Open for applications for May intake

Professional Diploma in Dermatology

Duration: 9 months

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

3,600

Dermatological concerns are one of the most common presentations in primary care. However, Dermatology has been demonstrated to be much under-represented in the undergraduate curricula of nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare workers. This Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Professional Diploma in Dermatology delivered in conjunction with iheed, is a 9-month online learning programme, designed specifically to cater for busy healthcare professionals. Drawing on the expertise of national and international experts in dermatology, this programme provides learners with advanced knowledge and skills to ensure the confident treatment of skin conditions.

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Programme Details


This 9-month RCPI Professional Diploma in Dermatology is always oversubscribed. It welcomes 600+ students per annum.

This popular dermatology diploma course emphasises a patient centered approach to clinical decision making in dermatology. It provides a supportive, richly informative, enjoyable and accessible educational opportunity for healthcare professionals wishing to upskill or refresh their understanding and management of common dermatological presentations.

About the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

Established in 1654, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a world-leading postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care.

Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

Why Royal College of Physicians of Ireland?

  • Helping doctors reach their full potential since 1654
  • Largest postgraduate medical college in Ireland
  • Prestigious world-recognised brand
A world-class student experience

A world-class student experience

Developed by world-leading dermatology specialists, this dermatology course online provides an unparalleled online education experience, blending self-directed learning with tutor-led team-based learning. The programme aims to develop clinically focused diagnostic skills through the use of interactive patient cases. It allows for opportunities to practice and develop diagnostic skills in a highly engaging format.

Students will interact and engage in:

  • Weekly synchronous online tutorials throughout the course

  • Highly interactive content and tutor-moderated discussion forums

  • Reflective exercises to test your thinking and learning application

A dermatology diploma designed specifically to cater for busy health professionals

A dermatology diploma designed specifically to cater for busy health professionals

This programme can be accessed anytime, anywhere on any device.It provides a supportive, richly informative, and accessible educational opportunity for healthcare professionals wishing to refresh their understanding and management of common dermatological presentations.

Programme Overview

This programme blends self-directed learning and Tutor-led group learning. Throughout the programme, you'll engage in: online group tutorials, tutor-moderated discussion forums, interactive case studies, reflective exercises. The programme is broken down into the following modules:

Programme Modules:

  • Eczema

  • Psoriasis

  • Acne/rosacea

  • Patient Factor

  • Clinical Simulation: ‘The red face’

  • Itch and urticaria

  • Blistering skin disease

  • The skin in systemic disease

  • The skin in connective tissue disease

  • Clinical Simulation: ‘Red Legs’ presentation

  • Drug eruptions and emergencies

  • Skin infections and infestations

  • Pediatric dermatology

  • Safeguarding

  • The red all over
    patient’

  • Oral dermatology

  • Genital dermatology

  • Clinical Simulation: ‘The itchy vulva’

  • Non-pigmented lesions

  • Pigmented lesions

  • Hair and pigment (including vitiligo and melasma)

  • Cosmetic dermatology and the aging face

  • Skin and psyche

  • Human factors

  • Advanced
    therapeutics

  • Dermatological
    horizons

Your Dedicated Tutors

View All
Darren Roche

Dr Darren Roche

Dermatology Specialist Registrar

Eilis Ni Dhonncha

Dr Eilis Nic Dhonncha

Specialist Registrar in Dermatology

Farhad Handjani

Dr Farhad Handjani

Consultant Dermatologist

Garret O'Connell

Dr Garret O’Connell

Dermatology Specialist Registrar

Lisa Roche

Lisa Roche

MB, BCh, BAO, MRCPI

Course Benefits

Supplement your income

Cosmetic dermatology and the ageing face is covered in the programme and may serve to enhance the earning potential of the learner.

World-leading healthcare faculty

Our tutor faculty comprise world-leading dermatology practitioners. They are practicing consultants working at the coalface of dermatological care.

Easy-to-use online student portal

The student learning environment is accessible anytime, anywhere on any device designed with the busy clinician in mind.

A Truly Global Experience

Developed by international dermatology experts. Participants from across the globe (70+ nationalities) study together, learning from each other's experiences and challenges.

A world-class online learning experience

The programme is a truly transformative user experience. The content is rich, compelling, engaging and innovative. It includes interactive video, 2D & 3D animations, medical imagery and instructional competency-focused pedagogy.

Enhance your CV, boost your career

An RCPI Diploma can help early-stage physicians secure coveted consultancy training positions. The qualification can also aid established physicians become physicians with a special interest or expanded role.

I found the content of the online platform interesting and easy to access. The tutorials give a new perspective to the learning material as we ask questions and discuss subjects not entirely included in the material. In general, the combination of live tutorials with the online platform is an excellent combination in order to learn about dermatological conditions and build up necessary skills in dermatology.

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Dr Eleftheria Ladea GP, Sweden

Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. I wanted to further my knowledge to incorporate Dermatology into my practice and become a well-rounded and competent physician

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Siobhan HulstonGP, Australia

This programme is suitable for busy clinicians who want to gain knowledge and improve our quality service to our patients. The programme has valuable notes, great discussion among colleagues around the world, and superb tutors.

Dr Kausar Ahmad Rodzi GP, Malaysia

As an aspiring dermatologist, I highly recommend iheed’s Professional Dermatology Diploma, as a means of solidifying one’s foundation knowledge in Dermatology.

Dr Kotaiba AlenezyAssistant Registrar Dermatology, Kuwait

With the increased need for skincare in our working environment and the abundance of work opportunities locally and internationally, the diploma in dermatology from iheed will enhance my skills and provide an immense opportunity to progress in my career

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Nusrat AltafFamily Physician, Saudi Arabia

I wanted to find a course that would provide me with the expert knowledge and confidence to understand better and treat skin conditions I frequently encounter. This programme is very practical and focuses on those skin conditions and more. The learning platform and tutors are excellent. I would highly recommend this programme

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Claire CorcoranNurse, Institute Of Dermatologists , Ireland

Your Questions Answered

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the RCPI Professional Diploma in Dermatology programme. If your query is not answered, please reach out to us on the live chat on the site.

No, it is a nine month Professional Certificate in Dermatology aimed at improving student’s knowledge and skills in the subject area, to improve their confidence to take on and treat patients presenting themselves with skin issues, and to consequently improve patient care.

The programme is extremely flexible. We have one live tutorial every week, lasting for one hour, and advise an additional four hours per week of self-guided learning in the online platform, which can be done whenever you have the time. All tutorials are recorded so you can watch them back if necessary.

The programme is aimed at doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

There are two exams. Both last for one hour and are primarily multiple choice questions based on patient case scenarios. We offer a 48 hour window in which you choose the time that best suits you to sit your exams.

The programme is eligible for CPD points/CME hours worldwide. Regarding using the programme to gain employment, you need to go through the regular process to work in Ireland, through the Irish Medical Council. That being said, having this programme on your CV is a real competitive advantage when applying for IMC registration or jobs in Ireland.

To apply for your place on a programme, all you have to is to fill out the online application form, and when requested send in proof of eligibility (confirmation of your previous degree/other qualifications).

Please see the link to the Accreditation page here.

Please see the link to the Funding pages here.

Please see the link to the Payment options pages here.

Please contact your Educational Advisor for more information on pricing and offer.

Yes, please see the link to the full programme curriculum here.