University of Warwick

What you'll study

The programme provides a comprehensive, clinically oriented curriculum covering the pathophysiology and classification of diabetes, practical management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and special clinical situations such as pregnancy, paediatrics and frailty. Core areas include pharmacological management (including insulin and non-insulin therapies), glucose monitoring and technology (continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps), complication screening and prevention (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and foot care), and lifestyle and psychological approaches to self-management support.

Students also study service design and quality improvement methods, clinical governance, audit, and evidence-based practice. Research methods and critical appraisal are included to enable clinicians to evaluate literature, contribute to service evaluation and implement practice changes.

• Diabetes biology and diagnosis
• Clinical management: insulin, oral agents and adjunctive therapies
• Acute and long-term complications
• Diabetes technologies: CGM, pumps and digital tools
• Behaviour change, education and psychosocial support
• Pregnancy, paediatric and older adult diabetes care
• Service improvement, audit and quality assurance
• Research methods and evidence-based practice

Teaching is typically delivered through a blend of taught sessions, case-based learning and workplace-based activities. Assessment methods may include written assignments, case presentations, reflective portfolios and clinical assessments designed to demonstrate competence in practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to be registered health professionals (for example nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, medical doctors) or hold a relevant degree with appropriate clinical experience in diabetes or related areas of practice. Employers' support or evidence of access to clinical practice settings is usually required for workplace-based elements.

Typical requirements include:

• A recognised professional qualification or undergraduate degree in a relevant subject and demonstrable clinical experience
• Evidence of ability to study at postgraduate level, such as previous academic transcripts or professional development
• References (one usually from a clinical manager) supporting suitability for the programme
• Those whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency

Career prospects

Graduates use the PGDip to advance clinical roles and leadership in diabetes care. Common career pathways include diabetes specialist nurse, diabetes educator, and roles in primary care or hospital-based diabetes services. The programme also supports career development into advanced clinical practice, service development and management, commissioning, pathway design and quality improvement roles.

Other opportunities include working in multidisciplinary teams across community, acute and specialist services, contributing to patient education programmes, research or policy work related to long-term condition management, and roles within pharmaceutical, device or e-health organisations that support diabetes care.

Why study at University of Warwick

The University of Warwick offers this programme through a strong combination of academic expertise and clinical partnership. Teaching is informed by staff with clinical and research experience in diabetes and applied clinical education, and the programme is designed to align with contemporary NHS service needs and multidisciplinary practice.

Students benefit from Warwick’s high-quality learning environment: structured, evidence-based teaching, access to continuing professional development pathways, and links with regional NHS providers and diabetes networks. The course’s flexible delivery supports practising clinicians to combine study with ongoing clinical responsibilities while developing skills in clinical decision-making, service improvement and patient-centred care.