Dr David Wandless
Introduction
Our MSc Clinical Education programme is designed to develop knowledge, skills and professional values in teaching and learning associated with clinical education. You will study alongside students from different clinical and geographical contexts including those from the wider multi-professional team (doctors, nurses, dentists and physician associates) and clinical staff with a role in medical, dental and nursing education. Our teaching faculty includes senior academics and lecturers from a variety of clinical backgrounds.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- Blended Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc, PgCert or PgDip
- Duration
- 12 months or 36 months
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Our programme enables students to tailor their learning to the role of a clinical educator further developing particular interests with elective courses (e.g. simulation in clinical education) and/or with a Masters research project.
Students primarily enrol for Postgraduate Certificate (1st Year) before progressing to Postgraduate Diploma (2nd Year) and MSc (3rd year), subject to personal developmental goals.
The Diploma modules are designed to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during the Certificate stage, and to prepare and empower students for a role as an educational manager, leader and scholar through the development and application of advanced skills.
Completion of the Diploma will allow entry to Masters level. With support and guidance from a dedicated supervisor, students will design and conduct a research project. Students can write up their study in the form of a scientific paper/journal article and a research poster.
Teaching is delivered through our online virtual learning environment and incorporates a range of interactive teaching. The majority of the material can be studied in your own time and there are regular opportunities for peer and tutor interaction. Your learning will be focused around tutor-delivered material, peer discussion, directed self-study and assignments. Teaching materials include webinars, videos, discussion boards and podcasts.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc 36 months Blended Learning Part Time September Aberdeen View
-
Programme Information
- Year 1
-
Year 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) Clinical Education (60 credits)
The PgCert in Clinical Education is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME). This enables those who undertake and successfully complete the programme to apply for full membership of the academy without the need to go through the full application and assessment process.
Membership of the Academy grants the use of the post-nominal letters MAcadMEd, and indicates the individual has been deemed to meet the Academy’s Professional Standards for Medical Educators at an appropriate level
Completion of the following four courses will lead to the award of the PgCert in Clinical Education.
Compulsory Courses
- Core Values of A Clinical Educator (ME5025)
-
15 Credit Points
The Core Values of a Clinical Educator course is designed to promote reflection and develop further knowledge, skills and practice emulating the core professional values of an educator in teaching and learning in clinical education. Students will explore and reflect upon topics including promoting safe, quality care whilst providing education, professional identity and integrity, respect and a commitment to scholarship and reflection in medical education.
Teaching, using a variety of methods such as seminars and small group work, will provide an overview of topics and a foundation for students to engage further with independent study and reflection.
View detailed information about this course - Planning and Design of Clinical Education (ME5026)
-
15 Credit Points
The Planning and Design of Clinical Education course is designed to enhance a critical understanding and develop skills for the principles supporting learning and teaching in clinical education. Topics covered include underpinning theories, evidence base and external influences upon learning. Students’ will identify organisational factors, learning needs; define outcomes and understand the purpose and methods for evaluation. Students’ will critically apply and construct the principles of planning and design contextualised to their place of work.
View detailed information about this course - Teaching and Facilitating Learning in Clinical Education (ME5503)
-
15 Credit Points
This course explores delivery of teaching and facilitation of learning in clinical education. Students will develop knowledge and skills of a systematic approach to teaching and how to maintain effective learning environment. Underpinning principles and innovations will be explored for a variety of teaching methods including small and large group and lecture based teaching, work based, bedside teaching and use of patients and simulation for clinical education. This course will also develop critical understanding of receiving and providing effective feedback for learning. Students will receive feedback and develop educational practice through the method of peer observation and self-reflection
View detailed information about this course - Principles of Assessment in Clinical Education (ME5504)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for assessment of learning in clinical education. Elements explored include the principles of evidence-based approaches to assessment, methods for assessment, the development and content of assessment and ensuring quality
View detailed information about this course
- Year 2
-
Year 2
Postgraduate Diploma Clinical Education (120 credits)
Building on the skills acquired during the Certificate stage completion of the ‘Leadership Skills in Clinical Education’ course, ‘Research Skills in Clinical Education’ and one of the other elective courses will enable achievement of the Postgraduate Diploma Clinical Education.
Compulsory Courses
- Leadership in Higher / Clinical Education (ME5028)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide exposure to the wider social and political context of healthcare education and support students to contribute to curriculum development and informed educational debate and discussion. Students will attend face to face sessions. Assessment will be in the form of a reflective account and submission of a proposal for change/research project.
View detailed information about this course - Fundamentals of Research Design (PU5027)
-
15 Credit Points
Fundamentals of research design provides the student with skills in both quantitative and qualitative design enabling the student to plan ethical research in a health context. Students are taken through each step - from formulating the research question, to study design, sample selection, methods for data collection to dissemination of results.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Summarise the key factors involved in the research process
- Evaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Develop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour.v
- Fundamentals of Data Management and Analysis (ME5513)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will give students and understanding of the principles of qualitative and quantitative research analysis, and develop skills for qualitative and quantitative data management, analysis and interpretation.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Students will be able to tailor their learning through the choice of an optional course.
Students will be expected to evaluate personal experience of teaching and learning, critically analyse underpinning theory and evidence and formulate a plan for development. Please indicate on your personal statement which of the optional courses you would like to undertake.
- Teaching and Learning with Simulation (ME5506)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will explore how simulation-based learning can influence learning in clinical education. Students will undertake a critical study of the underpinning theory and evidence base that support simulation. Students’ will reflect and evaluate personal experience of learning and teaching using simulation formulating a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base for teaching and learning using simulation methods.
View detailed information about this course - Clinical Learning and Personal Development in Primary Care Education (ME5508)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will advance knowledge and understanding in the particular context of supporting and empowering learners in primary care. Students’ will reflect and evaluate personal experience of learning and teaching in primary care to formulate a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base for an aspect of teaching and learning in primary care.
View detailed information about this course - Teaching and Learning Professionalism in Clinical Education (ME5512)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will explore the context of teaching and learning professionalism in clinical education. Students’ will reflect and evaluate personal experience of learning and teaching using an inter-professional approach formulating a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base for teaching and learning using an inter-professional approach.
View detailed information about this course - Self - Selected Study Course (ME5509)
-
15 Credit Points
Following discussion and with agreement, students can undertake a module based within their own discipline/context that explores a question or issue of interest that aligns with the overall programme aims. Students’ will evaluate and reflect upon personal experience of the chosen topic to formulate a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base informing the chosen topic.
View detailed information about this course
- Year 3
-
Year 3
MSc Clinical Education (180 credits)
Completion of the Diploma will allow entry to the final stage of the MSc Clinical Education programme with the achievement of the ‘Research project in Clinical Education’.
Compulsory Courses
MSc Research Project
In the research project, students will design, conduct and submit a report on an education research project under the guidance and support of an identified supervisor. Students will have a thorough grounding in all the main aspects of clinical education i.e. delivery as well as the organisation and leadership of clinical education.
Summative assessment will include a poster submission of research project (30% of final grade) and a project report in the form of a scientific paper (70% of final grade).
- Research Project in Clinical Education (ME5029)
-
60 Credit Points
Completion of the Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education will allow entry to Masters level where students will design, conduct and submit a report on an education research project. Students will have a thorough grounding in all the main aspects of clinical education i.e. delivery as well as the organisation and leadership of clinical education.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost All Students £925 Modular fee programmes - Tuition fees for 2020/21 academic year. This programme is charged on a modular basis. The fee quoted is per 15 credits. Indicative Programme Fee £11,660 Indicative programme fee based on studies beginning in the 2020/21 academic year. Fees increment annually. This fee is calculated on the basis of 180 credits of study over 3 years. - PgCert 12 months Blended Learning Part Time September Aberdeen View
-
Programme Information
- Year 1
-
Year 1
Compulsory Courses
- Core Values of A Clinical Educator (ME5025)
-
15 Credit Points
The Core Values of a Clinical Educator course is designed to promote reflection and develop further knowledge, skills and practice emulating the core professional values of an educator in teaching and learning in clinical education. Students will explore and reflect upon topics including promoting safe, quality care whilst providing education, professional identity and integrity, respect and a commitment to scholarship and reflection in medical education.
Teaching, using a variety of methods such as seminars and small group work, will provide an overview of topics and a foundation for students to engage further with independent study and reflection.
View detailed information about this course - Planning and Design of Clinical Education (ME5026)
-
15 Credit Points
The Planning and Design of Clinical Education course is designed to enhance a critical understanding and develop skills for the principles supporting learning and teaching in clinical education. Topics covered include underpinning theories, evidence base and external influences upon learning. Students’ will identify organisational factors, learning needs; define outcomes and understand the purpose and methods for evaluation. Students’ will critically apply and construct the principles of planning and design contextualised to their place of work.
View detailed information about this course - Teaching and Facilitating Learning in Clinical Education (ME5503)
-
15 Credit Points
This course explores delivery of teaching and facilitation of learning in clinical education. Students will develop knowledge and skills of a systematic approach to teaching and how to maintain effective learning environment. Underpinning principles and innovations will be explored for a variety of teaching methods including small and large group and lecture based teaching, work based, bedside teaching and use of patients and simulation for clinical education. This course will also develop critical understanding of receiving and providing effective feedback for learning. Students will receive feedback and develop educational practice through the method of peer observation and self-reflection
View detailed information about this course - Principles of Assessment in Clinical Education (ME5504)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for assessment of learning in clinical education. Elements explored include the principles of evidence-based approaches to assessment, methods for assessment, the development and content of assessment and ensuring quality
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
- PgCert 12 months Blended Learning Part Time January Aberdeen View
-
Programme Information
- Year 1
-
Year 1
Compulsory Courses
- Core Values of A Clinical Educator (ME5025)
-
15 Credit Points
The Core Values of a Clinical Educator course is designed to promote reflection and develop further knowledge, skills and practice emulating the core professional values of an educator in teaching and learning in clinical education. Students will explore and reflect upon topics including promoting safe, quality care whilst providing education, professional identity and integrity, respect and a commitment to scholarship and reflection in medical education.
Teaching, using a variety of methods such as seminars and small group work, will provide an overview of topics and a foundation for students to engage further with independent study and reflection.
View detailed information about this course - Planning and Design of Clinical Education (ME5026)
-
15 Credit Points
The Planning and Design of Clinical Education course is designed to enhance a critical understanding and develop skills for the principles supporting learning and teaching in clinical education. Topics covered include underpinning theories, evidence base and external influences upon learning. Students’ will identify organisational factors, learning needs; define outcomes and understand the purpose and methods for evaluation. Students’ will critically apply and construct the principles of planning and design contextualised to their place of work.
View detailed information about this course - Teaching and Facilitating Learning in Clinical Education (ME5503)
-
15 Credit Points
This course explores delivery of teaching and facilitation of learning in clinical education. Students will develop knowledge and skills of a systematic approach to teaching and how to maintain effective learning environment. Underpinning principles and innovations will be explored for a variety of teaching methods including small and large group and lecture based teaching, work based, bedside teaching and use of patients and simulation for clinical education. This course will also develop critical understanding of receiving and providing effective feedback for learning. Students will receive feedback and develop educational practice through the method of peer observation and self-reflection
View detailed information about this course - Principles of Assessment in Clinical Education (ME5504)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for assessment of learning in clinical education. Elements explored include the principles of evidence-based approaches to assessment, methods for assessment, the development and content of assessment and ensuring quality
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
- PgDip 12 months Blended Learning Part Time September Aberdeen View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Leadership in Higher / Clinical Education (ME5028)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide exposure to the wider social and political context of healthcare education and support students to contribute to curriculum development and informed educational debate and discussion. Students will attend face to face sessions. Assessment will be in the form of a reflective account and submission of a proposal for change/research project.
View detailed information about this course - Fundamentals of Research Design (PU5027)
-
15 Credit Points
Fundamentals of research design provides the student with skills in both quantitative and qualitative design enabling the student to plan ethical research in a health context. Students are taken through each step - from formulating the research question, to study design, sample selection, methods for data collection to dissemination of results.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Summarise the key factors involved in the research process
- Evaluate the appropriateness of study designs commonly used in applied health research studies
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Develop a research proposal to answer a health-related research question which maximises research quality and rigour.v
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Fundamentals of Data Management and Analysis (ME5513)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will give students and understanding of the principles of qualitative and quantitative research analysis, and develop skills for qualitative and quantitative data management, analysis and interpretation.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Students choose one of the following optional courses.
- Teaching and Learning with Simulation (ME5506)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will explore how simulation-based learning can influence learning in clinical education. Students will undertake a critical study of the underpinning theory and evidence base that support simulation. Students’ will reflect and evaluate personal experience of learning and teaching using simulation formulating a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base for teaching and learning using simulation methods.
View detailed information about this course - Clinical Learning and Personal Development in Primary Care Education (ME5508)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will advance knowledge and understanding in the particular context of supporting and empowering learners in primary care. Students’ will reflect and evaluate personal experience of learning and teaching in primary care to formulate a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base for an aspect of teaching and learning in primary care.
View detailed information about this course - Teaching and Learning Professionalism in Clinical Education (ME5512)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will explore the context of teaching and learning professionalism in clinical education. Students’ will reflect and evaluate personal experience of learning and teaching using an inter-professional approach formulating a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base for teaching and learning using an inter-professional approach.
View detailed information about this course - Self - Selected Study Course (ME5509)
-
15 Credit Points
Following discussion and with agreement, students can undertake a module based within their own discipline/context that explores a question or issue of interest that aligns with the overall programme aims. Students’ will evaluate and reflect upon personal experience of the chosen topic to formulate a plan for development. Development will involve enhancing knowledge and understanding and demonstrating critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and any evidence base informing the chosen topic.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
Clinical Education
Qualification
Duration
Learning Mode
Study Mode
Start Month
Location
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Teaching and learning methods will take a blended immersive approach offering interactive seminars, large and small group work, discussion forum activities with the use of online materials and methods. This encourages local students and those based in remote, rural and international locations to engage and collaborate.
Teaching and learning methods will place an emphasis on reflection applicable to students individual contexts. Not only will reflection be encouraged for the taught material but also the process by which it is taught. Students will be required and supported to reflect on their own experiences as learners and teachers. This will include methods such as peer observation and feedback on teaching.
Periods of self-directed and preparatory reading will be required. This will be enhanced and facilitated through the programmes virtual learning environment, for which full training will be provided.
Learning Methods
- E-learning
- Individual Projects
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
A combination of written assignments, oral presentations, development of reflective portfolios and course work, are prescribed for courses within the programme. Assessments are also designed to provide students with transferable skills in clinical education (e.g. presentation of assignments in the form of oral or poster presentations, podcasts and writing a research report in the form of a scientific paper).
Why Study Clinical Education?
- The programme enables doctors, dentists, physician associates, veterinary surgeons, clinical academics , biomedical science graduates and other healthcare professionals working in a clinical education context to develop knowledge, skills and professional values as a teacher, trainer and educational scholar
- Students are supported to generate new ideas in relation to their area of practice and associated teaching and learning requirements
- The programme provides direct support for the professional development requirements for the role of an educator
- The programme is undertaken through part-time study, to accommodate the parallel duties of clinical and academic staff, and is applicable to those relatively new to clinical education and those who wish to advance existing knowledge and skills.
- Teaching is delivered in a blended learning format which allows students from different clinical contexts and geographical locations to engage with pre-recorded and live online teaching sessions.
- Students are encouraged to actively engage in all aspects of courses and in deepening their knowledge and skills in clinical education.
- The programme supports the development of collaborative and scholarly skills and attitudes relevant to clinical education.
What Our Students Say
Dr Malcolm Stewart
Sarah Whyte
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will usually possess an honours level degree, usually in a healthcare (e.g. MBChB, nursing or BDS) or healthcare related area (e.g. psychology) and currently be involved in teaching practice to be eligible.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies.
- ACT (Additional Cost of Teaching) Funding: Funding for the full fees for the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education may be available from NHS Grampian’s ACT fund for a career grade staff (e.g. Consultant, staff grade) applicant. Applications, submitted via the Programme Coordinator, are subject to ACT panel review and are to be made by July 31st.
- NHS Staff Discount: All NHS staff who apply for this programme or any of the individual courses within the programme will qualify for a 10% fee discount.
- Alumni Discount Scheme - a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Careers
By studying an MSc in Clinical Education at the University of Aberdeen you will have a solid grounding to enhance your role and career for teaching and learning in clinical and related education. You will develop expert knowledge and understanding of education that will enable you to help enhance and advance clinical educational practice.
Graduates of this programme have applied their knowledge and skills to their role as an educator in their existing clinical and academic post. However, many have gone on to develop as educators in a variety of roles such as Lecturers in Medical Education, Clinical Supervisors, and Simulation Faculty.
Many have also gone on to undertake lead roles in academic programmes, clinical post graduate training and conduct healthcare education research in areas as diverse as selection and assessment psychometrics.
Some of the career opportunities include:
- Further study (PhD)
- Clinical academic jobs in university settings, e.g. lecturer, researcher
- Clinical educational roles including those requiring recognition and approval by the General Medical Council such as educational supervisors, and lead roles such as directors of medical education or training programme director.
An MSc in Clinical Education from the University of Aberdeen will demonstrate to employers that you have the experience of applying the knowledge, skills and attitudes to the role of an educator in the context of clinical education.
The contacts that you make within the University and the Foresterhill Health Campus enhance the credibility of your degree and help establish your reputation as a contributor to essential research projects.
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned educators, researchers and NHS staff.
- Other Experts
- Professor Rona Patey
- Helen Gray
- Dr Isobel Cameron
- Professor Colin Lumsden
- Ashley Meldrum
- Professor John Duncan
- Professor Alan Denison, Dean of Postgraduate Education , NHS Education Scotland
- Mrs Jane Smith
- Dr Asha Venkatesh
- Dr Leeanne Bodkin
- Programme Coordinators
- Dr Lorraine Hawick
- Dr Eve Brock
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Features
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.
OPTIONAL FACE-TO-FACE SESSIONS
Optional face-to-face sessions will be offered to students attending Year 1 courses to discuss assignments and receive any additional support. For those unable to attend in person, online meeting options can be arranged.
NHS Staff Discount
NHS staff who apply for this programme or any of the individual courses within the programme will qualify for a 10% fee discount.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX