Cardiac Rehabilitation (PgCert)

Course Overview

This postgraduate qualification equips students with the knowledge and skills required to make meaningful contributions to cardiac rehabilitation practice. This course includes disease-specific theory and practice components together with a strong focus on research, integrated care approaches, and evidence-informed innovation in rehabilitative service delivery. Whilst the main focus is cardiovascular and pulmonary disease prevention and rehabilitation, key learning outcomes achieved apply to chronic disease management more widely.  

The course runs from January to May each year and is delivered online. Structured weekly directed study is coupled with a schedule of group-based lectures, tutorials, and interactive workshops. These group-based sessions are delivered in real-time via live sessions and are timetabled for Thursdays and Fridays (3 pm – 8 pm) with occasional Saturdays (10 am – 3 pm). After successful completion of this programme students can continue their education to the master's level and apply for MSc Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation or MSc Preventive Cardiology.  

Unique features of this programme include: 

• Flexible learning: Online delivery using scheduled tutorials and workshops coupled with directed study enables students to simultaneously maintain professional roles in clinical practice or manage other commitments whilst completing their studies.  
• Delivered in partnership with the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC): This partnership enables an exceptional opportunity for students to interact with leading experts as well as engage in cutting-edge research and further opportunities in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. 
• Interdisciplinary expert teaching faculty: Students from a variety of backgrounds from all over the world interact with international leaders and clinical specialists from medicine, nursing, nutrition, exercise, behavioural medicine, and public health. 

The course addresses the latest evidence-based, implementation of best-practice guidelines and healthcare policy, behavioural change strategies, lifestyle approaches to risk factor modification, psychosocial health, and medical management of risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and smoking. Outcome measures, health technology, and innovation in service design also feature strongly to enable programme uptake and high-quality delivery.  Whilst focusing on cardiovascular and pulmonary populations the content aligns strongly with the management of non-communicable diseases. 

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

The Postgraduate Certificate in Cardiac Rehabilitation involves students participating in a 30 ECTS Level 9 module that runs from the first week of January to the end of May each year. This core teaching is delivered with scheduled virtual tutorials and workshops taking place typically 1-2 Thursday/Friday evenings (3 pm -8 pm) and 1 Saturday per month (10 am – 3 pm). Between these sessions students are expected to complete directed study tasks, extended learning and complete the assessments associated with this module. 

• Unit 1: Evidence, Guidelines and Practice of Cardiac Rehabilitation 

• Unit 2: Health Behaviour Change  
• Unit 3: Lifestyle and Medical Risk Factor Management in Cardiac Rehabilitation 
• Unit 4: Current Perspectives and Future Advances in Cardiac Rehabilitation 

Each Unit above has an associated assessment which is all in the form of essays or equivalent, e.g., written assignments, poster presentations, and case reviews. There are no exams—coursework accounts for 100% of the assessment. 

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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