Clinical Education (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time intermittent study
  • PgProfDev | up to 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
Part-time
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2027
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2027
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

Open Days on Demand

Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff.


About the degree programme

Clinical education is central to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Whether you teach students, supervise trainees or support learning in the workplace, this flexible online programme will help you become a more confident, effective and evidence-informed clinical educator.

You will explore how people learn and how to design effective teaching and assessment. You will also learn how to use educational evidence to improve your practice, with opportunities to apply your learning directly in your own professional setting.

As you progress from the Postgraduate Certificate to the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc, you will develop deeper expertise in areas including curriculum design, educational leadership, research and quality improvement. You can tailor your studies through a choice of option courses and, at MSc level, choose a pathway that supports your professional goals: additional taught study, a quality improvement project or an independent research dissertation.

You can also choose to study individual courses if you want to develop specific areas of your professional knowledge without undertaking a longer award. This route is called Postgraduate Professional Development (PgProfDev).

At the University of Edinburgh, you will study alongside an international community of healthcare professionals from different disciplines and learn from experienced clinical educators. You will receive detailed feedback and support throughout your studies while building connections with professionals working in different healthcare settings.

Designed for working professionals, the programme allows you to continue your career while developing skills that you can use to improve teaching, assessment and clinical education in your organisation.

Study options

The programmes are part-time, flexible, online learning to allow you to work and study at the same time. For most students, the usual route of study is:

  • Postgraduate Certificate, 60 credits = 1 year of study
  • Postgraduate Diploma, 120 credits = 2 years of study
  • Masters degree, 180 credits = 3 years of study

For intermittent study, you will have:

  • up to 2 years for the Postgraduate Certificate
  • up to 4 years to complete the Postgraduate Diploma
  • up to 6 years to complete the Masters degree
Postgraduate Professional Development (PgProfDev)

PgProfDev is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through postgraduate-level courses, without the time or financial commitment of a full degree.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PgProfDev scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit but not an exit qualification.

If you wish to continue your studies with us, you can request a transfer from PgProfDev onto a named exit award. If your request is successful and you are eligible to transfer, you will be required to complete all compulsory courses required for your chosen exit award. You should consult your programme team before submitting a request.

Any time spent studying PgProfDev will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Programme benefits

  • Apply your learning immediately by using educational theory and evidence to enhance your teaching, assessment and curriculum design in your own clinical or professional setting throughout the programme.
  • Study flexibly alongside your career with a part-time, fully online programme designed for busy healthcare professionals, offering multiple study pathways and the option to progress from a Postgraduate Certificate to a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc.
  • Tailor your learning to your professional goals through a wide choice of option courses and, at MSc level, the flexibility to complete additional taught study, a quality improvement project or an independent research dissertation.
  • Join an international learning community of clinicians and educators who share ideas, perspectives and experience from different healthcare systems.
  • Lead educational change by developing expertise in teaching, assessment, curriculum design, educational leadership and research.
  • Gain recognition for your educational practice through eligibility to apply for Fellowship of Advance HE after completing the Postgraduate Certificate and meeting the relevant qualifying criteria.

What I like best about the programme is its flexibility and accessibility. With my unpredictable work schedule, I am grateful for the opportunity to study when, where and how I can.

Kristna Thompson MSc Clinical Education
A student in a clinical practice teaching space, smiling at the camera.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

There are no mandatory additional costs.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A primary clinical qualification, such as an MBChB, BVS, BDS, Bachelor of Nursing, or a UK 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject, or their international equivalents.

We will also consider your application if you have a biomedical science qualification or a non-university professional qualification, such as Registered General Nurse, with appropriate clinical experience.

You must be currently teaching in clinical or educational settings.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Throughout the programme, you will develop the knowledge and skills to design, deliver and evaluate effective clinical education. You will explore how people learn, how curricula and assessments are developed, and how educational evidence can be used to enhance teaching and improve the learner experience.

As you progress, you will tailor your studies through a choice of option courses before completing either additional taught study, a quality improvement project or an independent research dissertation. Throughout the programme, you will apply your learning to your own professional practice, helping you improve clinical education within your workplace. 

Programme structure

Compulsory courses

Principles of Teaching and Learning (MEED11013)

This course is designed to encourage students to consider the learner, the teacher and the educational environment and how these factors interact.

The Curriculum (MEED11014) 

This course will consider: what is a curriculum, how it is created and what impact it has on students, institutions and professional development in the undergraduate and postgraduate phases.

Assessment, Examinations and Standard Setting (MEED11022) 

The focus of this course is on the principles of good assessment as it relates to the range of methods used within healthcare today across the world. 

Option courses

Electives courses to take in Year 2, or Year 3 if taking Pathway 1 (see below) include:

  • Critical Literature Review (see Pathway 2 below)
  • Research in Clinical Education (required for the Dissertation - see Pathway 3 below)
  • Simulation Methodology for Clinical Education
  • Current Issues in Clinical Education
  • Policy, Leadership, Management and Evaluation
  • Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Practice
  • Clinical Education and Digital Culture
  • Quantitative Research in Clinical Education

Exact options may vary from year to year. Please contact the programme team for more information about available courses and course start dates.

Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study

Student pathways

Students take one of the following pathways in Year 3 of the MSc:

Pathway 1 (Taught): students select 60 credits of taught courses from those available as Year 2 electives.

Pathway 2 (QI): students take both Critical Literature Review (20 credits) and Adopting quality improvement methodology approaches to clinical education (40 credits).

Pathway 3 (Dissertation): students take the Dissertation course (60 credits). Students must have taken Research in Clinical Education in Year 2 in order to take this pathway. 

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

  • live conversations, which are recorded for those who cannot attend
  • online discussion boards

All of the online content and teaching is designed to be accessible for those who cannot engage synchronously due to differences in time zone or work commitments.

Assessment

Exact assessments vary by course. All courses are assessed 100% by coursework, usually 1 or maximum 2 summative assignments. The below examples are from compulsory courses in Year 1/PgCert:

Principles of Teaching and Learning:

  • Infographic (25%)
  • Written Reflective Account (75%)

The Curriculum:

  • Written Assignment (100%)

Assessment, Examinations and Standard Setting:

  • Written Assignment (100%)

Examples of assessment on Year 2 and 3 courses include:

  • Critical Literature Review
  • Presentation
  • Position Paper
  • Dissertation (if taking Pathway 3 on the MSc)

Learning outcomes

After completing the MSc in Clinical Education, graduates will understand how to:

  • Design and deliver effective clinical education by planning teaching that meets the needs of learners in a range of healthcare settings, including online environments. 
  • Develop fair and meaningful assessments that support learning and measure achievement using a range of assessment methods. 
  • Use educational evidence to improve your practice by critically evaluating research and applying it to teaching, assessment and curriculum development. 
  • Evaluate and enhance learning by reflecting on your own teaching and using feedback and evidence to drive continuous improvement.
  • Lead educational change by contributing to curriculum development, educational innovation and quality improvement within your organisation.  
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with learners, educators and colleagues to support high-quality clinical education across different professional and healthcare contexts.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.  

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. 

How we support you 

You will also be allocated a Learning Mentor who will be there for you to provide guidance, support and advice on your academic and professional development through the programme for the duration of your studies.

Our academic staff

You will learn from an experienced team of clinical educators with varied clinical backgrounds and extensive experience in higher education. Our staff are actively involved in clinical education research and the scholarship of teaching and learning, contributing to national and international conferences and helping to advance educational practice.

Our teaching is underpinned by an ethic of hospitality, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to contribute, share experiences and learn from an international community of healthcare professionals. 

Programme Team

 

Meet the Clinical Education team

How online learning works

Online programmes are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, LEARN. Our award-winning, online learning technology is fully interactive, and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to the University of Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Time commitment

All routes including PgProfDev typically study 1 course per term, hours below (although ICL students have the option of studying 0 or more than 1 course in a given term):

15-20 hours per week, teaching takes the form of live conversations that are recorded for those who cannot participate in real time. These usually take place in the morning (e.g. 09:30 am) and some courses may be repeated in the evening to cater for students in different timezones. Typically either a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Equipment and software needs

Hardware requirements

Essential: A computer capable of running office software with an internet connection.

Recommended: Webcam, microphone, earphones (ideally a headset with microphone and earphones), and reliable broadband.

Software requirements

Essential: Web browser, word processing and presentation software. Please note that students must use their Office 365 Outlook account for email.

Recommended: Microsoft Office 365, Nvivo, Endnote, Miro. Reference management software (e.g. Zotero, Mendeley, Endnote).

For years 2-3 additional software may be recommended e.g. NVivo and SPSS. 

All of the above software is available via University licences once matriculated. 

Technical support

Students can contact clinicaleducation@ed.ac.uk during office hours, and is.helpline@ed.ac.uk at any time. 

Support for online students

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree. 

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

How we support you

You will also be allocated a Learning Mentor who will be there for you to provide guidance, support and advice on your academic and professional development through the programme for the duration of your studies.

Our courses feature discussion boards enabling students to support each other as peers, with engagement from the programme team.

The admin team are available via email to support with the learning platform, technical problems and signposting to other support services. More complex technical issues may be referred to the IS Helpline. Students can typically expect a response within 1-2 working days.

Accreditation

Upon completion of the Postgraduate Certificate, and by meeting qualifying criteria, you will be eligible to apply for fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA).

Advance HE

We are members of the Academy of Medical Educators and on completion of the Postgraduate Certificate and by meeting their qualifying criteria, you can apply for membership through the shortened route.

Academy of Medical Educators

Career opportunities

This programme will help you progress your career in clinical education, whether you are developing your teaching practice, taking on educational leadership responsibilities or supporting curriculum development within your organisation. You will graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to design and deliver high-quality education, contribute to curriculum development, evaluate educational practice and support learning across a range of healthcare settings.

Graduates may progress into roles such as Clinical Tutor, Educational Supervisor, University Lecturer, Programme Director or Education Researcher. Others use the knowledge and skills gained on the programme to lead curriculum development, improve assessment practices, contribute to quality improvement initiatives or take on wider educational leadership responsibilities within healthcare organisations, universities and professional bodies. 

Professional links

This programme is affiliated with NHS Education for Scotland and the University's Global Health Academy.

Further study

Graduates may be interested in our PhD in Clinical Education programme, giving them the opportunity to benefit from the experience of our programme team as they pursue their own research in the field. 

Graduate profiles

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

Additional application information

You must be currently teaching in clinical or educational settings.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
1 November 2026 1 November 2026
1 February 2027 1 February 2027
13 September 2027 20 August 2027
1 November 2027 1 November 2027
1 February 2028 1 February 2028

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us

Academic contact

  • Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska
  • Programme Director

Contact details

Address

Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh
5-7 Little France Road
Edinburgh BioQuarter - Gate 3
Edinburgh
EH16 4UX