NVU Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Health

PGCert Women’s Health

The NVU Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Health is a flexible, 60-credit, Level 7 University Postgraduate Certificate qualification typically completed over 30 weeks part-time. The programme consists of four 15-credit modules and is designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in women’s health.

It equips clinicians with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in women’s health across the lifespan. It is structured around four focused modules (15 credits each) covering key domains of women’s healthcare – from menstrual and reproductive health to menopause and women’s cancers. This holistic curriculum reflects national priority areas for improving women’s health (menstrual health, fertility, menopause, gynaecological conditions, etc.) as identified in the NHS Women’s Health Strategy. Graduates of the programme will be prepared to lead and enhance community services such as specialised women’s health clinics or “Women’s Health Hubs,” and to support improved outcomes for women in primary care. They will gain the competencies to manage complex women’s health cases and drive quality improvements in line with emerging models of care.

The course is delivered as stackable micro-credentials: each module is a stand-alone, credit-bearing unit focusing on a distinct area of women’s health.

Taken individually, these modules provide targeted professional development; completed together, they “stack” into the full 60-credit PGCert, aligned with UK postgraduate standards. This modular design offers busy clinicians the flexibility to progress at their own pace while earning a university-awarded qualification.

Important Note: Completion of this PGCert alone does not automatically confer GPwER status.
However, as a university-accredited 60-credit certificate, it provides strong evidence of higher-level knowledge and competence in women’s health. Graduates can use it to support their portfolio when pursuing formal recognition as a GP with an Extended Role in Women’s Health (alongside the necessary supervised clinical experience and local accreditation processes). Please see here for more information about acquiring GPwER accreditation.

Award of the Postgraduate Certificate

The Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Health is awarded upon successful completion of four taught modules, each carrying 15 credits (total 60 credits).
In line with the UK QAA Credit Framework, each 15-credit module represents approximately 150 hours of notional student learning and assessment.
Completing all four modules thus equates to ~600 hours of learning at Level 7, which meets the standard requirement for a PGCert in UK higher education.
Students may enrol in individual modules (earning micro-credential certificates for each) and later combine them to achieve the full PGCert qualification.

Who is it for?

The programme is ideal for General Practitioners (especially those aspiring to become GPwERs in Women’s Health), Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Practice nurses, and other primary care professionals involved in women’s healthcare. The content is mapped to relevant professional guidelines and curricula – covering much of the RCOG’s DRCOG diploma syllabus and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) recommendations, and British Menopause Society (BMS) Menopause certification. By aligning with such standards, the PGCert helps students build a strong academic foundation in women’s health that complements hands-on clinical training.

Why Choose This Programme?

University-Accredited & Relevant: Earn a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate awarded by NVU – a mark of advanced specialist training mapped to UK postgraduate benchmarks. The qualification assures that you have acquired robust, evidence-based knowledge in women’s health at the Master’s level, which can strengthen your credibility to be approved for GPwER in Women’s Health.
Comprehensive Women’s Health Curriculum: Cover the breadth of women’s health in one programme. The four modules span menstrual and gynaecological health, sexual and reproductive health, menopause and midlife care, and women’s oncology/urogynecology. This ensures a holistic perspective, addressing the issues that matter most to women – reflecting the focus areas of the National Women’s Health Strategy (e.g. menstrual health, fertility, menopause, gynaecological conditions). You will be equipped to manage everything from common conditions to complex cases across different life stages.
Guideline-Driven & Up-to-Date & Delivered by Subject Experts: All content is aligned with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices. You will study and apply current NICE guidelines (for example, NG88 on heavy menstrual bleeding, NG73 on endometriosis, NG23 on menopause, NG218 on urinary incontinence), as well as guidelines from professional bodies like RCOG, FSRH, the British Menopause Society, and BASHH. This ensures you can confidently implement evidence-based interventions in contraception, menopause management, menstrual disorders, and more. The curriculum is regularly updated so that emerging research (such as new therapies for menopause or HPV screening changes) is incorporated in real time. Tutors on the course will be experts in the field and are either practising consultants (gynaecologists, fertility specialists, sexual and reproductive health medicine) or highly experienced GPs with extended roles (GPwER in Women’s Health, GPwER in CVRM/Menopause).
Practice-Oriented Learning: The programme emphasises real-world application of knowledge. Each module incorporates clinical case discussions and scenario-based exercises that mirror situations in primary care. For example, you might role-play a consultation for contraceptive counselling, interpret an abnormal ultrasound scan that has diagnosed uterine fibroids and plan next steps, or formulate a management plan for a woman with heavy menstrual bleeding. These hands-on learning activities help you build clinical reasoning and communication skills in a safe environment, so you gain confidence to apply them with patients.
Flexible Format for Working Professionals: Like other NVU Academy courses, the PGCert is delivered in a part-time format designed for busy healthcare professionals. The blended online model includes weekly live webinars (scheduled on evenings or weekends) combined with on-demand e-learning and self-study. You can participate remotely from anywhere in the UK. All sessions are recorded for replay, and the virtual learning environment (Canvas Learning Management System) provides 24/7 access to materials. You will have tutor support throughout each module and can opt for a mentor (for example, an experienced GPwER or gynaecologist) to discuss translating learning into your workplace. This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with clinical work and personal commitments.
Career Development for GPwER and Beyond: This unique programme is tailored for those aiming to take on extended roles or special interests in women’s health. It not only deepens your clinical knowledge but also addresses leadership and service development skills. As a result, it can bolster your portfolio when applying for roles such as GPwER in Women’s Health, community gynaecology lead, or family planning lead. Many graduates may choose to pursue additional qualifications during or after the course – for instance, sitting the DRCOG exam, completing the FSRH Diploma, or completing the BMS Advanced Certificate in the Principles and Practice of Menopause Care- and this PGCert provides an excellent knowledge base for those. Overall, holding a formal university certificate in women’s health demonstrates your commitment and expertise, which can be advantageous when seeking funding or support to develop women’s health services in your area.

Course Structure at a Glance

The PGCert in Women’s Health comprises four modules of 15 credits each (total 60 credits). Each module is delivered over a 7-week period (approximately 7 lessons per module) using a blend of interactive online learning methods:

Live Teaching: Seven weekly live online sessions per module (around 2 hours each) delivered via interactive webinar. These live classes feature expert presentations, case-based discussions, and Q&A. Tools like audience response quizzes (e.g. Mentimeter) and breakout rooms are used to keep sessions engaging. (Example: in the Menopause module, a live session might include reviewing HRT case studies with a menopause specialist, while in the Contraception module, a session could be a workshop on difficult implant removals).
Pre- and Post-Session Study: Guided preparatory reading or videos are provided before each webinar, and follow-up resources after. You will access key journal articles, clinical guidelines, and patient information relevant to each week’s topic. These materials reinforce the learning objectives and help you get the most out of the live sessions.
Case-Based Learning with Reflective Practice: Throughout each module, you will work through clinical case vignettes reflecting real scenarios in women’s health. For example, a case might walk you through managing a young woman with pelvic pain from initial GP assessment to referral and treatment, or handling a postmenopausal woman with vaginal bleeding. You will discuss your approach with peers and tutors, and often submit a brief case analysis. This develops your clinical reasoning and ability to apply guidelines to complex, real-world patients. Each module encourages reflection on how the new knowledge applies to your own practice. You will complete short reflective exercises or learning logs – for instance, identifying how you might improve care for women in your practice (such as starting a menopause clinic or implementing a new protocol for managing abnormal bleeding). Experienced tutors provide feedback on these reflections, helping you link theory to practice and identify areas for service improvement.
Assessments: Every module has a formal assessment component to consolidate learning.
Generally, this includes a written assignment (either a clinical essay or a detailed case study) plus an MCQ knowledge-based exam.
The written assignment typically involves analysing a scenario or proposing a quality improvement related to that module’s theme, allowing you to demonstrate critical thinking and practical problem-solving. These assessments are designed not only to test your understanding but also to encourage you to apply what you’ve learned in your practice.

All course content, schedules, and assessment submissions are managed through the NVU Academy’s online learning platform (Canvas). You will receive support from module tutors and the programme team throughout your studies. Feedback is actively sought at the end of each module to continually refine the teaching and ensure a high-quality learning experience in line with NVU and UK higher education standards.

Each 15-credit module is delivered over seven lessons with the following content:

Module 1: Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health - Menopause Physiology & Diagnosis:

Understand the endocrinology of perimenopause and menopause, and how to recognise and confirm the menopausal transition. You will learn about the stages of reproductive ageing, typical age ranges, and the diagnosis of menopause — primarily a clinical diagnosis, with discussion of when hormone tests (like FSH) are or are not useful. Special scenarios such as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) are covered, including how POI is diagnosed and why early management is crucial to protect health (e.g. the need for hormone replacement until the natural age of menopause in POI cases). 
Managing Menopausal Symptoms: Individualised Precision Menopause therapy: Gain expertise in helping women manage common menopausal symptoms, from vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats) and mood changes to sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness (genitourinary syndrome of menopause). There is a strong focus on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – understanding the different types of estrogen and progestogen preparations, routes of delivery (patches, gels, oral, etc.), and how to tailor regimens (cyclical vs continuous) to individual patient needs. You’ll learn to counsel patients on the benefits and risks of HRT, and how these may vary by age and risk factor profile. Alternatives for those who cannot or do not want HRT (such as Fezolinetant, SSRIs/SNRIs for hot flushes, vaginal moisturisers and ospemifene for local symptoms) are also discussed. 
Cardiometabolic & Bone Health at Menopause: Menopause can have significant implications for a woman’s long-term health. This topic explores how the loss of estrogen at midlife can influence cardiovascular and metabolic risk. For example, women often experience increases in abdominal adiposity, adverse changes in cholesterol levels, and rising blood pressure around menopause[6]. You’ll examine how menopause contributes to conditions like osteoporosis (due to accelerated bone density loss) and how to mitigate these risks.
Strategies covered include lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise), routine health screenings, calcium/Vitamin D supplementation, and the appropriate use of HRT or other prophylactic therapies to protect bone and heart health in postmenopausal women (noting that starting HRT under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause may confer cardiovascular and bone benefits in many women).
You will also review guidelines on osteoporosis screening (DEXA scans) and management, and learn about newer treatments for osteoporosis to consider in appropriate patients. 
Special Scenarios in Menopause: Learn to adapt menopause management for women with unique considerations.
For example, you will discuss how to approach menopause in women who suffer from migraines (especially migraine with aura, where combined estrogen therapy is contraindicated) – exploring safe contraceptive/HRT options and non-hormonal strategies to manage vasomotor symptoms.
Management of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors or other women with contraindications to hormones is another important area: you’ll explore alternative treatments and the importance of multidisciplinary input (working with oncology).
The module also addresses surgical menopause (young women undergoing oophorectomy) and the higher risks they face, underlining the need for early, aggressive management of their symptoms and health risks. 
Relevant case-based learning and reflections – e.g. case of a 48-year-old peri-menopausal woman struggling with symptoms and deciding on HRT, or a woman with POI needing counselling on fertility and long-term health protection. 
Assessment (Module 1): Essay: Propose an initiative to improve menopause care in your primary care network, addressing clinician education, patient support, and common barriers (e.g. misconceptions about HRT safety or resource constraints). This assignment allows you to synthesise clinical knowledge with service development – you might outline establishing a local menopause clinic or training sessions, backed by evidence.
MCQ Exam: 30 questions testing knowledge of menopause management – for example, selecting appropriate HRT regimens given a patient’s history, recognising contraindications, and applying NICE guidance on menopause and osteoporosis.

Module 2: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Fibroids, and Pelvic Pain 

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) – Assessment & Initial Management: Learn a structured approach to abnormal uterine bleeding in women of reproductive age, with emphasis on heavy menstrual bleeding. You’ll apply NICE NG88 guidance: taking a thorough history (menstrual pattern, impact on quality of life), performing focused examinations, and using appropriate investigations. We cover first-line treatments for HMB that can be initiated in primary care – including tranexamic acid or mefenamic acid for cyclic use, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) as a highly effective option to reduce bleeding, combined oral contraceptives for cycle regulation, and oral progestogens.
You will also learn when to refer for further evaluation (e.g. if bleeding is associated with anaemia or if medical management fails) and how to counsel patients in the interim. 
Fibroids, Heavy menstrual bleeding, and abnormal uterine bleeding:
Understand how structural pathologies like uterine fibroids and endometrial polyps contribute to abnormal bleeding.
This segment teaches you to interpret pelvic ultrasound reports (fibroid size, number, location) and decide on the next steps.
We discuss medical therapies to manage fibroid-related symptoms (such as high-dose LNG-IUS for smaller fibroids, use of GnRH analogues or modulators to shrink fibroids pre-operatively) and allude to newer medical options. You’ll gain an overview of surgical treatments (myomectomy, hysterectomy) and less invasive procedures like uterine artery embolisation, so you can counsel patients on what to expect once referred.
The importance of considering a woman’s fertility desires in choosing management options is highlighted throughout. 
Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain: Delve into the challenges of endometriosis, a condition known for diagnostic delay. You will learn to recognise the hallmark symptoms (cyclical pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea unresponsive to simple measures, deep dyspareunia, etc.) and initiate management in general practice. This includes starting empirical treatments (for example, continuous combined hormonal contraceptives or progestins to suppress cycles or oral GnRH antagonists) for suspected endometriosis while awaiting specialist confirmation, and providing adequate analgesia and support.
Beyond endometriosis, the module covers a holistic approach to chronic pelvic pain – considering other contributors such as irritable bowel syndrome or musculoskeletal issues, and introducing concepts like pelvic floor physiotherapy and neuropathic pain medications for centralised pain.
Knowing when to expedite referral to gynaecology (e.g. suspicion of moderate/severe endometriosis, or any red flags) is emphasised, following NICE NG73 guidelines on endometriosis. 
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Across the Lifespan: Expand your approach to abnormal bleeding in various scenarios. You’ll cover intermenstrual bleeding (possible causes like polyps, cervicitis, or more rarely malignancy – and when to refer for hysteroscopy), postcoital bleeding (the importance of up-to-date cervical screening and indications for urgent colposcopy to rule out cervical cancer), and postmenopausal bleeding – a red flag that warrants a two-week wait referral for possible endometrial cancer.
We ensure you know the appropriate referral pathways and urgency for each situation per the national suspected cancer guidelines. This topic reinforces the primary care clinician’s role in early detection of gynaecological cancers through vigilance to abnormal bleeding symptoms. 
Relevant case-based learning and reflections – e.g. work through a case of a 38-year-old with heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids who is trying to conceive, or a young woman with chronic pelvic pain and how you’d manage her over 6 months in primary care. 
Assessment (Module 2):
Essay: “Endometriosis is often underdiagnosed, leading to years of unresolved pain. Design a strategy for your GP practice or local network to improve the early identification and management of endometriosis, and explain how you would measure its success.”
This tests both your clinical insight and ability to implement service improvements (e.g. patient questionnaires for chronic pelvic pain, referral criteria, GP education sessions).
MCQ Exam: 30 single-best-answer questions on topics such as indications for endometrial biopsy, first-line pharmacotherapy for HMB, interpretation of ultrasound findings (e.g. when a thickened endometrium or large fibroid warrants referral), and two-week-wait criteria for symptoms like postmenopausal bleeding.

Module 3: Urogynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology 

Urinary Incontinence & Pelvic Organ Prolapse:
Develop a strong foundation in assessing and managing common pelvic floor disorders. You will learn to differentiate types of urinary incontinence – stress, urge (overactive bladder), and mixed – and understand first-line management for each. This includes lifestyle modifications (weight loss, fluid and caffeine management), pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises, often via physiotherapy referral), bladder retraining techniques for urge incontinence, and the use of medications such as anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists for overactive bladder. For pelvic organ prolapse, you’ll review how to perform a basic examination and staging, and learn about conservative management.
A key practical skill taught is the use of pessaries: the types (ring pessaries, shelf pessaries, etc.), proper insertion technique and sizing, as well as ongoing care (how often they should be cleaned or changed, managing discharge or ulceration complications). Knowing how to support women with pessaries in primary care can greatly improve their symptoms while awaiting or avoiding surgery. 
When to Refer to Urogynecology: Understand which patients need specialist referral for advanced care. Examples include women with severe prolapse (e.g. beyond the hymen) who may benefit from surgical repair, or incontinence not controlled with conservative measures and medication – these might need urodynamic testing and possibly surgical interventions like mid-urethral slings or bulking injections. We also discuss the current status of vaginal mesh procedures (historical controversies and current guidance) so you can counsel patients accurately about their options and what has changed in surgical practice. This part of the module helps you confidently manage what you can in primary care and refer appropriately for what you cannot, ensuring patients get timely specialist input for optimal outcomes. 
Recognising Gynaecological Cancers: Primary care plays a critical role in the early detection of women’s cancers. Here you will cover the red-flag symptoms and recommended referral pathways for cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulval cancers. For example, you’ll learn that any postmenopausal bleeding should prompt an urgent 2-week referral for possible endometrial cancer, and persistent intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding in younger women may warrant evaluation for cervical pathology. We discuss the use of CA-125 blood tests and pelvic ultrasound when ovarian cancer is suspected (e.g. in women with bloating and abdominal pain), following NICE NG12 cancer referral guidelines. You will also review how to interpret and act on abnormal cervical screening results (when a smear comes back as high-grade dyskaryosis or HPV positive with abnormalities, etc.), ensuring patients are fast-tracked to colposcopy and supported with the right information. Recognising vulval cancer signs (such as chronic vulvar itching or a visible lesion) and performing a basic vulval exam is also addressed, with guidance on when to refer to dermatology or gynaecology for biopsy of any suspicious vulvar changes. 
Screening & Prevention: This component covers the national screening programs and prevention initiatives in women’s health, so you can confidently advise patients and champion public health measures. You’ll revisit the NHS Cervical Screening Programme – current HPV-based screening intervals, meaning of results (e.g. HPV positive but cytology normal vs abnormal cytology), and guidelines for follow-up. We also touch on the impact of the HPV vaccination program on cervical disease rates. For ovarian cancer, you’ll understand why there is no routine screening and learn to use symptom awareness tools instead. We discuss familial cancer syndromes (e.g. BRCA mutations) and the importance of identifying women with significant family histories for genetic counselling, even though management of carriers is specialised. Additionally, the module highlights current efforts to establish “one-stop” women’s health clinics or hubs that bring together services (e.g. integrating contraception, screening, and menopause care) – reflecting how future service delivery might look and how a GPwER could be involved.
Relevant case-based learning and reflections – e.g. navigating the workup of a postmenopausal woman with bleeding, or developing a management plan for a middle-aged woman with stress incontinence, including discussing referral for possible surgery. 
Assessment (Module 3):
Essay: “Urinary incontinence in women is under-reported due to stigma, yet it significantly impacts quality of life. Design a plan for your GP practice (or Primary Care Network) to proactively identify and support women with incontinence or prolapse. Include how you would involve a multidisciplinary team and what outcome measures you would track to gauge success.”
This tests your understanding of urogynaecological care and your ability to implement service improvements (for example, you might propose a nurse-led continence clinic, patient questionnaires, education sessions, etc., and detail metrics like improved symptom scores or reduced referrals).
MCQ Exam: 30 questions covering key facts and decisions – e.g. first-line treatment for urge vs stress incontinence, indications for referring a pelvic mass on an urgent pathway, appropriate interpretation of smear results and next steps, and risk factors that necessitate genetic referral for breast/ovarian cancer.

Module 4: Sexual Health, Contraception, and Infertility 

Comprehensive Contraceptive Care: This section provides an extensive overview of contraception to enable you to confidently counsel and manage patients’ contraceptive needs. You will cover all methods – combined hormonal contraception (pills, the patch, vaginal ring), progestogen-only methods (mini-pill, injectables like Depo-Provera, the subdermal implant), and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) like intrauterine devices and systems (copper IUD and levonorgestrel IUS).
Training includes understanding the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UK MEC) to determine safe options for women with various medical conditions (for instance, knowing that migraines with aura make estrogen methods contraindicated).
We discuss managing common side effects and problems (breakthrough bleeding on the implant, etc.), how to handle missed pills, and when to use emergency contraception (and the differences between levonorgestrel vs. ulipristal vs. the copper IUD for emergency use).
You’ll also consider special scenarios such as postpartum contraception, contraception in perimenopause (when and how to cease contraception as menopause approaches), and contraceptive needs of women with complex medical histories.
While hands-on procedural training (like actually inserting implants or IUDs) is beyond the scope of this academic course, the theoretical knowledge you gain will prepare you for those practical qualifications (e.g. FSRH Letter of Competence). 
Sexual Health & STI Management: Learn to deliver sexual and reproductive health services confidently within primary care.
This includes screening for and managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in line with British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines.
You will practice taking a sensitive sexual history and understand whom and how to test (offering tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, etc., in various contexts).
We cover treatment of common STIs – for example, first-line therapy for chlamydia (doxycycline for 7 days) and for gonorrhea (intramuscular ceftriaxone), among others – and the importance of partner notification and referral to Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics for contact tracing.
You’ll also learn about HIV prevention (when to consider HIV PEP or PrEP for patients at high risk) and management of chronic viral STIs from a GP perspective (supporting patients with HIV in collaboration with specialists, detecting hepatitis B/C and referring appropriately).
Infertility and Pre-Conception Care: Understand how to approach a couple who is struggling to conceive. You will learn the definition of infertility (failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, or 6 months if the woman is older) and what initial investigations can be done in primary care. This includes hormonal tests for ovulation (like day 21 progesterone), checking thyroid function and prolactin, semen analysis for the male partner, and ensuring up-to-date rubella immunity.
We cover the criteria for referring to specialist fertility clinics based on NICE guidelines, while acknowledging the variability in NHS provision (the so-called IVF “postcode lottery” that national policy is trying to address).
You’ll also learn to provide basic pre-conception counselling: advising on folic acid supplementation, lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, healthy weight), optimising chronic disease control (e.g. diabetes, hypertension) before pregnancy, and reviewing any medications for teratogenic risks.
While detailed fertility treatments (like IVF or IUI) are managed by specialists, we discuss what these entail so you can educate and support patients during what can be a stressful process.
You’ll also touch on newer developments like fertility preservation (egg/sperm freezing) and third-party reproduction (use of donor eggs/sperm) to be aware of the possibilities available to patients. 
Special Topics & Diverse Populations: This module also addresses other important areas in sexual and reproductive health. You will cover the primary care role in unplanned pregnancy and abortion care – learning how to provide non-directive counseling to a woman with an unplanned pregnancy, how to expedite referral to local abortion services if requested, and understanding the basics of medical vs. surgical options and necessary aftercare (e.g. Rh immune globulin for Rh-negative women, advising on contraception after abortion). Another topic is adolescent sexual health – including safeguarding considerations for under-16s (Fraser guidelines for confidentiality and consent) and tailoring advice for teenagers.
Additionally, we discuss caring for LGBTQ+ patients in a women’s health context, such as providing inclusive contraception and fertility advice (for example, what options transgender or non-binary patients might have, or fertility planning for same-sex female couples).
Finally, we touch on sexual function issues (like vaginismus or low libido) to recognise when to refer for psychosexual therapy or other supports. 
Relevant case-based learning and reflections – e.g. work through a scenario of a young woman requesting the contraceptive pill who has migraine (decide on a safe method), or a case of a couple with infertility and how you’d investigate before referral, or managing a patient with recurrent STIs and how to approach the consultation non-judgmentally. 
Assessment (Module 4): Portfolio & Viva: As a capstone assessment, instead of a written essay, you will produce a mini-portfolio and undergo an oral examination.
You will compile two clinical cases that you have managed or observed (covering different aspects of women’s health from this module, such as a contraception case and an infertility case). In a live online viva voce, you will present these cases (using a maximum of three PowerPoint slides for each case) to examiners – demonstrating your clinical reasoning, how you applied evidence-based guidance, and reflecting on what you learned or would improve.
Examiners will also ask a question: How would you design or improve a service related to women’s health in primary care (drawing on leadership and service development concepts from the course)?
This mirrors real-life assessments for GPwER roles, where candidates present cases and discuss service planning.

Learning & Assessment Summary

Each 15-credit module represents about 150 hours of total learning.
Across the 7 weeks of a module, a typical breakdown of student effort is:
~15 hours of live webinars + ~15 hours of preparatory/post-session study
~60 hours of case-based learning and reflective activities
~30 hours of self-directed study/revision
~30 hours preparing for and completing assessments (assignments and exams).

This structure is designed to be manageable alongside a full-time job.

Assessments throughout the programme are not only testing knowledge but also encouraging you to apply what you learn in your practice.
By the end of the PGCert in Women’s Health, you will have a comprehensive understanding of women’s health issues across primary care – from managing common conditions to addressing complex cases – and you will be well-prepared to translate this into high-quality care for your patients. Whether you simply return to practice as a more informed generalist or you pursue an extended role as a women’s health specialist in the community, you will have gained both the confidence and the credentials to make a significant impact. Many graduates will use this qualification as a stepping stone to further opportunities, and our Academy will support you with guidance on next steps (such as mentorship, joining professional networks, or progressing to a full Diploma/MSc in the future).