CLINICAL EDUCATION at University of Sussex

Course Overview

The overall aim of the course is to promote knowledge of, and research into, learning, teaching and communication in a clinical context, together with facilitating a reflective awareness of participants’ related skills and their ongoing development. The course allows candidates to progress from initial PGCert level to PGDip and MSc levelq ualifications. The Diploma route will normally take a year, while progression to the Masters degree entails completion of an in-depth research project, normally taking a further year.

This course is flexible in that it offers two entry routes, choices for modular study and appropriate academic targets.

Those who have already completed either the BSMS Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education (or equivalent, if APL requested) or the BSMS Postgraduate Certificate in Simulation Studies, may enter at Postgraduate Diploma Level. These participants would then successfully complete a further three 20-credit optional modules to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education (120 M level credits). Normally these modules would be completed part-time within one academic year.

Participants wishing to progress to Masters level must include Module MDM 10 ‘Research Methods & Critical Appraisal’ in their choice of three.

A 12,000-word dissertation (as well as an academic poster for publication) in the academic field of clinical education completes the Master of Science degree (180 M level credits). This would normally be completed in a further year, but some students with busy NHS jobs find it can take up to two years to complete.

Key areas of study

The overall aim of the course is to promote knowledge of and research into learning, teaching and communication in a clinical context, together with facilitating a reflective awareness of participants’ related educational skills and their ongoing development.

• Professional identity as a teacher
• Pedagogical practice in medical education
• Advanced communication skills and strategies in medical education
• Technology-enhanced learning
• Simulation studies
• Leadership and facilitation
• Evidence-based clinical academic practice
• Clinical education research and methodology 

Career Opportunities

This course provides health professionals with a firm base to underpin their role as medical educators.

Formal credentialing in medical and clinical education is currently being considered seriously at national level in the UK and elsewhere, and the ‘Teaching Excellence Framework’ (May 2016) for higher education institutions in the UK also means that careers in medical or clinical education are likely to be enhanced via the acquisition of formal qualifications in clinical teaching.

This course provides an ideal vehicle for participants to pursue an appropriate level of study for their educational commitments and in this national context, should help them in career development.
Any clinician wishing to take a professional approach to their postgraduate studies in medical or clinical education would be strongly recommended to consider this new course.