PG Cert Medical Education

Who is the Programme for?

The PG Certificate in H.E. Learning and Teaching (Medical Education) has been developed for staff in the School of Medicine & Dentistry who are interested in undertaking a PG Certificate course with a specialisation in medical education.

With a common first course shared with the PG Certificate in H.E. Learning and Teaching, the second course is delivered by staff from the School of Medicine and Dentistry and focuses explicitly on issues in medical education.

Programme Rationale

The programme is designed to meet the needs of both new lecturing staff who might lack a detailed background in learning and teaching, and is also available to established members of academic staff who wish to gain formal recognition for their teaching. The Programme provides an extended, formal and externally recognisable course in the methods and philosophies of learning and teaching in higher education. The programme is undertaken through part-time study, accommodating the parallel duties of academic staff. By the strategic use of situated learning opportunities, it is possible for participants to view their teaching activities as case study materials, and use them accordingly as evidence of professional development. The emphasis in the programme is on continuing professional development (CPD), and the provision of learning opportunities for the individual to undertake, reflect and act upon.

How is the Programme Delivered?

The Programme is delivered flexibly, allowing it to fit with the duties of academic staff at the university.

• If you are a new or probationary member of staff, we recommend that you follow the face-to-face route, delivered via a series of afternoon workshops (Wednesdays at 2pm), and followed up by small group sessions with colleagues from the programme.
• If you are an established member of staff, you are free to follow the above pathway OR to follow the assessment schedule at a distance and at your own pace.

What Does the Programme Involve?

The Programme is rated at 60 credits at SCQF level 11 (Masters’). There is a corresponding workload associated with this. However, with a strong emphasis on situated learning, much of the case material will be developed from your existing teaching duties. The following is a guide to the approximate time commitment required:

• Course 1: Seven workshops (approximately every three weeks), group meeting every three weeks (with a short, formative assessment attached), two summative assessments.
• Course 2: Three workshops (approximately every three weeks), group meeting every three weeks (with a short, formative assessment attached), two summative assessments, one of which is a project based on your teaching.

What Qualification Do I Receive?

The Programme is fully validated by the University of Aberdeen, and is accredited externally by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Upon successful completion of the first course (30 credits), you will be able to apply for Associate Fellowship of the HEA. The second course is currently awaiting accreditation.

What is Covered in the PG Cert HELT Programme?

Course 1:

• Theories of Learning
• Aspects of reflective practice
• Planning and methods for teaching and learning
• Approaches to teaching and evaluating your teaching (including peer observation of your teaching)
• Online tutoring
• Assessment and feedback
• Pedagogy in the disciplines

Course 2:

• Medical Education Context
• Assessment in Medical Education
• Best Evidence in Medical Education (BEME)

PLUS a short (3000 word) project based on your teaching

How Much Will it Cost?

The Programme is delivered as part of the University of Aberdeen’s programme of professional educational development. There is no direct cost to either you or your School provided that you are a member of University of Aberdeen staff.

Further Details

Further details on any aspect of the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education are available from the Programme Co-ordinator, Dr Mandy Moffat (m.moffat@abdn.ac.uk).