Medical Education MMedEd, PGDip, PGCert, CPD modules
- Typical entry requirements
- View full entry requirements
- Course delivery
- E-Learning
Course information for entry year:
Overview
You will join a global, interprofessional community. Our students include nurses, doctors, pharmacists and allied health professionals from around the world. Learning alongside such a diverse group allows you to share fresh perspectives and broaden your professional outlook.
Study whenever it suits you with our engaging, interactive online materials. Deepen your learning with optional live tutorials, available both online and in-person, ensuring you stay connected with your advisers and peers regardless of your location.
Build Your Perfect Qualification
You can progress at a speed that suits you. Our "stackable" structure allows you to choose between a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Alternatively, you can take individual modules as stand-alone CPD. These courses let you refresh your skills one step at a time, and you can combine them later to earn your full certificate or diploma. It is your choice, your pace, and your career.
With our AccreditationPlus status from the Academy of Medical Educators and recognition from Advance HE, your qualification will remain highly valued by healthcare employers and academic institutions throughout your career.
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.
If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.
This official resource provides essential details on:
- whether your profession is regulated in another country.
- the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
- which organisations you should contact to begin the process.
What you'll learn
Our mix of compulsory modules will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand and develop your teaching. Optional modules allow you to develop your interest in various educational specialisms.
You’ll learn how healthcare professionals learn, using clear ideas from educational theory. The course helps you improve how you teach in clinical or classroom settings, using approaches based on evidence and real practice.
You’ll design teaching, learn how to give feedback and create fair assessments. You’ll make your teaching more effective and relevant to your learners.
You’ll also build research skills, learning how to read studies, plan your own projects and share your work. You’ll explore current issues in health care education and may engage with active research in the field.
By the end, you’ll be ready to improve education in healthcare settings. These skills support roles in teaching, training and academic work, helping you grow as an educator.
Modules
The module information on our course pages is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Scholarship in Medical Education | 20 |
| Advanced Study Module (Full-Time Delivery) | 60 |
| Teaching and Learning in the Classroom | 20 |
Masters students take optional modules to a value of 80 credits.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Scholarship in Medical Education | 20 |
| Advanced Study Module (Part-Time Delivery) | 60 |
Accelerated Masters students complete the 60 credit Advanced Study Module (the dissertation module) and the 20 credit Scholarship in Medical Education Module, plus shall take optional modules to a value of 40 credits. You will have previously completed 60 credits of taught modules whilst studying on the PGCert.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Scholarship in Medical Education | 20 |
PGDip students take optional modules to a value of 40 credits. You will have previously completed 60 credits of taught modules whilst studying on the PGCert.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Scholarship in Medical Education | 20 |
| Teaching and Learning in the Classroom | 20 |
Accelerated PGDip students take optional modules to a value of 80 credits.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Teaching and Learning in the Classroom | 20 |
PGCert students take optional modules to a value of 40 credits.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Study Module (Part-Time Delivery) | 60 |
Masters students complete the 60 credit Advanced Study Module (the dissertation module). You will have previously completed 60 credits of taught modules whilst studying the PGCert and 60 credits of taught modules whilst studying the PGDip.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Teaching and Learning in the Classroom | 20 |
PGCert students take optional modules to a value of 40 credits.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a mix of flexible, practice-focused teaching methods, including:
- online seminars and videos that introduce key ideas in medical education
- small-group seminars to discuss and apply what you’ve learned
- guided activities that link theory to your own teaching practice
- independent study supported by clear resources and tasks
You’ll also develop your skills through active participation, including:
- learning with peers from different healthcare backgrounds
- reflective tasks to improve your teaching and learning approach
- practical exercises in assessment, feedback and curriculum design
To support your development and research skills, you will:
- receive academic guidance from experienced staff
- take part in research-informed teaching and discussion
- complete a project focused on your area of interest in education
Throughout the programme, you’ll:
- access online learning and tutorials
- engage with a global community of healthcare educators
- build skills you can apply directly in your professional role
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
Assessment within the Masters in Medical Education programme is designed to focus on the application of theoretical concepts to your own educational practice. Rather than relying solely on abstract knowledge, assignments encourage you to critically engage with your specific context, enabling you to develop deeper insight into the challenges, opportunities, and complexities of healthcare education in your own setting.
All assignment structures, marking criteria, and expectations are clearly provided at the start of each module, ensuring that you understand what is required from the outset. Throughout the programme, you will be expected to demonstrate both your understanding of key educational theories and your ability to apply them meaningfully to your own learning, teaching and professional environment.
Formative support is an integral part of the assessment process. You will have opportunities to discuss draft work with tutors, receive constructive feedback, and refine your approach before final submission. In addition, discussion boards, directed readings, and other structured learning activities embedded within each module are designed to scaffold your learning, helping you to progressively build knowledge, skills, and critical perspectives. These activities support ongoing engagement with key concepts and ultimately prepare you for the summative assessment.
A key component of the Masters programme is the Advanced Study Module (ASM) dissertation, which provides an opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration of a topic relevant to your own educational practice or interests. With guidance, you will be able to identify and develop your own research question, allowing you to pursue an area of personal and professional significance in healthcare education. You will be supported throughout this process, initially by the module lead, and later by an individual supervisor, who will provide academic guidance, feedback, and mentorship as you design, conduct, and write up your study.
Overall, the assessment strategy is designed to be authentic, practice-focused, and developmental, supporting your growth as a reflective and effective medical educator.
You’ll be supported throughout your studies by a dedicated and experienced team, including:
- academic staff with expertise in medical and health professions education
- clear, timely feedback to help you develop and stay on track
- guidance on assignments, progression and academic standards
You’ll also benefit from personalised academic and pastoral support, including:
- access to an academic advisor for advice and guidance
- support with balancing study, work and personal commitments
- help with academic writing and study skills
As an online student, you’ll have flexible and accessible support, including:
- easy contact with staff through digital platforms
- reliable access to learning systems and key information
- resources designed to support independent study
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- academic staff
- academic advisers and research supervisors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
- peers
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your academic adviser throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Our teaching staff includes:
- Dr Gwyndaf Roberts PhD, MA, PGCE, BSc (Hons), SFHEA. Lecturer in Medical Education
- Dr Sophie Hill PhD, PgCHE, BSc (Hons), SFHEA. Lecturer in Medical Education
- Dr Sonia Bussey EdD, SFHEA, Senior Lecturer in Medical Education
- Dr David Thewlis MBBS, SFHEA, MEd, Lecturer in Medical Education
- Dr Fiona Clarke MBBS, FRCP, MMedEd. Lecturer in Medical Education
- Dr Bryan Burford, BSc (Hons), MSc (Eng), PhD. Senior Lecturer
- Dr Frauke Boddy, MD, MRCPsych, DipMedEd, FHEA. Honory Clinical Senior Lecturer
Your development
Professional skills
You will develop a strong understanding of the theories and principles that underpin medical education. This knowledge will help you reflect on your own practice, identify your professional development needs, and connect educational issues in clinical settings to the broader context of health care education.
Research skills
You will learn to appraise theory, evidence, and empirical data in medical education. At PGDip and Master’s level, you will engage in academic debate, design research methods, and contribute meaningfully to the wider body of knowledge in the field.
Practical skills
You will gain the skills to design and deliver effective educational interventions. You will learn to select the most appropriate teaching strategies for different contexts, helping you become a more confident and effective educator in both clinical and classroom settings.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2027 entry.
Our entry requirements and other information will be finalised in September 2026.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
Your future
A qualification from Newcastle University opens doors to leadership, research and advanced teaching roles across the global healthcare landscape. By mastering evidence-based pedagogy, you position yourself as an expert capable of shaping the future of health professional training.
Career options
You may progress or move into roles such as:
- clinical educator or practice educator
- university lecturer or teaching fellow
- education or training lead within healthcare organisations
- curriculum or assessment lead
The programme also supports roles focused on improving learning and quality, including:
- simulation-based educator
- faculty development or staff training lead
- roles in professional bodies or regulatory organisations
Further study
If you’re interested in academic progression, this degree can prepare you for:
- doctoral study in medical or health professions education
- education-focused research roles
- clinical academic career pathways
Our Careers Service
Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.
You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.
We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.
What stood out most about the MMedEd programme was the people! During a period when I needed support, the faculty remained approachable, flexible and genuinely invested in my success.
Facilities
You'll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This is part of our city-centre campus.
The Faculty is also home to:
- dentistry
- medicine
- psychology
- pharmacy
It is on the same site as Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.
Our facilities include:
- individual research laboratories where students carry out their projects
- a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
- hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
- dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications. This includes flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics and proteomics
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2027 entry (per year)
Home and international fees are the same for our e-learning courses.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
Search for funding and scholarships
Find funding available for your course
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
How to apply
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
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Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
School of Medicine
Email: emeded@ncl.ac.uk
Enquiries
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