Postgraduate Diploma Dermatology


The Postgraduate Diploma Dermatology programme is designed specifically for clinicians to build on your existing knowledge, skills and experience and develop mastery in the clinical and service aspects of Dermatology.

  1. The Rila Institute of Health Sciences administers the programme, which is validated by University of Plymouth
  2. This means that when you successfully complete all parts of the programme, you will receive the University of Plymouth qualification of a Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology, and may, if you wish, attend the graduation ceremony.
  3. You will enrol as a student of the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and will be registered with the University.
  4. Should you not complete the full programme, then you will be provided with a transcript recording the individual elements of the programme successfully completed.

General information – Postgraduate Diploma Dermatology:

Rila Institute of Health Sciences has developed a Postgraduate Diploma Dermatology to be offered to students from UK and overseas.

  1. The programme has been designed specifically for  physicians either already employed or wishing to work in Dermatology.
  2. The course runs over approximately a year. For exact course dates and locations please check this page.
  3. The course integrates several components of learning. There are reading topics available on-line. Understanding of these core topics is assessed through a series of online Higher Order Thinking Questions.
  4. The reading topics cover the essential elements in developing core knowledge and skills in Dermatology.
  5. Workshop/lectures are held at the start of the course in the international regional centre, but usually in the UK. This is structured to include lectures and a one day workshop relevant to developing a sound basis for Dermatology.
  6. Final workshop/lectures will also be held the day before examination.
  7. Situational Judgement Tests and Learning will provide experience in core domains for a clinician e.g. Professionalism, Patient Focus, Effective communication, Working under pressure, Working within a Team
  8. Assessment is partly by continuous assessment of the reading topics and mini-tests, both carried out on line. There will also be a final examination held in the international regional centre or UK.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma Dermatology:

  1. There are 3 modules comprising Postgraduate Diploma level award.
  2. In each period of 5-7 days a particular topic (detailed in the programme calendar) is studied by way of a specially written article. Each topic is assessed by way of Higher Order Thinking Questions, for which there is a deadline date. A number of timed mini-exams are conducted online, and the student is strongly recommended to participate in this activity.
  3. Workshop/lectures, held in the international regional centre at the start of the each programme. This will provide tutorials, lectures and practical demonstrations.
  4. You will also have an opportunity to meet other doctors on the course and medical staff from the UK and overseas.
  5. There are usually workshops and interactve webinars at the end of the course, depending on your programme of study and a final examination held at the international center or in UK.

Course Syllabus

Postgraduate Diploma comprises Modules 1, 2 and 3

Module 1: Core generic knowledge & skills

  • Determinants of health
  • Lifestyle factors in health
  • Identification of risk factors
  • Nutrition and health
  • Breaking bad news


Module 2: Advances in Dermatology

Topics include:

  • Structure and Function of Skin, Terminology & Introduction to the diagnosis of skin diseases, Eczema including Hand Dermatitis and Allergy testing, Psoriasis, Acne and Rosacea, Infective skin conditions (Parasitic, Fungal, Bacterial, Viral – including HIV), Systemic Disease and the Skin (including connective tissue diseases, Vasculitis, leg ulcers, Necrobiotic disorders), Treatment of skin disease and psychological aspects, Management of the itchy patient, Benign and malignant skin tumours (including malignant melanoma and lymphoma), Blistering disorders, Birthmarks naevi and other genetic skin disorders, Nail and hair disorders, Other skin disorders (Drug eruptions, urticaria, lichen planus)


Module 3: Clinical Practice in Dermatology

Clinical skills including the following amongst others:

  • Describe skin lesions
  • Take scrapings for mycology
  • Take nail clippings for mycology
  • Use of Woods light
  • Detect scabies infection
  • Distinguish scaring and non-scarring alopecia


Minimum Requirements for the web learning aspects:

  1. A specific area of the Rila Institute of Health Sciences website is dedicated to the Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.
  2. You will be issued with a user name and password.
  3. You MUST have computer access to the internet and it will be your responsibility to ensure that this is the case.
  4. The website will provide facilities such as Forums, a Bulletin Board, online Chat Room etc.
  5. You will be provided with information on how to use the web site.


Admission criteria:

Participants admitted to this programme will need to meet following criteria:


Plus, fulfil the following criteria:

  • Be in possession of an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) or
  • an equivalent medical degree from a World Health Organization recognised institution.

Note that if the medical degree or other qualification was not taught in the English language a score of 5.5, in all elements, in the British Council IELTS test, or equivalent (e.g. Test of English as a Foreign Language) will usually be required

Award of the Postgraduate Diploma:

  1. You are strongly recommended to complete the formative assessments related to each topic and the mini exams. Try and attain at least 50% marks.
  2. The final examination, to be held in the central location, is mandatory for all students.
  3. The final examination MUST be passed, for the Diploma to be awarded.
  4. The final examination consists of a paper based format of Higher Order Thinking Assessments (Single Best Option, Extended Matching Questions, and Clinical Quiz).
  5. The examiners are consultants and an external examiner(s) are appointed by University of Plymouth.



The Diploma is accredited/validated as follows:

  1. Validated by University of Plymouth – awarding institution.

Organisations involved

  1. University of Plymouth with whom the candidates are registered and who control the quality assurance and the award of the final diploma.
  2. UK and overseas based specialists in Dermatology, provide the content, curriculum and clinical guidance, and host the final examination.
  3. Rila Institute of Health Sciences, London, which is a collaborative organisation of the University, provides all administrative and logistical support to the course.

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