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    Clinical Education - PgCert, PgDip, MSc

    This course is an excellent opportunity for health professionals such as Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists and Radiographers who are involved with teaching and supervising students to strengthen their skill-set and progress their career. The General Medical Council recognises that educators require the necessary knowledge for this role and that there is a need for greater professionalism and accountability as clinical teachers.

    Month of entry

    • Face to Face - September only. Distance Learning - October OR April

    Mode of study

    • Online programme, Part time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Education

    Fees for 2023/24 academic year


    • UK - MSc (180 credits), Part Time, £11,500
      UK - PG Dip (120 credits), Part Time, £7,700
      UK - PG Cert (60 credits), Part Time, £3,850

    Duration of study

    • 1 year or up to 3 years
    Apply for PG Cert (by attendance) Apply for PG Cert (distance learning) Apply for PG Dip (by attendance) Apply for PG Dip (distance learning) Apply for MSc Apply for MSc (distance learning)

    Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry

    Why study Clinical Education at Keele University?

    Britain's best university, as ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)
    Join a close-knit postgraduate community
    Top 10 in the UK for research opportunities offered to postgraduate students (PRES, 2019)

    Course summary

    Overview

    PG Certificate

    The course will cover the fundamentals of clinical education, introduce you to the latest theoretical base and expose you to the challenges of teaching and assessing students in the clinical environment. The overall aim of the course is to improve the quality and effectiveness of clinical teaching through: 

    • Understanding a learner-centred approach
    • Developing practical teaching and assessment skills
    • Promoting understanding of educational theory
    • Promoting reflective practice in education and clinical practice
    • Promoting evidence based education
    PG Diploma

    The course will cover more advanced aspects of clinical education, building upon the foundations of the Certificate Course. It will introduce you to the latest theoretical base and expose you to the challenges of teaching students in the clinical environment. The overall aim of the course is to improve the quality and effectiveness of clinical teaching. Participants will develop expertise and specialist knowledge in their chosen areas of clinical education.

    MSc

    Achieving the MSc will develop your knowledge and necessary skills to ensure professionalism is reached and maintained for clinical leaders. It will provide the individual with advanced expertise and specialist knowledge in clinical education and enable you to display critical analysis and independent thinking, to progress you in clinical education teaching.

    The total academic credit rating for the MSc degree is 180 credits, of which the taught modules comprise 120 credits and the dissertation 60 credits.

    On completion of Dissertation, the student will be able to:

    • Communicate a framework of reference (such as a literature review), to show the relevance of the proposed research.
    • Display evidence of critical analysis, independence of thought and an understanding of advanced concepts and methods related to research.
    • Demonstrate the appropriateness and intellectual coherence of the research design/plan of argument for linking questions to methods and conclusions.
    • Select appropriate information gathering methods and implement these effectively and with a high level of judgement.
    • Show evidence of advanced methods of analysis and of a high level of skill in their execution.
    • Where appropriate, evidence of critical evaluation and reassessment of results and techniques during the research period.
    • Show evidence of intellectual rigour in the interpretation of the results of the analysis.
    • Analyse ethical issues (where appropriate).
    • Produce a report of appropriate style, organization and structure.
    • Display a high level of written English and expository methods.

    Key dates

    • The next Distance Learning Course starts 9th October with an application deadline of 29th September 2023
    • The next taught PG Certificate course starts 14 September 2023 with an application deadline of 1 September 2023.

    Teaching facilities

    The course is hosted by the Keele University School of Medicine, which is one of the top ranked universities in the UK. Students have access to university libraries (online facilities for distance learning) facilities and enjoy the support of the wider university. Teaching Faculty include specialist medical educators along with educationally qualified clinicians working in both Primary and Secondary care who ensure the course is relevant to the clinical environment.

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    Bruce Summers

    "The certificate and diploma courses introduced me to the concepts and psychology of learning styles, educational motivation, reflection, small group teaching, evaluation and appraisal. The courses were excellent, practical and enjoyable, and fitted easily into my full time medical occupation. My subsequent individual award for “Learning and Teaching Excellence” from the University I attribute substantially to the knowledge gained during the courses which I was able to put into practice with my students almost immediately."

    Bruce, Graduate

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    Course structure

    Taught Modules

    Certificate
    • Comprises four core 15 credit modules, amounting to 60 credits total to gain the Certificate.
    Certificate – Distance Learning
    • Comprises of one core 30 credit module plus two selective 15 credit modules, amounting to 60 credits total to gain the Certificate.
    PG Diploma
    • There are eight modules for you to choose, four optional 15 credit modules, with a research module being one of them. There are four modules that are delivered via distance learning only. The four modules will amount to 60 credits total (this is based upon the individual already attaining a Certificate). To progress to master's level, students must include a research (only) module.
    • Students who successfully complete the 60 credit Certificate course are able to opt to proceed to a Diploma which is a further 60 credits, in total amounting to 120 credits. A student attaining the Diploma can then progress to a MSc (180 credits in total).
    MSc

    There are no formal taught modules within the dissertation.

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    Bruce Olojede

    "The course is a challenging and extremely rewarding course. It has given me invaluable insight into the many aspects involved in medical education and training. The teaching staff make it enjoyable, pushing you to develop your opinions and ideas on the subject, thus allowing you to apply it practically to your day to day work. This has not only made me a better trainee/student, but has also significantly improved my skills and expertise as a teacher."

    Bruce, Graduate

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    Entry requirements

    This degree is designed for those individuals with a recognised degree level award in their chosen area of healthcare.

    English Language Entry Requirement for International Students

    The course will be delivered in English. If English is not your first language, you must either hold a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction or take the IELTS (overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component). 

    The University also accepts a range of internationally recognised English tests.

    If you do not meet the English language requirements, the University offers a range of English language preparation programmes.

    During your degree programme you can study additional english language courses. This means you can continue to improve your English language skills and gain a higher level of English.

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    Funding

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2023 start date falls in the 2022/23 academic year. Please see the 2022/23 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2023.

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

    Scholarships

    We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.

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    Your career

    On completion of the PG Certificate, you will be able to teach in a range of medical settings, with a broad range of expertise and sector specific knowledge attained.

    Students may choose to extend their skills and depth of knowledge by progressing to a diploma or master's, which will provide you with the ability to communicate and analyse proposed research, and provide professional judgement at a higher level for critial evaluation and assessment to enable you to progress in your career in clinical education across the healthcare sector.

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    Teaching

    In your programme you will sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt.  These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe,  respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol.

    MSc, PG Certificate and PG Diploma
    • By Attendance (Face-to-Face): The course is taught through subject–centred presentations, seminars and small group activities (maximum 18 students for face-to-face). Learning and teaching methods include problem-based learning, tutorials, peer and self-assessment, evaluation, feedback, micro-teaching and reflection. Following the teaching blocks, students are supported with online materials. Students are required to conduct extensive independent study.
    • Distance Learning pathway: The online delivery of this course is via Microsoft Teams with content designed specifically for this course. Learning and teaching methods include interactive discussion forums, narrated short presentations, animated videos and video presentations. The course is delivered asynchronously over a specified time and students access the materials and activities at a time that is suitable for them via extensive independent study.
    MSc

    The emphasis is on self-directed learning supported by individual educational supervisors. It is essential that students identify a local topic-specific supervisor of their project. The topic-specific supervisor should be a senior member of staff within their local NHS Trust or Keele University or equivalent academic institution. Where students are supervised by clinicians who do not hold an academic or teaching post within the university, then a member of academic staff from the course must also oversee the project. The Course Director can assist students in identifying a supervisor.

    Assessment

    PG Certificate

    Modules will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods including written assignments, reflective diaries, reflective audio and video diaries, presentations and case studies.

    PG Diploma

    Modules will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods including written assignments, reflective diaries, presentations and case studies and production of educational media.

    MSc

    The student undertakes a dissertation project in an area related to Clinical Education. The outcome of the dissertation project can be presented for assessment in two different ways.

    1. A written dissertation (15,000 words) or,

    2. A journal style article, supported by a presentation of research design and reflective piece.

    Progression and Affliation

    The Postgraduate Certificate (by attendance (face-to-face) pathway only) is accredited by Advance HE (formally the Higher Education Academy {HEA}). Successful completion of the course entitles participants to be recognised as Fellows of the HEA and use the post-nominal FHEA.

    Students who successfully complete the 60 credit Certificate course are able to opt to proceed to a Diploma, which is a further 60 credits that can then lead to an MSc (180 credits in total).

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    Keele Postgraduate Association

    Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

    KPA interior

    Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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    Our expertise

    Academic staff in the School of Medicine for Clinical Education include:

    Course Director: Dr Clive Gibson (c.gibson@keele.ac.uk)

    Dr Clive Gibson was appointed to the School of Medicine in 2008 and is Director of the programmes leading to the MSc in Clinical Education and Academic Staff Development. Clive as a general practitioner completed his Masters in Medical Education in 2005 worked in the West Midlands and has taught extensively both locally, nationally and internationally and published in the area of clinical education. He is currently the External Examiner for the Clinical Education programmes at Bristol Medical School and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

    Module Lead: Effective Clinical Teaching, Vikki Foley (v.foley@keele.ac.uk)

    Vikki Foley was appointed to the School of Medicine in 2016 as a Lecturer in Clinical Education and provides Academic support for Staff Development initiatives within the Medical School. Vikki has an NHS background where she worked in Clinical Science and has substantial experience of work based teaching and learning in clinical environments. She has several years of experience as an academic, teaching at DeMontfort University and as a Teaching and Learning specialist at Warwick Medical School before moving to Keele University. She is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and module leader for a range of modules across Postgraduate medicine courses. Vikki is actively researching in the field of Clinical Education.

    Module Lead: Effective Educational Supervision and Professionalism, Dr Sheena Gibson (s.gibson@keele.ac.uk)

    Sheena Gibson joined the Clinical Education team in February 2020 as a Lecturer but has been Module Lead for the Professionalism Module since 2007. She has experience in the Undergraduate Medical Programme at Keele having previously been Year 5 lead (2008-2012). She is a GP near Stafford, a Locality Lead Appraiser and a GP Trainer. In addition she has been a RCGP examiner since 2O05 so she has a strong interest in assessment. Her Masters in Medical Education is from Cardiff and her dissertation looked at the “Educational needs of Primary Health care teams” and was very much focussed on interprofessional education.

    Teaching Fellow: Dr Eliot Rees (e.rees@keele.ac.uk)

    Dr Eliot Rees was appointed as a teaching fellow in Clinical Education at the School of Medicine in 2018, after having contributed to teaching on the MSc in Clinical Education during his academic foundation programme. Eliot works as a junior doctor in the NHS, and is undertaking a PhD in Medical Education investigating widening access in undergraduate admissions. His previous research focused on community based medical education and peer teaching in medical education. He currently serves on the education research committee of ASME, is vice chair of TASME, and is an editorial board member for Education for Primary Care.

    Lecturer in Clinical Education: Dr Toni Robinson (t.robinson@keele.ac.uk)

    Dr Toni Robinson joined the Clinical Education team in 2021 after completing her Masters in Medical Education and obtaining Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2019. Her masters dissertation was a realist review focussed on medical students opinions of general practice.  Toni is the module lead for Simulation in Clinical Education, teaches on the 'Teaching the Teachers' courses and supervises masters dissertation students. Toni works clinically as a junior doctor, teaches medical students on the wards and is interested in how the clinical environment can best support medical students transition to junior doctors. 

    Lecturer in Clinical Education: Dr Preanka Chandan (p.chandan@keele.ac.uk)

    Dr Preanka Chandan was appointed to the School of Medicine in 2021 as a Lecturer in Clinical Education and aims to support students with a range of teaching sessions across the programme. Preanka works as a General Practitioner in the West Midlands, and has a specialist interest in Women’s Health. As Clinical Lead for the Primary Care Workforce in the Black Country region, Preanka is an integral member of the Training Hub, supporting workforce retention. Working as a single point of access for GPs and other colleagues at practice, network and ICS level, she encourages professional development among health care professionals through active involvement in creating, promoting and evaluating local fellowship schemes, as well as addressing their educational needs.

     

     

     

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