Postgraduate Diploma Medical Education (Online Delivery)

Healthcare professionals are increasingly required to have formally recognised teaching qualifications. Delivered with our partner Diploma MSc, the postgraduate diploma is aimed at healthcare professionals involved in any form of medical teaching. This online part time distance learning diploma is specially developed for busy healthcare professionals such as Doctors, GPs, healthcare professionals and those with related undergraduate degrees such as pharmacists. 

The Medical Education course will develop a critical knowledge and understanding, and application of medical education. On completion, graduates will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of specific issues at the forefront of theory and practice in medical education; be able to critically evaluate medical education theories and principles to inform educational practice; demonstrate awareness of advanced knowledge in educational methods and practice, and display a critical understanding of the intricacies of adult pedagogy.

Study Mode
2024
Duration Start Date Campus Campus Code
Part-time 1 Year March Online 8
Part-time 1 Year September Online 8
Study Mode
2025
Duration Start Date Campus Campus Code
Part-time 1 Year March Online 8
Part-time 1 Year September Online 8

Module 1 - The practice of medical education
Aim of the module:

To develop a critical understanding of the context of medical education in the broader profession of education which puts focus on patient care.
Synopsis of module content:

●      Learning and teaching theories
●      Learning and teaching methods
●      Lesson planning
●      Practical skills for teaching online learning: Indivduals; small and large groups
●      Practical skills for teaching online learning
●      Current topics and controversies


On completion of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:
Critical understanding of teaching methods and theories for the application of learning
Critical understanding of the importance of medical education and how to put the focus on patient care.


Module 2 - Assessment
Aim of the module:

To develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of assessment in medical education.
Synopsis of module content:

●      Performance /Testing
●      Formative assessment
●      Summative assessment
●      Constructing an assessment (case study)
●      Supervision and feedback (appraisal)
●      Current topics/controversies


On completion of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:
Critically analyse a range of assessment methodologies
Critically apply formative and summative assessment to the field of medical education.


Module 3 - Evaluation
Aim of the module:

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the different types of evaluation.
Synopsis of module content:

●      Regulatory context of Medical Education
●      Moore’s levels
●      Programme evaluation
●      Case Studies
●      Current topics and controversies


On completion of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the different models of evaluation
Apply evaluation into practice to improve education for patient care.


Module 4 - Media
Aim of the module:

Develop an in-depth understanding of how to incorporate a variety of digital programmes into medical education.
Synopsis of module content:

●      Educational media and technology (media in the context of lesson planning)
●      Presentation skills
●      Simulation (Augmented Reality/virtual Reality)
●      Big data, big “clinical” data
●      Emerging technologies; Ubiquitous web Internet of Things, mobile, digital ecology.


On completion of this module the student should be able to demonstrate:
Justify and critically evaluate the role of media in medical education
Critically evaluate emerging technologies in medical education.


Module 5 - Leadership
Aim of the module:

To develop an in depth understanding of the importance of effective leadership to help improve patient care.
Synopsis of module content:

●      Leadership
●      Monitoring the performance of healthcare professionals
●      Academy of Medical Educators (AoME) domains
●      Policy and strategy including interprofessional learning and compliance with the disability and dyslexia act
●      Ethics
●      Scholarship


On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of AoME professional standards for medical educators
Critically evaluate the role of a leader in medical education


Module 6 - Curriculum
Aim of the module:

To develop the skills and knowledge to plan a curriculum as a medical educator.
Synopsis of module content:

●      Curriculum planning and application
●     Programmes of learning (theories, curricular design, QA, assessment methods, evaluation)
●     Service user involvement


On completion of this module the student should be able to:
1.     Take responsibility for planning and developing a course curriculum
2.    Critically evaluate a medical education curriculum from various perspectives

Teaching

Although you’ll be learning online you will be part of a group with 10 to 15 other students. Your self-directed distance learning will be guided by tutor-stimulated discussion based on clinically rich case scenarios.

You’ll do a combination of individual and group projects, and you’ll have a reflective practice portfolio to help you consider how what you’re learning on the course can be translated into everyday work and practice.

You’ll have the support of a dedicated team who will help you with any challenges you may face - from help with navigating our online learning platform to advice on what you need to do to pass the course and meet deadlines.

Once you have secured your place on the course, you will be invited to an Online Induction Day Webinar. This will give you the opportunity to participate in study skills workshops on Harvard Referencing, scientific and reflective writings, and levels of evidence in preparation for your studies.


It is not compulsory for you to attend our Induction Day, but it is recommended as it’ll provide you with a sturdy introduction to the course.

Assessment

The medical education course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment, embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the six modules has the same assessment format:

Academic Forum - 40%
Reflective Journal - 10%
Module activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%

You will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor who will facilitate clinical case discussions with the group and monitor, assess and mark your work throughout each module.

Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module, ideally on a daily basis.

Facilities

As part of your studies you will have access to over 13,000 full-text journal articles, news articles and conference proceedings.

Lecturers

  • Dr Richard Chudleigh, Course Director
  • Angela Sims, Course Lead

We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.


To secure your place on the course, applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree. Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account.

In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.

English Language Requirements

Proficiency in the English Language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
 

This course is run in partnership with Diploma MSc. Please refer to their website for fee information.

August 2023 - July 2024 Fees

August 2024 - July 2025 Fees

August 2025 - July 2026 Fees

Student Perks

At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.

Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.

Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

This course is run in partnership with Diploma MSC who have over 10 years` experience in delivering award-winning, online, Postgraduate Diploma, MSc and MBA distance education courses.

Click here to apply to study this course via Diploma MSC.

Admissions statement 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education provides healthcare professionals with the theory needed to prepare current and future generations of healthcare professionals.