Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine

Programme Description

The postgraduate diploma program in sexual and reproductive medicine is designed to provide a diverse and inter-professional curriculum suitable for family planning practitioners, specialist gynaecologists working in menopause and infertility, nurses, physicians and pharmacists interested in in sexual and reproduction medicine. The programme provides a broad theoretical understanding of, and practical training in, the applications of reproductive biology to current clinical human, assisted reproduction and conservation, and consideration of the social and ethical issues raised by the use of these techniques.

The programme also provides the opportunity for those currently interested in reproductive sciences to update their knowledge and experience research by participating in a minor research project. Students who complete the requirements for the graduate diploma may be eligible to enroll in the Masters programme to further explore areas of interest.

Programme Mission Statement

The mission of the PGD-SRH programme is to provide a uniform training for health professionals working in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health (or planning to do so), to acquire knowledge and skills that can be applied to reduce reproductive mortality and morbidity through a multi-dimensional and team approach.

Programme Goal

The goal of the PGD-SRH programme is to enable students gain an in-depth understanding of the biological basis of reproductive health and diseases and a broad understanding of the complex factors affecting reproductive health care delivery at primary care level. Students who complete the requirements for the graduate diploma may be eligible to enroll in the Masters programme to further explore areas of interest.

Programme Objectives

The PGD-SRH programme curriculum is designed to;

  • provide students with an academic framework to underpin a career in any area of reproductive medicine;
  • enable students to understand the professional processes by which reproductive health operates at a scientific, medical, social, ethical and legal level;
  • prepare the student for further training and employment both in service and research careers in the area of sexual and reproductive health by developing transferable and cognitive skills; and
  • equip students with the ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of healthcare systems.

Programme Expected Learning Outcomes

On completion of the Sexual and Reproductive health Postgraduate Diploma, the student will be able to demonstrate:

  1. An understanding of the care of patients in sexual and reproductive medicine.
  2. A critical awareness of current issues affecting the care of patients undertaking treatments in sexual and reproductive medicine.
  3. Advanced knowledge of sexual and reproductive health that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations.
  4. An ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of healthcare systems.
  5. Advanced and effective communication skills in both professional and social contexts.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to be admitted to the PGD-SRH programme, candidates will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical, nursing, midwifery, public health, biomedical/life sciences or Pharmacy/ pharmaceutical sciences degree.

Registered healthcare professionals without these recognized qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account.

In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.

Duration of the Programme

The PGD-SRH programme shall extend over a period of one academic year. Each academic year consists of 2 semesters with each semester extending over a period of 20 weeks (18 weeks for teaching and learning, and 2 weeks for examination).

Mode of Educational Delivery

Teaching of the various modules in this curriculum shall comprised of a combination of online or face-to-face lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, study visits, small-group teaching, workshops, group work, individual presentations and simulation exercises using synchronous (live and interactive) and asynchronous (recorded or self-directed).

The implementation of each module in the programme have been designed so that the students will be given the opportunity to develop theoretical and experiential understanding, advance their knowledge and critical thinking. Online repositories will be used for learning material. Students will be required to have their own Laptops and/or tablets.