Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £10,950
Taught by Population Health Sciences
Admissions and course enquiries
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Course description
Course description
The world prevalence of diabetes amongst adults is increasing year-on-year, making diabetes care one of the biggest medical challenges faced by healthcare professionals globally. This rising epidemic has increased the demand for services from personnel trained to deliver high quality care.
This part-time distance learning course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to specialise in diabetes care. The course is based at the heart of NHS clinical services, and draws on the specialist knowledge of the experienced and high profile staff at the world-renowned Leicester Diabetes Centre and the University of Leicester.
The Leicester Diabetes Centre is a national and international centre of excellence and one of the largest facilities in Europe for conducting first class clinical research, dynamic clinical services and teaching in diabetes.
The Centre’s pioneering work has driven up standards in diabetes care worldwide, uncovered new insights about prevention and the impact of treatments, and added to the global evidence-base on a condition posing a major threat to world health. The results of its work have had an impact on local, national and international guidelines and recommendations. This video explores the latest work of Leicester Diabetes Centre.
Our course therefore combines the most topical thinking around clinical care and research with practical examples of how novel research and evidence-based diabetes care can be applied in real life clinical settings. The ongoing research published by the Centre means that the curriculum and all your course materials are relevant and based on the latest insights and understanding. You will also be taught by staff who are internationally recognised as pioneers in the field – Leicester Professors Melanie Davies and Kamlesh Khunti are listed in the top ten world leaders in diabetes care.
For 2021, we are delighted to launch a new module ‘Technology and Type 1 Diabetes’. Led by Professor Pratik Choudhury, this module brings together the most current thinking on technology and its use to support people living with Type 1 diabetes. Professor Choudhary has recently been appointed to improve quality of care for people living with Type 1 diabetes across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. He is working to establish a hub that brings together critical aspects of diabetes care to create a service that is a national exemplar with world-leading outcomes. This module allows students to work with Professor Choudhury and the teaching faculty to look in depth at this important topic area.
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 October 2025 or 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 how to pay and scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in October 2025 or 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 how to pay and scholarships and funding.
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 Career Development 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 across the Lifespan (double module)
- Diabetes Complications (double module)
- Foundation Research
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Adult Inpatient
- Prevention, Obesity and Diabetes
- Self-management: Diabetes and Long-term Conditions
- Technology and Type 1 Diabetes
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
PGDip
PGDip
Core modules
- Glycaemic Management across the Lifespan (double module)
- Diabetes Complications (double module)
- Foundation Research
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Adult Inpatient
- Prevention, Obesity and Diabetes
- Self-management: Diabetes and Long-term Conditions
- Technology and Type 1 Diabetes
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
PGCert
PGCert
Core module
- Glycaemic Management across the Lifespan (double module)
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Adult Inpatient
- Prevention, Obesity and Diabetes
- Self-management: Diabetes and Long-term Conditions
- Technology and Type 1 Diabetes
- Diabetes Complications
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
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 20 in the world (and the top 5 in the UK) for clinical medicine, according to the 2021 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
Teaching will take place through online lectures, online tutorials, webinars, online demonstrations and podcasts, directed reading, online group discussion and online case studies.
All modules are assessed by a variety of methods, including written essays, discussion forums, short answer exams and reflective journals.
Key dates
Start date: 7 April 2025
Application deadline for April 2025 start: 17 March 2025
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.