ObjectivesThe overall aim of the course is to improve the quality and effectiveness of clinical teaching and medical education through: • Understanding and fostering a learner-centred approach • Relating this to the requirements of professional education for clinical competence • Developing practical, generic skills in teaching and assessment, underpinned by an understanding of educational theory • Promoting reflective practice in education and clinical practice, using work-based assignments and a portfolio • Promoting evidence-based education
Entry requirementsThe programme is designed for graduate (or equivalent) health professionals preparing for, or currently engaged in, clinical teaching. Entry routes will be flexible and designed to recognise appropriate prior experience and introductory courses. Please contact the School for detailed information and to check whether your own experience and professional development is appropriate for entry.
Academic titlePostgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, MA Medical Education
Course descriptionPart-Time study
Introduction
Many clinical health professionals are involved in teaching and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students and increased recruitment to the NHS produces even greater demands for teachers. There is a need for greater professionalism and accountability as clinical teachers and this course is designed to meet this need by providing a sound theoretical and practical basis for good teaching practice.
Course Structure and Content
The full Masters programme requires satisfactory completion of 180 credits, 120 credits made up from taught modules and the other 60 credits from a Masters dissertation. The programme will normally be available part-time over two years, with taught modules in each year. Students who wish to finish their studies after successful completion of 120 taught credits may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma, and those who successfully complete the first four modules (60 credits) may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate. It is anticipated that many students will wish to take one of these options.
Course Modules
Year One Modules (comprising the Postgraduate Certificate)
• Introduction to medical education (15 credits)
• Teaching methods and theories of learning (15 credits)
• Assessment in medical education (15 credits)
• Curriculum design and session planning (15 credits)
Year Two Modules (with the PG Certificate modules, comprising the Postgraduate Diploma)
Modules will aim at developing expertise and a specialist knowledge base in chosen areas of medical education, for example (subject to change):
• Developing Professional Skills and Attitudes
• Theory and Practice of Open and Distance Education
• Introduction to Research in Medical Education
• Problem Based Learning
• Independent Study Module
The course will include a variety of teaching methods including small group teaching, peer observations of teaching practice, completion of a portfolio and personal study. Some course elements will be in distance learning format. The overall structure will be flexible to allow participants to complete individual course units at different times, using the portfolio as a personal planner and record of achievement.
Assessment
Module 1 will be assessed by a portfolio of evidence, relating to prior experience, taught courses, reflection and observation of teaching. Remaining modules will be assessed by assignments, generally in written format, and with a choice of subject areas.