Overview
Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (IN) forms the core of a unified care service for patients with kidney disease. It is vital in providing rapid diagnoses and treatment for patients presenting to renal units.
Diagnostic and interventional procedures are often undertaken exclusively by radiologists, vascular surgeons, or transplant surgeons in the UK. This can lead to fragmented service provision and prolonged procedural waiting times for patients.
It can also lead to inconsistent and inadequate exposure to procedural training for renal trainees.
This unique course provides comprehensive theoretical and practical interventional nephrology training.
You will experience training in all aspects of Interventional Nephrology focused training, including:
- ultrasound
- haemodialysis access management
- renal biopsy
- peritoneal dialysis access management
This course would help trainees develop into interventional nephrologists.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll learn the theoretical basis underpinning the diagnostic and interventional nephrology procedures.
You’ll also experience hands-on training, including utilizing simulation models and participating in the interventional lists. These sessions are delivered at Newcastle University and the Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Unit.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Interventional Nephrology, PGCert
You take the following compulsory modules:
Year 1
- Point of Care Ultrasound for Interventional Nephrology
- Renal Biopsy and Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
- Haemodialysis Vascular Access
- Clinical Practice 1
Year 2
How you’ll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical lab/workshop sessions
- group work
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Observation of professional practice
- Oral examination
- Portfolio
- Problem-solving exercises
- Reflective log
- Written examination
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Dr James Andrews, Consultant Interventional Nephrologist and Module Lead (POCUS)
Dr Rauri A. Clark, Consultant Interventional Nephrologist and Module Lead (HD Vascular Access)
Dr Saeed Ahmed, Consultant Interventional Nephrologist and Module Lead (Renal Biopsy and Peritoneal Dialysis)
Dr Sarah McCloskey, Consultant Nephrologist and Simulation Lead (across modules)
Dr Shalabh Srivastava, Interventional Nephrologist and Degree Programme Director
Your development
Professional skills
In addition to practical and theoretical aspects of DIN, this course would help you develop your skills in establishing and managing an interventional nephrology service.
Research skills
Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology remains poorly served by researchers. There is immense potential for basic and clinical research. This is a PGCert course, so you will not need a research project. However, you will be encouraged to identify areas of research as we aim to develop a master’s course and apply to national funding bodies for doctoral research.
Practical skills
This hands-on and practical course will help you further your interventional nephrology skills. You will gain a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of interventional nephrology service provision.
Work experience/placement opportunities
You will be attending the Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Unit.
Overseas study/fieldtrip opportunities
We are in the process of setting up an ISN-sister unit in Mwanza, Tanzania. Once this unit is fully established, we aim to provide overseas study opportunities.
Your future
Further study
This course provides the basis for a future Master’s course.
Careers
The course prepares you for a career as an interventional nephrologist. It also helps those pursuing other specialities such as acute medicine, Intensive Care Medicine and Accident and Emergency an opportunity to hone their practical skills.
Careers support
Interventional Nephrology skills are often an essential requirement for Consultant Job applications. This course would provide you with all the requisite skills.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Facilities
The Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology department is based at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
This day case facility has access to its own dedicated fluoroscopy suite and procedure room. This is a 52 week, 5/7 day service serving the population South Tyneside and Wearside.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants will need to:
- be a Specialist Registrar or Internal Medicine Trainee (IMT2 or beyond) or Consultant Physician within Renal Medicine or relevant specialties
- Demonstrate experience in a Renal Medicine / Critical Care / Acute Medicine setting and be working in that setting for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Applicants will be required to evidence their experience
- secure the availability a Supervisor or Mentor to act as their work-based who would normally be their Educational Supervisor (for those in clinical training programmes) and the clinical director in case of consultants. The supervisor role is a local point of contact for providing pastoral support and providing organisational support to students
- be eligible for GMC registration
