Postgraduate taught programme

MSc

Expedition and Marine Medicine (Diving Medicine)

Developed for medics and healthcare professionals with an interest in advancing their knowledge and clinical skills in the field of diving medicine.
MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine (Diving Medicine)
About Details Careers, industry and research Postgraduate student life Fees and funding Apply Register for open evening

About

Step into the world of advanced expedition and diving medicine with a programme designed for medics and healthcare professionals ready to elevate their clinical and non‑technical skills. Developed by experts in remote, marine and diving environments, this course blends essential theory with immersive, skills‑based learning to build confidence, capability and strong leadership skills in challenging settings.
The programme offers flexible full‑time and part‑time pathways with a dedicated focus on diving medicine. Whether you’re expanding your clinical scope or seeking a more adventurous direction in practice, this is your opportunity to advance your career and prepare for work in some of the world’s most remote and dynamic environments.

Expert led diving medicine training

Learn from leading specialists in diving medicine and hyperbaric care, all teaching through DDRC Healthcare - a global authority in the field. This expert driven approach ensures every learner gains practical, relevant skills shaped by real world dive environment experience.

Hands on learning in world class hyperbaric facilities

Train inside DDRC’s advanced hyperbaric and medical teaching facilities for an immersive understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Real equipment, real scenarios, real clinical insight - all built into three core modules delivered on site.

Built for busy healthcare professionals

Designed for working medics and healthcare graduates, this programme blends theory with applied practice to build strong clinical and leadership skills for diving medicine roles across offshore and onshore environments. Flexible, focused and career enhancing.

Details

Programme overview

The MSc programme comprises of 180 Higher Education Institution (HEI) credits at Level 7 and PgCert programmes comprise of 60 credits. Other than a 40 credit dissertation module, all modules are worth 20 credits.
Further to being enrolled on several core modules focusing on diving, marine and remote medicine, applicants also choose an additional module relating to expedition medicine, global health or healthcare research.
Diver

Core modules

EMM712
Marine Medicine

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of marine medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a healthcare professional in marine environments.

EMM713
Fundamentals of Diving Practice

This module equips students with the foundations of knowledge and skills that underpin diving medicine. They will gain understanding of the characteristics of gases relevant to diving and the physiological principles of immersion and exposure to pressure. Students will learn how these principles translate into modern diving practice and the relevant technical, operational and legal framework of how this is practised safely, in a commercial and recreational settings.

EMM714
Fitness to Dive

This module provides the student with an understanding of the assessment of fitness to dive and the practical skills to be able to perform an assessment. The student will build on their knowledge from EMM713 relating to physics, physiology and diving techniques and apply this to common medical problems, in order to minimise risk, utilising case discussion and simulation.

EMM715
Diving Accidents

In this module student will learn about the assessment and treatment of injured divers. The student will develop an in depth understanding of illnesses seen in divers and will develop the clinical skills required to assess a diver, including history taking and examination. Using case discussions and high-fidelity simulation students will become familiar with the management of diving injuries and the operation of a hyperbaric chamber.

EMM716
Mountain and Polar Expedition Medicine

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of expedition medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a clinical practitioner in polar and mountainous environments.

CLE733DL
Research Project Dissertation

This integrated 60-credit dissertation module supports Masters students (ClinEd, HMLI, Global Health, Expedition and Marine Medicine) to develop a viable project proposal, undertake an independent project under supervision, and produce a journal-style dissertation output with oral defence. It integrates proposal development, research design and dissertation completion within a single coherent assessment pathway.

Optional modules

EMM711
Human Factors in Extreme Environments

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of how human factors relating to psychological processes and environmental factors can impact both positively and negatively on the provisions of effective healthcare in expedition and marine medicine. It will analyse the role of non-technical skills systems, from a broad range of disciplines, to encourage their utilisation in professional practice to reduce human error in challenging environments.

EMM717
Tropical Medicine

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of tropical medicine and of the distinct environmental, infectious disease, and public health factors associated with working as a practitioner in tropical and resource-limited settings.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine programme specification_7781

Careers, industry and research

An adventurous future in clinical practice

This programme has been developed for medics and healthcare professionals with an interest in advancing their clinical and non-technical skills in the fields of expedition, marine and diving medicine. 
Teaching on the programme places an emphasis on combining theoretical knowledge with situational, skills-based learning to build confidence and help develop effective leadership skills, when working in remote environments. 
Designed for busy professionals, this course offers a variety of pathways with a diving medicine focus, as a full-time or part-time student. Embark on this exciting journey and lay the foundations for an adventurous future in clinical practice.
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Pioneering education

The Expedition and Marine Medicine programme builds upon a long history of remote medicine teaching within Peninsula Medical School and creates a link between the University’s existing specialities of health and marine sciences. The choice of pathways available offers a suite of dedicated level 7 modules, that incorporate classroom-based teaching and skills-based learning on local and international residential courses.
In the design of the new modules, we have joined forces with world-class leaders in the fields of diving and expedition medicine training; DDRC Healthcare and Endeavour Medical.
By working with DDRC Healthcare we are pleased to be able to offer the first dedicated PgCert Diving Medicine award in the country, and the first Expedition and Marine Medicine Masters with a Diving Medicine focus in the world.
DDRC Hyperbaric Chamber
 
 

Flexible learning options

The programme offers a variety of full-time and part-time pathways for applicants to choose from with an expedition or a diving medicine focus, or one combining both disciplines.
The full-time programme is completed within a year, whilst the PgCert and part-time courses provide learners with the opportunity to remain in salaried employment whilst completing their studies. Due to the practical nature of the modules, teaching is mostly carried out face-to-face, in combination with an element of online learning. 
Individual modules will also be offered as stand-alone continuous professional development courses.
dartmoor
 
 

An outstanding level of teaching

Ashley is an NHS doctor and Peninsula Medical School student, who recently completed the Remote and Expedition Medicine module.
“The most incredible thing about this module is the level of expertise and experience of the teachers. There is an outstanding level of teaching and taking away the experiences, tips and tricks of the teachers, just having such a hands-on and vocational teaching style really helps build confidence and leadership skills that I hope to take into more remote environments.”
Ashley Metcalf

Academic staff

Mr Matt Griggs Programme Lead MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine and Lecturer MSc Global Health


Programme Lead MSc Expedition and Marine Medicine and Lecturer MSc Global Health

Dr Lucy Obolensky Honorary Associate Professor (Global and Remote Medicine)


Honorary Associate Professor (Global and Remote Medicine)

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
 
 
 
 
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The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.

Joyita
Postgraduate student

 
 
 

Your Plymouth community

At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
 

Enrich your studies with the Postgrad Society

The Postgrad Society welcomes all postgraduate students – whether full-time, part-time, taught or research-based – offering a supportive space to connect beyond academic pressures. Join a vibrant community where you can unwind, celebrate achievements and meet likeminded peers through a wide range of activities – from pub quizzes, movie nights and beach cleans to trips along the South West coastal path and the annual Postgraduate Christmas Ball.
Events are thoughtfully planned around key postgraduate milestones and often in collaboration with other societies, so you can try new things and make the most of your university experience.
 
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Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£14,720 per year
Part-time study
To be confirmed per credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£21,000 per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying. 
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate student at Plymouth, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds, that can help towards costs.
 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
 

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
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Entry requirements

This programme is applicable to healthcare professional graduates and clinicians who wish to advance their career in the fields of expedition and marine medicine.
Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of a lower second (2:2) class honours degree in a relevant health care professional subject (e.g.: BMBS, Nursing, Allied Health Professionals degree).
Clinicians who achieved a lower grade from their first degree or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible to apply. Please contact the admissions or programme team for further information.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
7781
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 

International students

If you are an international applicant interested in information and future support you can register your interest in studying with us in 2026. 
 
 
 

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Extended entry requirements

  • a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element). English language requirements 
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or through an agent in your country.
 

Apply online

Need support with your application?

  • Personal statement guidance
  • Student visa support
  • Travel and arrival information
  • and more
 

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
7781
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
 
 
 

Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening

Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
 
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