Overview
NFQ Level 9, Major Award
The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Operations Medicine is a part-time, closed-recruitment programme offered in collaboration with NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) to existing NATO (and NATO Partnership for Peace) military medical personnel.
All modules will be released as micro-credentials. Students will register for and take each module as a micro-credential when released from operational duties to attend the face-to-face workshop elements of that module. Students who successfully complete the required number of credits within the required timeframe will be eligible for an award as follows:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Operations Medicine is a modular programme which can be undertaken in a flexible timescale within a five-year period. The 60-credit programme comprises the Postgraduate Certificate in Special Operations Medicine (30 credits) and an additional 30 credits which must be completed within five years of completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Special Operations Medicine.
Programme Requirements
For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements.
Programme Requirements
Module List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| |
| 30 |
| MD6028 | Reflective Practice for Special Operations Medical Professionals | 10 |
| 2 | 20 |
| Special Operations Medical Planning and Support - Task Group (10) | |
| Special Operations Medicine Programme Development (5) | |
| Special Operations Surgical Team Development (5) | |
| Advanced Special Operations Surgical Team Development (10) 1 | |
| Combat Medical Simulation and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (10) | |
| Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Medical Planning and Treatment (5) | |
| Special Operations Medical Planning and Support - Task Unit (5) | |
| Special Operations Advanced Medical Concepts (10) | |
| Special Operations Resuscitation Team Development (5) | |
| Special Operations Medical Engagement & Partnering (5) | |
| Total Credits | 60 |
Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Special Operations Medicine (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Describe the theoretical basis for Military Special Operations and outline the role of medical support in SOF operations;
- Outline common definitions, medical training requirements and standards of SOF medical capability within the NATO Alliance and provide guidance to promote the highest quality, evidence-based health care within SOF;
- Critically evaluate individual NATO nation SOF medical systems to determine if it presently delivers the required capabilities expected of that SOF unit;
- Objectively outline the strategic, operational, and clinical changes required to improve their individual nation's SOF medical system;
- Demonstrate competent command planning at the operational and strategic level in support of all aspects of SOF mission profiles;
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to create, maintain, train, and employ Special Operations Medical Teams for their nation's SOF, thereby saving lives and increasing interoperability within NATO;
- Describe how to implement evidence based educational theory and concepts into SOF medical education and training;
- Demonstrate the ability to critically review Special Operations Forces medical standards, training and operations through an analysis of past, present and future conflicts.
