Health Professions Education - Pathways

This is the most flexible route, with no core modules other than the final research project and a pre-requisite module if you are planning to complete the full MSc.

You can study towards a PGCert, PGDip or MSc.

PG Cert in Health Professions Education (60 credits)

There is no prescribed core content, so you are able to choose the modules that most interest you.

PG Diploma in Health Professions Education (120 credits)

You must complete a total of 120 credits of modules. You have a completely free choice of modules.

If you wish to progress to the MSc, you must complete a 15 credit pre-requisite module in the diploma year, based on the type of research project you wish to do. 

• Writing a Research Proposal for Clinical Education Projects (MDSC0022) for the dissertation.
• Conducting Literature Reviews for Health Professions (MDSC0031) for the report. 

MSc in Health Professions Education (180 credits)

The MSc consists of 180 credits: 120 credits from taught modules plus a 60-credit research project (10,000-12,000 words), which can be one of the following:

• A dissertation, for which you collect and analyse empirical data, usually from research participants.
• A report, for which you undertake desk-based research on an extended review of literature.

Our leadership route allows you to develop your expertise in key elements of leadership theory and practice. You can study for a named 'Leadership' award at each level of the course: certificate, diploma and MSc.

PG Cert in Health Professions Education (Leadership) (60 credits)

You must complete 60 credits: 30 credits from Leadership modules (below), and 30 credits from the optional module list.

PG Diploma in Health Professions Education (Leadership) (120 credits)

You must complete a total of 120 credits of modules: 60 from Leadership modules (below), and 60 from the optional module list.

If you wish to progress to the MSc, you must include a 15-credit pre-requisite module in the diploma year, based on the type of research project you wish to do.

• Writing a Research Proposal for Clinical Education Projects (MDSC0022) for the dissertation.
• Conducting Literature Reviews for Health Professions (MDSC0031) for the report. 

MSc in Health Professions Education (Leadership) (180 credits)

The MSc consists of 180 credits: 120 credits of modules (inc. 60 credits of Leadership modules) and a 60-credit research project (10,000-12,000 words), which can be one of the following:

• A dissertation, for which you collect and analyse empirical data, usually from research participants.
• A report, for which you undertake desk-based research on an extended review of literature.

To complete this pathway, leadership must be the focus of your project.

Leadership modules

• Quality Improvement in Health Care (15 credits)
• Leadership Skills for the Healthcare Professional (15 credits)
• Strategic Leadership (15 credits)
• Approaches to Leading Change (15 credits)

This route is designed for clinicians working in primary care. The PG Certificate has been mapped to the GMC standards for trainers. You can study for a named 'Primary Care' award at each level of the course: certificate, diploma and MSc.

PG Cert in Health Professions Education (Primary Care) (60 credits)

You complete three core modules:

• Teaching and Learning in Health Professions Education (15 credits)
• Introduction to Assessment (15 credits)
• Clinical and Educational Supervision (30 credits)

This curriculum has been mapped to the GMC Standards for Trainers, so there is no flexibility at this level.

PG Diploma in Health Professions Education (Primary Care) (120 credits)

After the certificate year, you have a free choice of module from the optional module list.

If you wish to progress to the MSc, you must include a 15-credit pre-requisite module in the diploma year, based on the type of research project you wish to do.

• Writing a Research Proposal for Clinical Education Projects (MDSC0022) for the dissertation.
• Conducting Literature Reviews for Health Professions (MDSC0031) for the report.

MSc in Health Professions Education (Primary Care) (180 credits)

The MSc consists of 180 credits: 120 credits of modules (inc. 60 credits of core Primary Care modules) and a 60-credit research project (10,000-12,000 words), which can be one of the following.

• A dissertation, for which you collect and analyse empirical data, usually from research participants.
• A report, for which you undertake desk-based research on an extended review of literature.

To complete this pathway, your project must be on an aspect of education in Primary Care.

Our research route allows you to develop your expertise in key elements of educational research theory and practice. You can study for a named ‘Research’ award at each level of the course: certificate, diploma and MSc.

PG Cert in Health Professions Education (Research) (60 credits)

You must complete 60 credits: 30 credits from Research modules (below), and 30 credits from the optional module list.

PG Diploma in Health Professions Education (Research) (120 credits)

You must complete a total of 120 credits of modules: 60 credits from Research modules (below), and 60 from the optional module list.

If you wish to progress to the MSc, you must include a 15-credit pre-requisite module in the diploma year, based on the type of research project you wish to do:

• Writing a Research Proposal for Clinical Education Projects (MDSC0022) for the dissertation.
• Conducting Literature Reviews for Health Professions (MDSC0031) for the report.

MSc in Health Professions Education (Research) (180 credits)

The MSc consists of 180 credits: 120 credits of modules (inc. 60 credits of Research modules) and a 60-credit research project (10,000-12,000 words), which can be one of the following.

• A dissertation, for which you collect and analyse empirical data, usually from research participants.
• A report, for which you undertake desk-based research on an extended review of literature.

Research modules

• Understanding Health Professions Educational Research (30 credits)
• Qualitative Approaches for Clinical Education (15 credits)
• Writing a Research Proposal for Clinical Education Projects (15 credits)
• Conducting Literature Reviews for Health Professions (15 credits)

Our Assessment route allows you to develop your expertise in key elements of assessment theory and practice. You can study for a named ‘Assessment’ award at each level of the course: certificate, diploma and MSc.

PG Cert in Health Professions Education (Assessment) (60 credits)

You must complete 60 credits: 30 credits from Assessment modules (below), and 30 credits from the optional module list.

PG Diploma in Health Professions Education (Assessment) (120 credits)

You must complete a total of 120 credits of modules: 60 credits from Assessment modules (below), and 60 from the optional module list.

If you wish to progress to the MSc, you must include a 15-credit pre-requisite module in the diploma year, based on the type of research project you wish to do:

• Writing a Research Proposal for Clinical Education Projects (MDSC0022) for the dissertation.
• Conducting Literature Reviews for Health Professions (MDSC0031) for the report.

MSc in Health Professions Education (Assessment) (180 credits)

The MSc consists of 180 credits: 120 credits of modules (inc. 60 credits of Assessment modules) and a 60-credit research project (10,000-12,000 words), which can be one of the following.

• A dissertation, for which you collect and analyse empirical data, usually from research participants.
• A report, for which you undertake desk-based research on an extended review of literature.

To complete this pathway, assessment must be the focus of your project.

Assessment modules

• Introduction to Assessment (15 credits)
• Assessment for Learning Formative Methods (15 credits)
• Assessment of Progression Summative Methods (15 credits)
• Advances in Assessment Current Issues (15 credits)

You can choose how many modules to take each year, providing you complete within the maximum time limit for the qualification:

• PG Certificate (60 credits): Aim to complete within two years.
• PG Diploma (120 credits): Five years.
• MSc (180 credits): Five years.

As a useful template, a 15-credit module is meant to equal around 150 study hours. This might include synchronous days, reading background literature, participating in online discussions, and writing your assignments.

Everyone studies at a different pace, but on average, we recommend allowing one study day a week per 15-credit module.

If you study flexibly, you pay only for the modules you select each year. The fee is based on the credit value of those modules relative to the full-time fee for the programme.

For 2024/25, the module fees for those studying flexibly are:

• 15 credits: £1,058.33
• 30 credits: £2,116.67
• 60 credits: £4,233.33

Fees for subsequent years may increase or vary.

Admissions aim to provide a decision within six working weeks of receiving a complete application and references. Sometimes, this can be longer due to other factors.

You can enquire about your application status by emailing uclms.postgraduate@ucl.ac.uk.

You can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) when you apply. You must have achieved the credits within the past five years.

Full details and an application form can be found at Student Recruitment and Admissions.

You can access information at UCL funding and scholarships.