Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Pain Management

Are you a health care professional working with people with complex pain conditions?

Would you like to deepen your understanding and develop your skills in interdisciplinary pain management?

Now is the time to register for the Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Pain Management.

Who Should Apply?

This Postgraduate Diploma is designed for health care professionals registered with the HPCSA or an equivalent professional body, including:

  • Medical doctors

  • Nurses (with a 4-year Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent)

  • Physiotherapists

  • Occupational therapists

  • Clinical or counselling psychologists

Course Structure

The program consists of seven modules delivered through a blended learning approach.

Semester 1 Courses:

  • Succeeding in Postgraduate Studies

  • Evidence-Based Practice

  • The Multidimensional Nature of Pain

  • Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Nociception and Pain

Semester 2 Courses:

  • Assessment and Measurement of Pain and Its Effects

  • Comprehensive Pain Management

  • Pain Management in Complex Conditions

Learning Format & Time Commitment

This is a blended learning program. Students must attend:

  • One week in Cape Town at the start of the year

  • One virtual contact session (via Zoom) in late May

  • One week in Cape Town during July/August

Online learning takes place through virtual communities of practice. Students should allow for:

  • 12–20 hours per week of self-study

  • 1 hour of online participation per week, e.g.,

    • Wednesdays, 5–6pm

    • Tuesdays/Wednesdays, 6–7am or 7–8am (SAST)

Full-Time vs Part-Time Study

Full-Time (1 Year)

Complete all 7 courses in one year.

Part-Time (2 Years)

Year 1:

  • Succeeding in Postgraduate Studies

  • The Multidimensional Nature of Pain

  • Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Nociception and Pain

  • Assessment and Measurement of Pain and Its Effects
    (Cape Town contact week in January; virtual session in May)

Year 2:

  • Evidence-Based Practice

  • Comprehensive Pain Management

  • Pain Management in Complex Conditions
    (Cape Town contact week in July/August)

Requirements for Success

To succeed in this program, students must:

  • Be fluent in English

  • Have reliable internet access

  • Be familiar with using a computer

  • Have access to a computer throughout the course

Application Requirements

To apply, please prepare the following documents:

  1. A letter of motivation explaining why you wish to do the diploma

  2. A letter of support from your employer

  3. Proof of registration with your professional body (e.g., HPCSA)

  4. Your CV

  5. Undergraduate transcript

How to Apply

The Diploma begins in January each year.
Apply online by 31 October at:
👉 UCT Postgraduate Applications

After applying online, please email your 5 supporting documents to:
📧 romy.parker@uct.ac.za
📧 simone.adams@uct.ac.za

Need More Information?

For further details or to express your interest, please contact:
Prof Romy Parker
📧 romy.parker@uct.ac.za