The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PgDFM) is a prestigious qualification designed for healthcare professionals who aim to expand their expertise and enhance their career in the evolving field of family medicine. This advanced programme is not intended for new entrants but is specifically developed for experienced learners who wish to strengthen their knowledge, gain specialist skills, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Family medicine plays a crucial role in healthcare systems worldwide, addressing a wide spectrum of medical conditions across all age groups. This postgraduate diploma equips learners with the advanced knowledge and clinical competencies required to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care in both primary and community healthcare settings. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, preventative care, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the PgDFM prepares learners to take on leadership roles within the healthcare sector.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that they have competent and qualified staff with proven expertise in family medicine and related healthcare disciplines. Additionally, centres must provide all necessary learning materials, clinical resources, and academic support to maintain the highest standards of training and learner success.
By enrolling in this programme, learners will develop advanced diagnostic, management, and decision-making skills essential for modern family medicine practice, positioning themselves for career growth and greater professional recognition.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PgDFM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200964
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PgDFM) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200964-1 |
Principles and Practices of Family Medicine |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200964-2 |
Clinical Management of Acute and Chronic Conditions |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200964-3 |
Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200964-4 |
Women’s, Children’s and Elderly Care in Family Medicine |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200964-5 |
Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Research in Family Medicine |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200964-6 |
Leadership, Ethics and Professionalism in Family Medicine |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles and Practices of Family Medicine
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the principles and philosophy of family medicine.
- Apply holistic and patient-centred approaches to healthcare delivery.
- Analyse the role of family physicians in community-based health systems.
- Evaluate the integration of multidisciplinary teams in family medicine practice.
Unit 2: Clinical Management of Acute and Chronic Conditions
- Diagnose and manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions commonly encountered in primary care.
- Apply evidence-based clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes.
- Critically assess the long-term management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.
- Demonstrate effective decision-making in emergency and urgent care situations.
Unit 3: Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion
- Evaluate strategies for disease prevention, health promotion, and early detection of illnesses.
- Implement vaccination, screening, and lifestyle interventions in primary care.
- Assess the impact of socio-economic and cultural factors on health promotion.
- Design and deliver community-based health education programmes.
Unit 4: Women’s, Children’s and Elderly Care in Family Medicine
- Apply advanced knowledge in maternal and reproductive healthcare within family medicine.
- Demonstrate competence in the diagnosis and management of common paediatric conditions.
- Assess the health and social care needs of elderly patients in a primary care setting.
- Integrate gender-specific and age-specific approaches into patient care.
Unit 5: Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Research in Family Medicine
- Critically appraise current research and clinical evidence in family medicine.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to clinical decision-making.
- Design and conduct small-scale research projects relevant to primary care.
- Evaluate the role of research in improving healthcare outcomes and patient safety.
Unit 6: Leadership, Ethics and Professionalism in Family Medicine
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing healthcare teams and resources.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards to clinical practice.
- Critically evaluate healthcare policies and their impact on family medicine.
- Promote reflective practice, continuous professional development, and lifelong learning.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PgDFM) is ideally suited for:
- Medical doctors seeking advanced knowledge and specialisation in family medicine.
- General practitioners who want to enhance their clinical decision-making and patient care skills.
- Physicians aiming to strengthen their expertise in managing both acute and chronic conditions in primary care.
- Healthcare professionals looking to develop competencies in preventive medicine, health promotion, and community-based care.
- Doctors working in rural or underserved areas who require a comprehensive approach to multi-disciplinary healthcare.
- Medical professionals preparing for leadership roles in healthcare management, policy, or primary care service development.
- Clinicians committed to continuous professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning in the field of family medicine.
- International medical graduates who wish to gain a globally recognised postgraduate qualification in family medicine.
To deliver the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PgDFM) effectively, centres must meet the following requirements to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, and learner success:
- Qualified Teaching Faculty – Centres must employ competent and experienced medical educators with relevant postgraduate qualifications in family medicine or related fields.
- Specialist Resources – Access to updated clinical guidelines, medical case studies, journals, and family medicine-focused learning materials must be provided.
- Modern Learning Facilities – Centres should have well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and digital learning platforms to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Clinical Training Support – Partnerships with hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities should be available for applied learning and real-world clinical exposure.
- Effective Assessment Framework – Centres must implement structured assessment methods including case-based discussions, assignments, and clinical evaluations aligned with international academic standards.
- Commitment to Quality Assurance – Institutions must ensure ongoing internal and external quality monitoring to maintain excellence in course delivery.
- Learner Support Services – Guidance, academic counselling, and access to CPD opportunities should be available to support learner progress and career advancement.
- Technology Integration – Centres must provide access to e-learning systems, online resources, and digital medical tools to enhance knowledge delivery.
By meeting these centre requirements, institutions will deliver a high-quality postgraduate qualification in family medicine that empowers learners to excel in primary care, preventive medicine, and holistic patient management.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
