Critical Care (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time intermittent study
  • PgProfDev | up to 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
Part-time
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2027
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2027
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

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Open Days on Demand

Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff.


About the degree programme

The MSc Critical Care is a part-time, fully online programme for healthcare professionals who care for critically unwell adults in their daily practice. This may include nurses, doctors in training, senior doctors from all specialties and allied health professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics and dietitians. 

Designed to fit around your professional commitments, the programme allows you to develop your critical care knowledge and skills while continuing to work. You will explore the clinical management of critically unwell adults alongside evidence-based practice, developing your ability to evaluate research and apply it to your clinical setting. 

You will learn through online teaching, clinical case discussions, research-based activities and interaction with experienced clinicians, academics and fellow healthcare professionals. The programme also gives you opportunities to learn from perspectives across different clinical backgrounds and healthcare systems. 

Study options

The programme is studied over three years. You can complete a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) after Year 1, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) after Year 2, or continue to the Master of Science (MSc) in Year 3. 

You can also study individual courses if you want to develop specific areas of your professional knowledge without undertaking a longer award. This route is called Postgraduate Professional Development (PgProfDev).

Programme rankings

Study at a university ranked 22nd in the world for Medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).

Programme benefits

Apply evidence to clinical decisions – develop your ability to evaluate research, make informed decisions and use evidence to improve practice. 

A global learning community – study alongside healthcare professionals from different clinical backgrounds and countries, sharing perspectives on critical care practice across healthcare systems. 

Support from experienced clinicians and academics – learn from critical care professionals and researchers who connect current practice with the latest evidence. 

Flexible study alongside your career – continue working while developing your expertise through online learning designed to fit around professional commitments. 

Opportunities to shape your learning – develop specialist interests through elective courses and an independent project focused on a critical care topic relevant to your goals. 

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, is offering a number of scholarships to eligible students.

View details: MSc Scholarships for UK and International Students (Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh website)

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in medicine (MBChB or equivalent), nursing, dietetics, physiotherapy, or any other allied health care profession involved in the management of critically ill patients.

In addition applicants must demonstrate experience of working with critically ill patients for a period of more than 3 months. This information should be contained in your referee's letter.

We may also consider your application if you have experience of working with critically ill patients or a closely related area for at least 3 years. In such cases, you may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The programme is structured progressively, taking you from the foundations of critical care through to advanced clinical and academic study. You will build your knowledge of caring for critically unwell adults while developing the skills to evaluate evidence and apply it to your practice. 

Year 1 – Postgraduate Certificate 

You will build a foundation in critical care through six compulsory courses: 

  • Fundamentals of Organ Failure 
  • Unlocking the Literature: Clinical Trials 
  • Core Clinical Practice in Critical Care 
  • Trauma, Toxicology and Temperature 
  • Sepsis and Infection 
  • Human Factors in Critical Care 

You will develop your understanding of recognising and managing critical illness, alongside the academic skills needed to engage with clinical research. 

Year 2 – Postgraduate Diploma 

You will deepen your knowledge through two compulsory courses and three elective courses. 

Compulsory courses 

  • Advanced Critical Care 
  • Unlocking the Literature: Evidence to Practice 

Example electives 

  • Neurological Critical Care 
  • Maternal Critical Care 
  • Cardiac Critical Care 
  • Transplant Critical Care 
  • Core Clinical Practice in Emergency Medicine 
  • Cutting Edge Critical Care: Research and Clinical Practice in a Changing World 
  • Critical Care Recovery 
  • Leading Change in the Acute Healthcare Setting 

The elective courses allow you to explore areas that reflect your clinical interests and professional goals. 

Year 3 – MSc 

To complete the MSc, you will undertake an independent project. You can choose between: 

  • a supervised dissertation, such as a systematic review or quality improvement project 
  • up to four elective courses from across the University, alongside an independent critical care-related project 

Developing your evidence-based practice 

Throughout Years 1 and 2, the Unlocking the Literature teaching theme develops your ability to find, evaluate and apply clinical research. You will progress from understanding clinical trials to critically appraising evidence and considering how it can inform your practice, guidelines and service improvement.

Postgraduate Professional Development (PgProfDev)

The PgProfDev route is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full degree.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PgProfDev scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit but not an exit qualification.

Any time spent studying PgProfDev will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

If you wish to continue your studies with us, you can request a transfer from PPD onto a named exit award. If your request is successful and you are eligible to transfer, you will be required to complete all compulsory courses required for your chosen exit award; your programme team should be consulted prior to any such request.

Although PgProfDev courses have various start dates throughout a year, you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. On part-time programmes, you need to study sequentially, following the standard academic timetable of your chosen programme.

Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Compulsory courses

You will explore essential topics, including (but not limited to): 

  • Assessment, stabilisation and management of critically unwell patients
  • Organ failure, advanced organ support, sepsis and infection
  • Trauma, toxicology and human factors in critical care
  • Clinical reasoning, teamwork and improving care
  • Evaluating research and applying evidence in practice

The programme is structured to support your development over three stages. You will begin by building core knowledge and academic skills, then deepen your specialist expertise through advanced topics and elective study. In the final stage, you will complete an independent project focused on a critical care topic relevant to your interests and professional goals.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Our MSc Critical Care programme is designed to support both independent learning and practical application. You will have time to reflect on new knowledge and consider how it applies directly to your clinical setting. 

Each course features a blend of engaging, themed content, including: 

  • short online lectures and podcasts
  • live lectures with expert speakers
  • webinars with international experts
  • practical, real-world case studies
  • directed readings
  • interactive discussion boards
  • group collaboration and activities 

We place a strong emphasis on collaboration between students, clinicians and academics. Facilitated discussion forums encourage critical thinking, professional dialogue, and debate around current issues in critical care. 

Assessment

Our assessments are designed to help you demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter by producing work that reflects real-life clinical scenarios. You will apply your learning in practical, meaningful ways, developing outputs that are directly relevant to professional practice.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including: 

  • written essays
  • case study analysis
  • development of clinical practice guidelines
  • creation of structured handover documents
  • study design proposals
  • structured clinical reports
  • recorded and live presentations 

This approach ensures your assessment experience is both academically rigorous and clinically relevant, preparing you to apply your skills confidently in real-world settings. 

Learning outcomes

  • Apply advanced knowledge of critical care principles to assess and manage critically unwell adults in a range of clinical settings.
  • Make informed clinical decisions by combining research evidence, clinical information and professional judgement.
  • Critically evaluate clinical research and use evidence to support improvements in patient care and practice.
  • Analyse complex clinical situations and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Communicate complex clinical information clearly to different audiences, including healthcare professionals and patients.
  • Reflect on your practice and demonstrate the autonomy, professionalism and critical thinking skills needed for continued development in critical care.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Teaching is primarily delivered by experienced and expert critical care clinicians and academics from NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh, ensuring a strong connection between cutting-edge research and frontline clinical practice. 

In addition, you will benefit from insights and contributions by international experts from other leading institutions around the world. 

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Interactive online learning

Experience our award-winning, fully interactive online learning platform that connects you with our expert teaching staff from the comfort of your home or workplace.

Join a vibrant online community, where students and tutors from around the globe collaborate and support each other, while accessing the University’s exceptional resources.

Discover online study at Edinburgh

Learn more about the advantages and practical aspects of pursuing an online postgraduate degree with us.

More information about postgraduate online learning

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 15 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Career opportunities

Whether you want to advance your clinical practice, develop leadership skills, contribute to education or move towards research, the MSc Critical Care programme supports your ongoing professional development.

Graduates may use the knowledge and skills gained through the programme to support career development in areas including:

  • Advanced clinical practice – developing greater confidence in assessing and managing critically ill patients and contributing to complex clinical decision-making.
  • Clinical leadership and service improvement – using evidence and critical thinking skills to support improvements in critical care services and patient care.
  • Education and training – applying specialist knowledge to support the learning and development of colleagues and future healthcare professionals.
  • Research and further study – building the academic skills needed to contribute to research projects or progress towards doctoral-level study.

The programme is relevant to healthcare professionals working across a range of settings, including intensive care, emergency medicine and acute healthcare. By developing your understanding of critical care, research and evidence-based practice, you will be better equipped to contribute to your team, your organisation and the care of critically unwell patients. 

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Hear from our students

Critical Care 2021: Hear From Our Students

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
6 January 2027 4 December 2026
1 April 2027 5 March 2027
13 September 2027 20 August 2027
12 January 2028 3 December 2027
1 April 2028 4 March 2028

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Academic contact

Dr Tom Craven

Programme Director

  • Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Medical School: Clinical Sciences
  • Usher Institute

Contact details

Address

SU208 Chancellor’s Building
The University of Edinburgh
49 Little France Crescent
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4SB

Mrs Kimberley Jamieson

Programme Support Officer

  • Edinburgh Medical School: Clinical Sciences
  • College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

SU208 Chancellor’s Building
The University of Edinburgh
49 Little France Crescent
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4SB

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