Are you thinking of upskilling while staying in your current job with an end goal of changing career?
This Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science at Portobello Institute offers a blended learning format that makes this transition achievable without stepping away from your daily work life.
What Does Blended Learning Mean for This Programme?
Delivered over four months, this Level 9 postgraduate certificate combines flexible online lectures and interactive webinars, with one‑to‑one academic support throughout.
It is delivered entirely online through blended learning with support, meaning you can gain this qualification from the comfort of your own home, cafes, libraries, on the go from anywhere in the world.
As one graduate recently described it: "I’ve studied at airports, on trains, in the car, and even in hospitals. I really felt all my other life commitments were still taken care of and I loved the accessibility."
Online learning doesn't mean you are on your own. Each module begins with an induction webinar where you’ll meet your lead lecturer, set expectations, and receive guidance as the module progresses.
You can attend live sessions or watch recordings later, fitting learning around your work or personal commitments.
Supported by online tutorials and instructor-led webinars, the structure provides both flexibility and engagement.
Why This Format Works for Working Professionals
Flexibility on Your Terms
You log in to access lectures, tutorials and recorded sessions whenever suits you – no need to commute or rearrange your schedule. Weekend or evening webinars ensure that your learning fits around work, not the other way round.
Live and Supported Learning
Interactive webinars bring depth to your study experience. You’ll have live contact time, breakout discussions, and guided group work, all backed by personal support from experienced lecturers.
Balance of Self‑Paced and Collaborative Learning
Portobello’s approach blends self‑paced study with structured online engagement. Learners benefit from independent study and online group collaborations, striking a balance between flexibility and interaction.
Upskill Now – For Your Future Career Change
This course is ideal if you hold a degree in a different field but want to pivot into allied health professions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech and language therapy.
It gives you essential science and healthcare credits to qualify for Master’s level programmes later to make the change to a rewarding career path.
It also supports those already working in healthcare who wish to refresh core knowledge, develop research and transferable skills, and open doors to postgraduate study or new responsibilities in their field.
How the Course Runs: A Practical Look
- It runs from early September to mid-December 2025.
- You’ll study two modules from early September to early November, and two more until December.
- Each module begins with an induction webinar followed by live webinars (weekends or evenings), with recordings available afterwards.
- Expect ongoing tutorial support, assignments grounded in real-world scenarios, and practice-based tasks that reflect actual healthcare contexts.
Real Benefits for Your Career Path
One of the standout advantages of this blended postgraduate course is that it allows you to continue working full-time while you study.
You won’t need to pause your career or lose income to pursue your academic goals. The flexible structure means you can earn and learn simultaneously.
The course is designed to be efficient and time-conscious, running over just four months.
This shorter timeframe means you can upskill quickly without committing to a long-term programme, making it ideal for those looking to pivot into a new field sooner rather than later.
Because the course is rooted in practical application, you’ll be able to apply what you learn immediately in your current role.
Whether you’re already working in healthcare or another industry, the skills and knowledge you gain can add value to your day-to-day work from the start.
For those considering a full career change or further academic study, this PGCert acts as a pathway to a full Master’s degree in allied health professions.
It’s particularly useful for those who need relevant credits or a foundation in health science to meet entry requirements for postgraduate programmes like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language therapy.
The programme is also designed to be study-friendly, with weekend and evening webinars, recorded lectures, and ongoing academic support.
This makes it manageable even with a busy personal or professional life.
Finally, although delivered online, the course encourages connection and collaboration. You’ll engage with lecturers and fellow students through live webinars and group discussions, helping you build a strong professional network even in an online environment.
If you are interested in a path to career change into health science professions, visit the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science course page here.
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