Introduction 

Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disorder which can impact upon almost every aspect of life. An estimated 2.35million (4.7%) people in England have diabetes, including children, young people and adults of all ages. It is predicted that, by 2010, more than 2.5million people (5% of population) will have diabetes. Evidence indicates that with effective management of diabetes and improved metabolic control, the risk of acute and chronic complications are significantly reduced, leading to lower morbidity and mortality rates (UKPDS, 1998). The National Service Framework for Diabetes, (NSF, 2003), defines the standards of care which will support individuals to effectively manage their diabetes and achieve good metabolic control. This framework highlights the need for continuing professional development in diabetes to enable staff to develop appropriate skills and competencies to deliver these standards of care.

The content of the core modules (Principles of Diabetes Care and Complications of Diabetes), reflect the current priorities for diabetes care contained within the NSF for Diabetes, (NSF, 2003), and the joint Department of Health and Diabetes UK Care Planning Guidelines, (DH/DUK, 2006). The Diabetes Care endorsement allows students to choose from a range of modules which will develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to deliver appropriate diabetes care, as required by patients during the different stages of life and progression of their condition. The modules emphasise the multi-professional approach to diabetes care which is essential for the delivery of high quality diabetes services, and will focus on national and local standards and clinical targets.

The modules available within this endorsement are tailored for the needs of health care professionals working in both primary and secondary care.

Content and Structure 

You can choose to study one module only and gain credits, but three modules from the list below must be attended and passed in order to gain an award with an endorsement in Diabetes Care.

• Principles of Diabetes Care (compulsory for endorsement)
• Complications of Diabetes (compulsory for endorsement)
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (assessment applied to Diabetes)
• Working with people with Long Term conditions and & Disabilities within the Primary Care/Community Setting
• Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart disease & Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Public Health Nutrition
• Tissue Viability (assessment applied to Diabetes)
• Management of Individuals with Chronic Renal Disease
• Open Module applied to Diabetes

For further information on the modules and other information regarding the Interprofessional CPD Framework for Workers in Health and Social Care you can download the brochure from here. 

Entry Requirements

Applicants are normally working in the public health, social or community sectors. – and should have a reasonable level of contact/communication with individuals who have diabetes.

• BSc (Hons) Interprofessional Health and Social Care (Diabetes Care)
  To enrol for the BSc (Hons) Interprofessional Health and Social Care (Diabetes Care) applicants must have a Diploma of Higher Education or 120 credits at level 2 or the equivalent.
• Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Care
  To enrol for the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Care applicants must have a degree or 120 credits at level 3 or the equivalent.
• Advanced Diploma in Diabetes Care
  To enrol for the Advanced Diploma in Diabetes Care applicants must have a Diploma of Higher Education or 120 credits at level 2 or the equivalent.

Application Procedure

Diabetes Care is one of many awards available within the Interprofessional CPD Framework for Workers in Health and Social Care. Please see Health (Continuing Professional Development).

An application form is available from

Faculty of Health and Social Care Information Office
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU

Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded below:

Application Form A
Application Form B

If you have any further enquiries, please contact the Faculty Health Information Office.