MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip

Medical and Healthcare Education

Combine your passions for health and education and start your leadership journey. Study online by distance learning.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Distance learning
Award
MSc
Duration
2 years part-time

You can study this course over two years and gain an MSc. Alternatively, study over one year and gain a PGCert, or 16 months and gain a PGDip. All options are part-time by distance learning, and start in September or January. The PGDip also offers a May start.

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This course is ideal if you're a registered healthcare professional who engages in teaching or learning as part of your job.

Studying online, you’ll take part in seminars and workshops with peers. You'll explore methods of learning and teaching in healthcare, and some of the philosophies connected with education in general.

Through optional modules (PGDip and MSc students), you can discover areas such as simulation-based learning in more depth.

As well as group work, you'll benefit from supportive individual tutorials.

Academy of Medical Educators (AoME)

The PGCert element of this course is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME). As a graduate, you’ll be able to apply for AoME membership – demonstrating your commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

AoME (Academy of Medical Educators) logo
Why ARU?
  • Study online alongside other healthcare professionals

  • Learn from experienced healthcare practitioners and medical educators

  • Strengthen your professional practice with a comprehensive understanding of medical education

  • Support your career progression in healthcare teaching and education roles

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Dio Giotas

ARU allowed me to achieve my personal and professional ambitions. I felt supported, empowered, and accomplished.

Dio Giotas, PGCert Medical and Healthcare Education graduate

Build the confidence to teach, assess and support learners across a range of clinical and professional settings.

Whether studying for a PGCert, PGDip or MSc, you’ll develop evidence-based knowledge and practical skills, strengthen your leadership potential, and enhance your credibility as an educator.

The PGCert element of this course is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME). As a graduate, you’ll be able to apply for AoME membership – demonstrating your commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

As the course is aligned to the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) 2023, you can also apply for Fellowship of Advance HE.

Teaching and modules

Discover ways to motivate learners, design effective learning resources, and plan and deliver lessons.

You’ll also reflect on your own practice and work to become the best educator you can be.

If you’re studying for a PGDip or MSc, your course includes several optional modules. You can explore simulation-based learning; develop specialist teaching techniques; or build your leadership skills.

MSc students also complete a Postgraduate Research Project.

Please note: the optional module, Principles of Simulation in Medical and Healthcare Education, includes workshops in our specialist simulation suite. If you select this module, you'll be required to attend three workshops in Chelmsford.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Principles of Medical and Healthcare Education (30 credits)
  • Philosophies of Medical and Healthcare Education (30 credits)
Year 2
  • Postgraduate Research Design (30 credits)
  • Postgraduate Research Project
  • Principles of Simulation in Medical and Healthcare Education (30 credits) *
  • Specialist Techniques in Medical and Healthcare Education (30 credits) *
  • Global Leadership (30 credits) *
Module details

You can choose to study over one year part-time, and gain a PGCert.

If you do this, you'll study three core modules. Further details are below under 'Which modules will I study?'

For full module descriptions, see the MSc tab.

You can choose to study over 16 months, and gain a PGDip.

If you do this, you'll study four core modules and one optional module. Further details are below under 'Which modules will I study?'

For full module descriptions, see the MSc tab.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.

These include extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Medical and Healthcare Education

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