Postgraduate taught 

Critical Care & Leadership MSc/PgDip/PgCert: Online distance learning

This world-first programme is ideal for any critical care professional with leadership aspirations who wishes to explore the theories of leadership & management, and practice them under the guidance of world leaders in the field. With an ageing population, technological innovation and an increasing number of manageable co-morbidities, the role of critical care is ever-expanding worldwide. In order to meet the anticipated burden on c The care of critically ill patients is a challenging and highly specialised area of health care practice. The polio pandemic in the 1950's led to the birth of the modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Another pandemic (Covid-19) has seen the term ‘ICU’ rise to prominence once again as the area in hospital where the most severely ill patients are cared for. Critical Care is a term that is repeated daily in the media. It is the specialty we practice and are passionate about, and the area of health care we are dedicated to teaching at the University of Glasgow.

  • MSc: 36 months part‑time
  • PgDip: 24 months part‑time
  • PgCert: 12 months part‑time

Why this programme

  • Top 10 in the UK for MedicineThe University of Glasgow is the only institution in the UK to deliver a unique blend of combined Critical Care and Leadership teaching.
  • The work and assignments during the course are tailored in order for students to reflect on implementing knowledge and skills in their own unit, region or country.
  • Teaching will be delivered by experts in the fields of Critical Care and Health Care Leadership via a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).
  • Teaching sessions will include online interactive tutorials, practical demonstrations and peer discussion forums.
  • The programme reflects the need for professionals in health and social care to develop leadership skills in a dynamic health and social care environment to ensure quality care delivery.
  • Watch Dr Mo Al-Haddad, the programme director, explain more:

    • Why study online?

    • Flexible learning can be done at any time to fit in with other commitments. Speak to us about flexible learning options.
    • Most communication is via discussion boards or Microsoft Teams so you can reply at a time that suits you, fitting in with time zones and work commitments.
    • We record live sessions in case you can’t make it.
    • Your learning can be accessed on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone via the internet. Find out more about the remote resources available at Glasgow Anywhere.
    • We provide software to assist you, such as Office 365.
    • Your MVLS Digital Education Team provides support with technology issues by email or video chat.  
    • Flexible payment options are available. You don't have to pay everything upfront.
    • Be part of a global community of learners.
    • Connect with your fellow students and tutors through our virtual learning environment where you will have access to a multitude of learning resources.
    • You do not need to have experience of studying online, you will be guided on how to access and use all of our online resources.
    • Access Library e-resources remotely at any time. This includes an extensive catalogue of e-books and journals, searchable from the Library homepage

Programme structure

This programme is delivered online via a virtual learning environment.

To complete the MSc, students will spend one year studying four key topics in the field of Critical Care:

PLUS

An additional one year to complete a PgCert in Leadership in Health & Social Care:

PLUS

An additional one year to produce a dissertation:

CRITICAL CARE AND LEADERSHIP DISSERTATION

If you exit at 1 year = PgCert

If you exit at 2 years = PgDip (no dissertation)

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

The aim is for graduates to be highly effective clinical leaders in their field and place of work.

At present, some international hospitals require professionals to obtain a postgraduate degree to progress through their critical care training.

This programme will therefore provide the necessary requirements for these students to continue and advance in their chosen field. 

          student getting career advice     

Entry requirements

  • A relevant education qualification at Bachelor’s level 2, in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy
  • Relevant clinical experience

Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and allied health professionals with critical care experience are welcome to apply.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

  • 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

PTE (Academic or Academic Online)

  • 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with distinction in all sub-tests

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

  • 65%
  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

 

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

Computer requirements for studying online

Broadband internet connection

  • 3 mbps or higher

Internet Browsers

Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:

Desktop:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Edge
  • Internet Explorer

Mobile:

  • MobileSafari
  • Google Chrome

For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date. 

Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser

Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:

  • Internet Explorer 10 and below
  • Safari 7 and below

Computer specifications

  • Processor: 2GHz
  • Operating system (minimum):
    • Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
    • Windows 7
    • Mac OS X v10.4.11+
  • Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
  • Hard disk: 300GB
  • Sound card and microphone
  • Speakers or headphones
  • Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher

Mobile device specifications

  • iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
  • Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome

Other software

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
  • Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
  • Anti-virus software

Advised hardware / software

  • Microsoft Office 2010
  • Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
  • Webcam

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application then you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

  • Applications for this online programme will be accepted until it starts
Apply now

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