International student nurses in the simulation suites
Postgraduate PgCert

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Attendance

Part-time

Distance Learning

Course

One year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.  

his e-learning programme provides transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders.

You will develop the specialist knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in the care of patients with gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders and deal with clinical situations systematically. You will gain transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders and engage in lifelong learning through the enhancement of key skills and reflective practice.

You will choose two out of three Level 7 modules, which are:

  • The Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders
  • The Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • The Management of Liver Disorders

You will:

  • Develop the specialist knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in the care of patients with gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders.
  • Gain transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders.
  • Enhance patient care in gastroenterology and/or hepatobiliary disorders.
International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

You are a qualified healthcare professional wishing to enhance your clinical skills.

2.

You want to learn skills to enable you to deal with clinical situations systematically.

3.

You want to engage in life-long learning through the enhancement of key skills and reflective practice.

Course details

All about the course

This e-learning programme provides a different avenue to meet professional development needs, which will ultimately enhance patient care in gastroenterology. All the materials are delivered via our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard, with flexible online support, organised through a variety of carefully prepared resources.

You will need to be computer literate with access to an up-to-date computer with camera facilities.

Two 30-credit modules need to be completed to gain the PgCert and can differ depending on your start date. Each module is broken down into smaller, chunk-sized units.

Trimester 1

  • September: Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders
  • February: Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Trimester 2

  • February: Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • June: Management of Liver Disorders

Trimester 3

  • June: Management of Liver Disorders
  • September: Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders
Year one

Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders

Professional learning and critical evaluation in regard to caring for a patient with inflammatory bowel disease utilising up to date relevant supporting evidence.

Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Critical evaluation of the knowledge gained in caring for a patient with gastrointestinal disease, utilising relevant up-to-date evidence.

Management of Liver Disorders

A critical analysis of the interventions and management of a patient with liver disorders.

What will I be doing?

Teaching

This is an online e-learning programme supported by face-to-face online tutorial sessions, Microsoft Teams meetings, Blackboard discussions, email, and academic supervision and support by named academic supervisors. The assessment process reflects the learning outcomes of the curriculum and will emphasise not only recall of knowledge but also understanding, application, problem-solving, evaluation, and critique. The programme is professionally oriented, and as such, there is a strong focus on current authentic assessment by specialist practitioners and academic staff.

Assessment

Two methods of assessment will be utilised to enable assessment against the Level 7 grade descriptors, and you will be provided with formative feedback opportunities within each module in preparation for assessment:

  • Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders: Oral (video) presentation to demonstrate professional learning and critical evaluation regarding caring for a patient with inflammatory bowel disease, with supporting evidence to meet module outcomes.
  • Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders: A retrospective written 5000-word account of a patient journey which demonstrates a critical evaluation of the knowledge gained during the module in caring for a patient with a gastrointestinal disease, utilising relevant up-to-date evidence.
  • Management of Liver Disorders: A disease-based written 5000-word study relevant to your practice, critically analysing evidence-based literature in relation to interventions and management.

The School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.

Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.

In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.

Teaching Staff

  • James Richardson: Module and Programme Leader. RGN, RMN, DipHE, PgCert, BA (Hons), MRes.
  • Rachel Pilkington: Lecturer in Adult Nursing. DPSN, RGN, BSc (Hons), PgCert, FHEA, MSc.
  • Stacey Munnelly: RGN, NMP, DPSN, MSc Advanced Practice. Clinical Practitioner in Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Research Candidate, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Associate Lecturer Practitioner.
  • Matthew Kirkbride: RN, DPSN, BSc (Hons), NMP. Lead IBD Specialist Nurse Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Associate Lecturer Practitioner.
Employment and stats

What about after uni?

The knowledge and skills gained during the programme can lead to further career progression, such as becoming clinical specialists or advanced practitioners, or lead to further academic study.

Further study

  • MSc Nursing Practice: This pathway is open to nurses practicing in the UK only. It allows you to build on your current skills, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care at an advanced level within the context of your own workplace. There is an emphasis on combining practical skills with sound theoretical principles.
  • MSc Nursing Practice (Gastroenterology): This pathway aims to equip qualified nurses with the skills and knowledge to create and implement innovative approaches in their chosen area of practice.

Requirements

What you need to know

If applying for the PgCert, please specify on your application which two modules you want to complete. 

If you want to apply for a single module rather than the full PgCert, you will need to follow the 'Alternative Application Process' for post-qualifying health and social care courses. 

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

You must have completed a relevant healthcare undergraduate programme and be an appropriately qualified healthcare professional actively connected to clinical practice. For example;

  • A qualified nurse
  • A dietitian
  • A pharmacist
  • A physiotherapist

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Distance learning 2024/25

2970.00

Distance learning 2025/26 3083.00

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

Start dates: September, January, June 
Duration: One year

Enrolment dates

September 2025

January 2026

June 2026

September 2026

Student information

Terms and conditions