Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine 2026

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine 2026 is organized by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) and will be held on May 05, 2026 at Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Description:
The aim of this course is to develop and support healthcare professionals in their role as travel medicine practitioners.

It offers an academic base that assists individuals to become autonomous and reflective practitioners in the delivery of travel medicine services. The course is delivered at postgraduate level and carries 120 credit points at SCQF Level 11.

The content and level of this course facilitates growth and development of cognitive, leadership and practical skills. This will enhance travel medicine practitioners’ practice, by enabling them to make sound judgements and apply best clinical practice or evidence-based theory to support their decision making. This will ultimately support client care, in situations prone to rapid change and subsequently, improve travellers’ health.

If you complete this course, you'll be eligible to join the College as a Member of the Faculty of Travel Medicine (MFTM). You'll also be able to continue your studies to master's level with a MSc Advanced Practice (Travel Medicine) from Glasgow Caledonian University. Details of each of these can be found below.

Modules:
Module 1
Epidemiology, Immunology and Travel Risk Assessment

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Aspects of epidemiology in relation to the subject of travel medicine.
• Principles of immunology in relation to travel medicine.
• Critical evaluation of the principles underpinning a risk assessment.
• Current key principles of behaviour and the human factors that lead individuals to make decisions which impact their health when abroad.

Module 2
Non-Vector Borne Infections

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and impact of non-vector borne infections.
• Effective strategies for prevention of non-vector borne infections, including immunisations to maximise protection of at-risk populations.
• The relationship between travellers, host populations and non-vector borne infections and potential implications for travellers in the context of emerging infections.
• Communication of risk assessment and behaviour modification strategies in the preparation of overseas travel, in relation to non-vector borne infections.

Module 3
Vector Borne Infections

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The various disease vectors and how they transmit infection.
• Epidemiology and health implications of vector-borne infections with particular emphasis on malaria and current control approaches to prevent these infections.
• Insect borne infection advice including bite prevention, vaccination where appropriate and in relation to malaria, chemoprophylaxis available and the factors affecting compliance with these measures.
• The principles of diagnosing and treating malaria and other vector borne illnesses and resources that support accurate clinical decision making in relation to prevention and treatment of malaria in travellers.

Module 4
Environmental Factors and Travel

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The principles of environmental conditions in the context of traveller’s health
• The environmental impact overseas travel has on host communities alongside the travel industry economy.
• Human pathophysiology and physiological effects of flying and the interventions that help prevent illness.
• Risk of trauma to travellers and strategies for prevention.
• Travel insurance and access to medical care overseas.

Module 5
Research Methods

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Research philosophy.
• Types of research and research approaches.
• The research process, including literature searches, research design and methodology.
• Data management and analyses.

Module 6
The Complex Traveller - Pre and Post Travel

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Categories of travellers and the complex nature of their special travel requirements.
• Risk factors associated with different categories of travellers and strategies and mechanisms for advising them for overseas travel.
• Management of travellers returning with commonly presented infectious diseases.
• Medical conditions and the potential impact they could have on a traveller’s health.
• Complexities and implications relating to travellers with medical conditions, and current strategies used to prepare them for overseas travel.

Module 7
Governance, Legal and Ethical Considerations

By the end of this module, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The legal implications and ethical aspects that may affect some travellers.
• Differences in legal structures, clinical governance and practice in relation to the delivery a travel medicine services.