Rheumatology MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
Develop advanced knowledge of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions while building your understanding of research, critical appraisal, and evidence-based practice with our university-validated MSc in Rheumatology. Designed for healthcare professionals with an interest in rheumatology, this Level 7 master’s degree explores the science, diagnosis, assessment, and management of inflammatory, autoimmune, and non-inflammatory rheumatic conditions through flexible, 100% online, part-time study.
Across eight modules (180 credits), you'll examine the pathophysiology of common rheumatological disorders before exploring rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritides, connective tissue disorders, systemic rheumatic conditions, and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. In your second year, you'll develop your knowledge of research methodologies and critical appraisal before completing an independent Professional Project in Rheumatology relevant to your area of practice.
Validated by the University of South Wales and accredited for CPD by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, the online Rheumatology MSc is designed to fit around a full professional workload. With March and September intakes, you can develop your knowledge of rheumatology, research, and evidence-based practice alongside your existing professional commitments.
Next Intake
September 2026
Apply By
6th September 2026
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
24 months
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What will you study on this Master's in Rheumatology?
The MSc in Rheumatology comprises eight modules (180 credits), combining an in-depth exploration of contemporary rheumatology with postgraduate study in research methodologies, critical appraisal, and an independent Professional Project.
During your first year, you'll complete six 20-credit modules covering the foundations of rheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritides, connective tissue disorders, systemic rheumatic conditions, and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
In your second year, you'll develop the skills to select, appraise, interpret, and synthesise research evidence and consider different methodological approaches to answering questions relevant to your field of practice. You'll then apply this learning through an independent Professional Project focused on an area of rheumatology relevant to your professional practice.
During the programme, you'll study:
- Rheumatology: A Clinical Overview – examine the current landscape of rheumatology, including the genetics, pathophysiology, and immunology of common rheumatological disorders, multidisciplinary rheumatology services, diagnostic imaging, and drugs and therapeutics.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – develop your understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and associated disorders, including immunology, genetics, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, biochemistry, serology, imaging, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, palindromic rheumatism, postpartum arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Spectrum of Other Inflammatory Arthritides – explore seronegative inflammatory disorders, crystal arthropathies, and infection-associated arthritic conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic spondyloarthropathies, reactive and enteropathic inflammatory arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, and infective arthritis.
- Connective Tissue Disorders – examine the presentation, immunopathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, investigation, and management of connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, Raynaud's disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, vasculitis, and scleroderma.
- Miscellaneous Rheumatic Conditions – explore complex multi-system rheumatic disorders, common paediatric rheumatology disorders, and paraneoplastic rheumatic conditions, including sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease, myositis and anti-synthetase syndromes, adult-onset Still's disease, familial Mediterranean fever, and other systemic autoinflammatory disorders.
- Non-inflammatory Musculoskeletal Conditions – examine the assessment, diagnosis, and management of common non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders, including soft tissue disorders, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility syndromes, osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders, and metabolic and neurogenic disorders.
- Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal – develop your ability to critically analyse and interpret research and assess its application to professional practice. You'll explore quantitative and qualitative studies, statistical analysis, meta-analysis and systematic reviews, evidence appraisal, audit, governance and quality improvement, health economics, and the development of research proposals.
- Professional Project: Rheumatology – formulate a research question and undertake an independent project relevant to rheumatology and your area of professional practice. Depending on your chosen topic and approach, your project may involve a systematic literature review, organisational audit, review of evidence-based practice, qualitative or quantitative research proposal, case or service review, organisational assessment, or secondary data analysis.
Together, these eight modules provide a comprehensive academic understanding of contemporary rheumatology while developing your ability to critically engage with research and evidence and apply the research process to questions relevant to rheumatology practice and services.
Year 1
Module Aims
To give an overview of the current state of Rheumatology, critically examining the underpinning science, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and healthcare/organisational delivery of common rheumatic disorders.
Module Summary
- Introduction
- Genetics, pathophysiology and immunology of common rheumatic disorders
- Role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in rheumatology services
- Imaging in rheumatology
- Drugs & therapeutics
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiological science of common rheumatology disorders.
- Critically evaluate the contribution of the MDT services, disease activity assessments, diagnostic imaging and drugs and therapeutics used in Rheumatology.
Module Aims
To develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its associated disorders (polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and palindromic rheumatism).
Module Summary
- Immunology, genetics, clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria in RA
- Biochemistry, serology and imaging in RA
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in RA
- Biologics in RA
- Palindromic rheumatism, postpartum arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the science, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Differentiate, diagnose and treat complex complications of rheumatoid arthritis and the associated conditions of polymyalgia rheumatica and palindromic rheumatism.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of the seronegative spectrum inflammatory disorders, crystal arthropathies and infection-associated arthritic disorders.
Module Summary
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis & non-radiographic spondyloarthropathies
- Reactive arthritis & enteropathic inflammatory arthritis
- Gout & other crystal arthropathies
- Septic arthritis & COVID-19-related autoimmune phenomena
- Infective arthritis
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an evidence-based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and other inflammatory arthropathies.
- Demonstrate an evidence-based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of crystal arthropathies and infection-associated arthritic disorders.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of the wide range of connective tissue disorders (CTDs) seen in rheumatology.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics on a range of connective tissue disorders such as:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Raynaud's disease
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Vasculitis
- Scleroderma
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the presentations, immuno-patho-physiologies, diagnostic criteria and diagnostic investigations of CTDs.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of multi-system management, disease activity assessments, potential multi-system complications of CTDs.
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of multi-system rheumatic disorders, common paediatric rheumatology disorders and paraneoplastic rheumatic conditions.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Sarcoidosis
- Behçet's disease
- Myositis & anti-synthetase syndromes
- Adult-onset Still's disease, familial Mediterranean fever and other systemic autoinflammatory disorders
- Paediatric rheumatology
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an evidence based critique of the science, diagnosis, treatment and complications of complex multi-system rheumatic disorders.
- Demonstrate an ability to assess and manage common Paediatric rheumatological disorders.
- Demonstrate an ability to assess and manage the relation of adult rheumatic disorders and cancers (paraneoplastic associations).
Module Aims
Develop a critical understanding and in-depth knowledge of a range of non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
Module Summary
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Soft tissue disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypermobility syndromes
- Osteoporosis & other metabolic bone disorders
- Metabolic & neurogenic disorders
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise the clinical assessment and diagnosis of common rheumatological non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
- Critically appraise the current management strategies of common rheumatological non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.
Year 2
Module Aims
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.
Module Summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Quantitative Studies
- Statistical Analysis Interpretation
- Interpreting the Evidence
- Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
- Qualitative Studies
- Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
- Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
- Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
- Select and apply different methodological approaches and tools to answer research questions in your field of practice.
Module Aims
To formulate the research question that you seek to answer. To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice. To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice. To develop skills in independent research and study. To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.
Module Summary
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific rheumatology-related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:
- Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence
- Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice
- Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment
- Secondary data analysis
Learning outcomes:
- Design and undertake a research and development project related to rheumatology in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change in a rheumatology setting.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing rheumatology services appropriately.
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2026: £412 †
- Total Course Fees (UK & International) for September 2026: £9,300 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
- Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
Master's (MSc)
First Year Payments
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £412 † | £408 | £408 |
Total first year payments: £4,900
Second Year Payments
| 11 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £366 | £374 |
Total second year payments: £4,400
Additional Financing
Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
Faculty
Programme Director
Dr. Rizwan Rajak MBBCh, MRCP, LLM
Rizwan has trained as a Rheumatologist having worked in a large research / teaching hospital (University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff), district general centres and...
Tutor
Dr. Md Abu Bakar Siddiq
Current Role: Currently works as an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Brahmanbaria Medical College, in Bangladesh.
Professional Activities:
- Participates on a weekly...
Tutor
Dr. Krishnadas Thulasidoss
- A seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience
- Specializes in Acute Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Rheumatology
- Qualifications including MBBS, AFHEA (UK), MRCP(UK), FRCP (Glasgow), and a...
Accreditors, Endorsers & Partners
University of South Wales
PCRMM - Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society
ELCAS - Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services
Royal College of Physicians
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
An MSc in Rheumatology enables healthcare professionals to develop advanced, evidence-based knowledge of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions while building their understanding of research methodologies, critical appraisal, and evidence-based practice.
Yes. The MSc in Rheumatology is delivered 100% online and part-time, allowing you to complete your master’s degree alongside your professional and personal commitments from wherever you are based.
Yes. You'll study rheumatoid arthritis in depth, including its immunology and genetics, clinical presentation and diagnosis, serology and imaging, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and associated conditions.
Who can study this Master's in Rheumatology?
The MSc in Rheumatology is designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions while building their understanding of research, critical appraisal, and evidence-based practice through a university-validated master’s degree.
The programme is particularly suitable for:
- Doctors
- GPs
- Nurses
- Allied health professionals
- Healthcare professionals working with people with rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions
- Professionals looking to develop their knowledge of contemporary rheumatology
- Healthcare professionals interested in research, evidence-based practice, and service development
Whether you already work with people with rheumatic conditions or want to develop greater knowledge in this area, the MSc enables you to examine a broad spectrum of rheumatological disorders, from their underlying science and diagnosis to assessment, treatment, multidisciplinary care, and management.
You'll then progress beyond the taught rheumatology modules to explore research methodologies and critical appraisal before undertaking an independent rheumatology-related Professional Project.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.