Flexible study options
Whether you wish to study at a distance or with a mix of online and onsite face-to-face contact, our distance and blended programmes are ideal. These programmes mean that you can work and study at any time of day and have maximum flexibility. We regularly teach students from across the UK and worldwide including Mexico, Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Japan and more.
Find out more about our term dates.
Health Professions Education is an ideal option for intercalation. Read on to find out more.
Accreditation and awards
Accredited by the Advance HE, you will be able to apply for Fellowship or Associate Fellowship upon completion of the Certificate and completing a reflective portfolio, a status recognised by professional bodies as reaching international standards to deliver high quality education, with the right to use the post-nominal letters FHEA or AFHEA. Obtaining these qualifications is highly recommended for those looking to work in the education sector.
In recognition of the excellent standards of teaching, assessment, research and scholarship provided on the programme, our Certificate is also accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME) – the multi professional body which sets the standards for clinical teachers in the UK. Upon successful completion of the Certificate, students can apply for membership of the Academy (MAcadMEd), signifying that they have met the Academy’s Professional Standards for educators in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Obtaining MAcadMed is highly recommended for those looking to work in senior education roles within the clinical workplace.
We have also recently won the 2024 ASME institutional ‘commitment to scholarship’ award. The award claims exceptional commitment to ‘Advancing Scholarship in Medical Education’ (i.e. research, evaluation, innovation, practitioner inquiry), including translation of medical education ‘evidence’ into policy or practice.
Study routes
Certificate (PGCert)
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) allows you to develop an understanding of the key principles of learning, teaching, assessment and professional practice, which relate to clinical education. The Certificate covers large and small groups teaching, session design and delivery and reflective practice.
Credits: 60 credits over three 20-credit modules
Study length: Part-time, one year
Start date: January or September
Online, self-directed learning and assessment: Up to 200 hours per module
Face-to-face (blended learning option): 8 hours per module (1 day)
Diploma (PGDip)
In the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), you can explore aspects of leadership and management and contemporary practices in education, supporting you to deliver quality health professions education in your clinical and teaching practice. Diploma modules are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills upon which you can continue to build your own career, and build the foundations for a successful MSc dissertation project.
Credits: 120 credits over six 20-credit modules
Study length: Part-time, two years
Start date: January or September
Online, self-directed learning and assessment: Up to 200 hours per module
Face-to-face (blended learning option): 8 hours per module (1 day)
Masters (MSc)
In the Masters (MSc) programme, you will undertake a high-quality research project in health professions education, relevant to you own discipline and research interests. Our Masters programme has an excellent record of publishing work in research journals. You will have a dedicated supervisor who is research active and will guide you through your research journey.
You can also choose to do the MSc by thesis (research), and if you are interested in this option, you can arrange this by contacting pgtadmissions@hyms.ac.uk.
Credits: 180 credits over six 20-credit modules plus 60-credit dissertation
Study length: Full-time: 1 year, part-time: 3 years
Start date: January or September
Research and dissertation preparation: 600 hours per academic year