in Pregnancy & Endocrinology
- Diabetes Medicine
- Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine
- Obesity & Weight Management
- Primary Care Diabetes Management
- Type 1 Diabetes & Technology
Our flagship module, ‘Glycaemic Management Through the Lifespan’, which provides a comprehensive foundation in diabetes care, sets the stage for advanced learning. We have more recently expanded our curriculum to reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of diabetes treatment and research. Additions include ‘Technology and Type 1 Diabetes’, led by Professor Pratik Choudhary, which explores how cutting-edge technology is transforming care; ‘Lifestyle Medicine: Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes’, focuses on holistic lifestyle approaches to prevention and treatment; and a forthcoming ‘Clinical Obesity’ module, addresses one of the most pressing challenges in diabetes management today. These modules ensure that our programme remains at the forefront of innovation, equipping you with the latest knowledge and practical skills to meet the changing needs of patients worldwide.
The course’s part-time, distance learning structure gives you the flexibility to fit study around your existing work commitments, meaning you can enhance your career prospects without having to leave employment. It is therefore ideal for healthcare professionals from either a primary or secondary care background who wish to specialise in diabetes. The course also allows you to choose topics in which to specialise. You will become part of the Distance Learning Diabetes Community providing the opportunity for networking and sharing best practice.
Modules on this degree are also available as stand-alone CPD courses.
Try our free online course
If you’re interested in finding out more about the field of diabetes care and research, you could try our free online course Reversing Diabetes: Fact or Fiction?
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- Second class honours degree (or equivalent)
- Plus qualified professional status in medicine, nursing or other recognised healthcare profession
- Plus at least two years' professional experience in a health or social care setting, preferably in the field of diabetes.
Because applications are treated on an individual basis, candidates with alternative qualifications and evidence of being able to study at a Masters degree level may be considered.
You must be able to demonstrate relevant experience in diabetes, whether through a written personal statement, a formal interview and/or references.
Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
For the MSc or PGDip, you can transfer up to 60 credits of APL from the last three years (up to five years may be considered at the discretion of the programme team). For the PGCert you can transfer up to 30 credits of APL. Recognised credits must be at level 7, awarded by a UK university or NAAC-listed institution in a diabetes-related subject
Any successful APL may reduce the number of modules you need to complete the course, reducing your total period of study and potentially leading to a reduction in your fee. All APL is at the discretion of the course director and will be considered at application stage. All certification should be submitted at this point.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Fees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in April 2026
- MSc: £10,950
- PGDip: £7,295
- PGCert: £3,650
Your fee may be reduced if you supply evidence of appropriate APL (see entry requirements).
Find out more about tuition fees, scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in April 2026
- MSc: £10,950
- PGDip: £7,295
- PGCert: £3,650
Your fee may be reduced if you supply evidence of appropriate APL (see entry requirements).
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Diabetes is affecting people across the world in epidemic proportions. It is therefore an area that requires more and more experts in this field.
Successful students will have the skills to specialise in diabetes, which may lead to career progression.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Course structure
MSc
MSc
Core modules
- Glycaemic Management through the Lifespan (double module)
- Diabetes Complications (double module)
- Foundation Research
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Adult Inpatient
- Self-management: Diabetes and Long-term Conditions
- Technology and Type 1 Diabetes
- Lifestyle Medicine: Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Plus your Dissertation
The modules listed reflect those currently available to students. Every year, we review our modules and their content to ensure that our courses maintain the best academic and student experience possible. Whilst this does mean elements of your course may change in future academic years, it ensures your course is giving you a research-inspired education and preparing you for your future.
PGDip
PGDip
Core modules
- Glycaemic Management through the Lifespan (double module)
- Diabetes Complications (double module)
- Foundation Research
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Adult Inpatient
- Self-management: Diabetes and Long-term Conditions
- Technology and Type 1 Diabetes
- Lifestyle Medicine: Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
The modules listed reflect those currently available to students. Every year, we review our modules and their content to ensure that our courses maintain the best academic and student experience possible. Whilst this does mean elements of your course may change in future academic years, it ensures your course is giving you a research-inspired education and preparing you for your future.
PGCert
PGCert
Core module
- Glycaemic Management through the Lifespan (double module)
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Adult Inpatient
- Self-management: Diabetes and Long-term Conditions
- Technology and Type 1 Diabetes
- Diabetes Complications
- Lifestyle Medicine: Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
The modules listed reflect those currently available to students. Every year, we review our modules and their content to ensure that our courses maintain the best academic and student experience possible. Whilst this does mean elements of your course may change in future academic years, it ensures your course is giving you a research-inspired education and preparing you for your future.
Why Leicester?
Learn from academic and clinical experts in the Leicester Diabetes Centre who have an international reputation for published research and are recognised global leaders in the field.
The course is based at the heart of NHS clinical services at the world-renowned Leicester Diabetes Centre. It is the largest facilities in Europe for research and teaching in diabetes serving a multi ethnic population. Their pioneering work has driven up standards and knowledge worldwide.
The University of Leicester has a world-renowned reputation. We are ranked 2nd in the UK for world leading research in Clinical Medicine (2021 Research Excellent Framework - REF). And ranked in the top 30 in the world (and 6th in the UK) for clinical medicine, according to the 2025 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Our topical curriculum draws on the latest insights and research into diabetes. Option modules allow you to specialise in areas that are relevant to you and your practice.
Teaching and learning
We offer a state-of-the-art learning experience. Our programme is delivered through Blackboard Ultra, a cutting-edge virtual learning environment designed to provide maximum flexibility and engagement. The majority of content is asynchronous, allowing you to study at any time that suits your schedule, making it perfect for healthcare professionals balancing work and other commitments. To complement this, we offer interactive live sessions, including group discussions to foster peer-to-peer learning and build a strong distance learning community, as well as one-to-one tutorials with our award-winning faculty giving students direct support.
We understand that every learner’s needs and interests are different, which is why our course structure is highly adaptable. You can choose to complete the full MSc over two years, a shorter Post-Graduate Diploma or Certificate, or just select individual modules as stand-alone CPD courses. This enables you to focus on specific areas of interest or level of professional development suitable to your needs, your circumstances and your aspirations. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re seeking a comprehensive qualification or targeted expertise, our course is right for you.
Key dates
Start date: 13 April 2026
Application deadline for April 2026 start: 23 March 2026
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Diabetes | Qualification MSc | Duration 24 months by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Diabetes | Qualification PGDip | Duration 16 months by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Diabetes | Qualification PGCert | Duration 9 months by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
Studying at the University of Leicester’s very prestigious Centre of Diabetes has been really enjoyable. There is a real community and the staff and students have made me really feel at home.