Clinical Education

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.

Please note, the face-to-face versions of this course are open to Home (UK) applicants only. The distance learning (online) versions of this course are open to both Home and International applicants.

Month of entry

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

Mode of study

Online programme, Part time

Location

Keele University campus Online

Subject area

Health and Rehabilitation, Medicine

Fees for 2024/25 academic year

MSc (180 credits) £4,250 (per year of study)
PG Dip (120 credits) £4,250 (per year of study)
PG Cert (60 credits) £4,250

Duration of study

1 year - Postgraduate Certificate 2 years - Postgraduate Diploma 3 years - MSc

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)

Why study Clinical Education at Keele University?

Our teaching Faculty include specialist clinical educators along with educationally qualified clinicians, working in both Primary and Secondary care

The Postgraduate Certificate pathways are accredited by both the Academy of Medical Educators, and Advance HE (formally the Higher Education Academy), HEA

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

Course summary

This course 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.

The course is divided into three levels: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and full MSc. Students can step off at any level. 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).

Postgraduate Certificate

Open to Home (UK) students part time, as a face-to-face OR distance learning course OR a hybrid combination.

Open to International students part time, as a distance learning (online) course only.

This 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

Postgraduate Diploma

Open to Home (UK) students part time, as a face-to-face OR distance learning course OR a hybrid combination.

Open to International students part time, as a distance learning (online) course only.

Building upon the foundations of the certificate course, the diploma explores more specialised aspects of clinical education. You are able to select modules which reflect your own areas of interest or expertise. 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

Open to Home (UK) students part time, as a face-to-face OR distance learning course OR a hybrid combination.

Open to International students part time, as a distance learning (online) course only.

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. To complete the masters, you undertake a clinical education-based research project.
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 successful completion of your Dissertation, you should 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 taught PG Certificate course starts 13 September 2024 with an application deadline of 30 August 2024.

Please note: The face-to-face teaching days to which attendance is mandatory are: 13 and 20 September, 21 October, 4 November 2024, 21 and 26 January 2025, 7 March plus one further date in March 2025 TBC
The next distance learning course starts on 9 October 2024 with an application deadline of 29 September 2024.

Teaching facilities

The course is hosted by Keele University's School of Medicine, which is one of the top ranked universities in the UK. You will have access to university libraries (online facilities for distance learning) facilities and enjoy the support of the wider university. Teaching Faculty include specialist clinical 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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ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The Postgraduate Certificate pathways are accredited by both the Academy of Medical Educators, and Advance HE (formally the Higher Education Academy), HEA. Successful completion of the course entitles participants to be recognised as Fellows of the AoME and / or HEA and use the
post-nominals MAcadMEd and / or FHEA.

Academy of medical educators logo

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Course structure

Taught Modules

Certificate - Face to face

Comprises of four core 15 credit modules, amounting to 60 credits in total to gain the Certificate.

Certificate – Distance learning

Comprises of one core 30 credit module (Effective Clinical Teaching) 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, you must include the research 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 for the final 60 credits which is achieved through submission of a dissertation.

Modules

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Compulsory Modules (comprising the postgraduate certificate)

Introduction to Clinical Education (15 credits)
Teaching Methods and Theories of Learning (15 credits)
Assessment in Clinical Education (15 credits)
Educational Supervision and Feedback (15 credits)

Optional Modules - (with the PG Certificate modules, comprising the Postgraduate Diploma)

Select four from the following 15 credit modules:

MSc Project - 60 credits

This may be research or 'desk' based. The School has a number of defined projects or you can write your own research proposal.

Next steps

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Dr Clive Gibson talks about Keele's Clinical Education programme

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Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

Typical Offer: A recognised degree level award in your chosen area of healthcare.

This course is designed for graduate health professionals currently engaged in clinical teaching.

We can accept International applicants on to any version of this course - PG Cert, PG Dip or MSc - if the chosen mode of attendance is distance learning.

We don’t accept degrees from certain universities in Bangladesh, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

References

Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

During the 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.
Dissertation pathway: The emphasis is on self-directed learning supported by individual educational supervisors. It is essential that students identify a local topic-specific supervisor for 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.

MSc

The emphasis is on self-directed learning supported by individual educational supervisors. It is essential that students identify a local topic-specific supervisor for 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/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

You will undertake 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.

A written dissertation (15,000 words) OR
A journal style article, supported by a presentation of research design and reflective piece.

Progression and affiliation

The Postgraduate Certificate pathways are accredited by both the Academy of Medical Educators, and Advance HE (formally the Higher Education Academy, HEA). Successful completion of the courses entitles participants to be recognised as Fellows of the AoME and/or HEA and use the post-nominals MAcadMEd and/or 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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"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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Our expertise

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

Postgraduate 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 the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Queens University Belfast.

Deputy Programme Director, 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.

Lecturer, Karl Gimblett (k.gimblett@keele.ac.uk)

Karl Gimblett was appointed as lecturer in Clinical Education in the summer of 2022 and has extensive expertise in digital education, collaborating on a number of digital projects with the NHS. Karl's research interests lie in the use of role-playing games in medical education, as well as broader interests in feedback and assessment practices, and curriculum design.

Lecturer, 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 master's 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. Since 2021 she has been Clinical Director for Staffordshire Training Hub and is responsible for provision of education and training in Primary Care for Staffordshire and Stoke.

Lecturer: Dr Abbie Meacham (a.k.meacham@keele.ac.uk)

Dr Abbie Meacham was appointed as a Lecturer in Clinical Education in 2022. She has previously taught extensively at the school in her role as a Clinical Teaching Fellow. She is a practising clinician working part time in Acute and General Medicine. Currently, she is a module lead for three modules of study within the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Clinical Education programs. These modules are closely aligned to her academic and educational interests in clinical simulation, assessment practices and professional identity formation.

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

Eliot is a clinical academic with expertise in faculty development and medical education research. He has particular interests in selection and widening access, assessment, and leadership development. He completed his undergraduate medical training, Master's in Medical Education, and academic foundation programme at Keele University before moving to London to undertake a PhD in Medical Education at University College London (UCL). He has also recently completed a PgDip in Leadership For The Health Professions at Swansea University. He was appointed as a teaching fellow in Medical Education in 2018, and lecturer in 2019. His role predominantly involves postgraduate teaching on the MSc Clinical Education, and conducting and supporting medical education research. In addition to his role at Keele, Eliot works clinically at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and is an honorary lecturer at the Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care at UCL.

Lecturer: Dr Dominic Proctor (d.o.proctor@keele.ac.uk)

Dr Dom Proctor was appointed to the School of Medicine in 2022 as a part-time Lecturer in Clinical Education. Dom completed his MSc Clinical Education in 2019 at the University of Exeter and works as a junior doctor in London. He has experience of teaching at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level and currently leads on the 'Theoretical Perspectives on Simulation in Clinical Education' module and co-leads the 'Educational Supervision and Feedback' module.

Lecturer: Dr Gareth Byrne (g.byrne@keele.ac.uk)

Dr Gareth Byrne was appointed as a Lecturer in Clinical education in 2022. He completed his undergraduate medical degree and postgraduate training in Clinical Education at Keele University. He currently leads F2F and distance modules including ‘Effective Educational Supervision’ and ‘Simulation design and delivery’. He also works as an Anaesthetist, currently training within the Stoke School of Anaesthesia.

Next steps

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