Diploma in Tropical Nursing

N.B. The number of places on this course is strictly limited to sixty five. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, as the course is heavily oversubscribed. We accept applications up to a year in advance.

Course outline

This course is intended for nurses and midwives who have travelled or worked in developing countries, or who hope to do so. There are 65 places available.

The course aims to provide nurses and midwives with knowledge of the causes, prevention and treatment of major tropical diseases, through lectures and practical laboratory sessions. Nurses and midwives should also gain an insight into primary health care in developing countries; learn to maximize care with minimum resources, and understand the importance of promoting health through prevention rather than cure.

The course may cover a range of global health topics including: Anaemia and Sickle cell disease; Epidemiology; Immunology; Immunisation; Intestinal infection; Leprosy; Mother & child health; Medical anthropology; Nutrition; Parasitology; Refugees; Training traditional birth attendants; Tropical skin conditions; War wounds, and Water & sanitation.

The Diploma course consists of lectures covering tropical diseases and topics such as nursing in disasters and primary health care. Also there are laboratory sessions on the use of microscopes, how to diagnose malaria and other parasites. Academic lecturers are either employed by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, or are external speakers. All of the lecturers are experts in their chosen fields.

Methods of assessment

The Diploma is assessed by a laboratory exam, a multiple choice exam and an academic, research based essay which will offer the student an opportunity to study a single topic in depth and use critical reading and writing skills. Candidates must pass all three components. Candidates should be literate in Word Processing and using email. Successful candidates are awarded a Diploma in Tropical Nursing from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Who should apply for the course?

The Diploma course is available to registered nurses and midwives and it is recommended that they have two years post-registration experience by the start of the course applied for. Candidates must be computer literate.

Applicants must have a good standard of written and spoken English and of English comprehension. The School may ask the applicant to provide evidence of a satisfactory standard of English. The School has approved certain English tests.

Possible sources of funding

Some previous Diploma in Tropical Nursing students from the UK have obtained funding through application to organisations outside the School. Information on how to contact these organisations is listed at: Sources of funding

Please return a completed application form along with an equal opportunities form to:

Registry, LSHTM, 50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP, UK, Tel: +44 (0)20 7299 4648

Alternatively, by fax:

Fax: +44 (0)20 7323 0638

Or email: shortcourses@lshtm.ac.uk