Build strong foundations as a clinical leader, educator and researcher
Advance your career in healthcare through a unique programme that integrates clinical leadership, education and research. Designed for doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and other healthcare practitioners, this PG certificate forms the first year of a 3-year Masters programme that develops the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead positive change and improve outcomes for patients, healthcare services and research programmes. For students wishing to progress to higher awards, this course leads to our Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Leadership, Education and Research and subsequently onto the final MSt year.
Alternative modular study
For students wishing to gain valuable medical knowledge without completing a full award-bearing course, we also offer modules for standalone Continuing Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) study, not for credit.
For more information, and to see what CPPD modules we’re running in 2026-27, visit our modular study page.
Course Dates
Course details
Academic team
Course information
This programme is for professionals in the field of health, medicine and allied health industries who wish to develop their skills in clinical leadership, clinical education and healthcare research. The course integrates these 3 core themes across each year of a 3-year progression pathway.
It is taught part-time and is designed to be flexible and accessible to working healthcare professionals contributing towards leadership, education, research and professional development through reinforcement of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and alignment to PSRB requirements.
Who is the course designed for?
This course is designed for doctors, dentists, nurses, veterinary surgeons, allied health professionals and those in the wider healthcare industry.
Aims of the programme
The programme develops leaders who can transform healthcare systems for patients and communities, through the teaching of advanced concepts of self-awareness, resilience, and ethical leadership to enhance personal effectiveness and professional integrity in clinical leadership contexts.
The programme aims to advance the individual’s effectiveness of practice in teaching and/or support of learning through an understanding of the underpinning theories of practice in medical education and reflective practice.
The programme will develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods in medicine and healthcare and reinforce understanding of the importance of research for the evaluation of clinical practice.
PG certificate learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- Enable deployment of new knowledge in clinical practice and leadership to have a positive personal impact on the work of others in the clinical team and wider service.
- Comprehensive understanding of learning and teaching theories and the application of feedback models.
- A critical understanding of the application of quantitative methods, qualitative methods, secondary analysis and systematic reviews and evidence-based practice.
Skills and attributes
- Develop new, creative approaches and concepts in response to contemporary issues and developments within clinical leadership.
- Evaluate and apply reflective practice and educational and psychological theories underpinning clinical education to educational roles.
- Critically evaluate and effectively search research literature, assess data quality (statistical evidence) and synthesise/integrate this data (which may come from a range of disciplines).
Progression
The Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Leadership Education and Research forms the first year of the a 3-year progression route to the MSt in Clinical Leadership Education and Research (CLEaR).
Students will take 3 20-credit units in the first year to be awarded a PGCert CLEaR. They can stop at that point or progress to the second year and a further 3 20-credit units. The 60 credits of the first year (PGCert) combined with the 60 credits of the second year form the PGDip (CLEaR) award. Upon successful completion of these additional 60 credits, the students will rescind the PGCert certificate in order to be awarded the PGDip. Students may stop at this point or progress to the final year, a 60- credit dissertation unit. Once all 3 years (180) credits are successfully complete, an MSt CLEaR can be awarded.
Please note: the maximum break in study between awards is 5 years, provided that you maintain relevant clinical experience. The full MSt in Clinical Leadership, Education and Research must be completed in a maximum of 8 years.
We welcome applications from healthcare and healthcare related professionals, including doctors, industry professionals and other allied health professionals. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.
Standard entry requirements
Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.
If your degree is not from the UK, check international qualifications on the University’s postgraduate site to find the equivalent in your country.
Non-standard applications
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, we still encourage you to apply. You’ll need to show you have relevant, professional experience that makes you a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study. Please include this information when you apply.
English language requirements
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. For more information, visit Postgraduate and Master's admissions and the University’s English language requirements.
Visa information
We welcome applications from international students. If you’re coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.
It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions. To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.
The course is delivered through a combination of in-person teaching sessions, requiring in-person attendance in Cambridge, online synchronous sessions and online asynchronous learning activities. Attendance at all contact days, both in person and online, is compulsory. The course delivery is supported through the Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE).
Teaching
This course comprises 3 modules and combines in-person study days with on-line activity, study and assignments. Below are the expected teaching dates for this course. If they change, we'll update offer-holders in line with the University's Terms of Admission. Exact teaching dates will be added to this webpage in due course.
Healthcare Leadership (also available as stand-alone study)
In-person teaching dates: tbc
Clinical Education - effective practice in learning and teaching
In-person teaching dates: tbc
Research Skills in Health and Medicine (also available as stand-alone study)
In-person teaching dates: tbc
Assessment
Students are assessed formatively throughout the course using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection. Demonstration of active participation in the programme will be required. There may also be a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.
Summative assessment (counting towards the final mark) will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects.
Fees
The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.
To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the University’s fee status page.
To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments. See how to pay for more.
There are also some additional costs you’ll need to cover as part of this course. These are usually:
- an application fee of £85, unless you're eligible for a fee waiver, payable online
- any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the residential teaching sessions held in Cambridge
Funding
We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries.
Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application. Should the course become full, we reserve the right to close for applications early. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Key timings for your application
- The application deadline is 27 May 2027.
- We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates from March 2027.
- If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you in the weeks before interviews to arrange a time and format for yours.
How to apply and what you'll need
The ‘Apply now’ button will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can:
- create, save, and submit your application
- upload your supporting documents
- submit and manage your references
- pay your application fee
- track your application
Supporting documents
When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide supporting information.
Qualifications and transcripts
Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying.
Employer letter of support
Upload a letter from your employer confirming release of time to study.
Evidence of funding
Upload details for any funding you have secured for this course.
References
Submit contact details for 2 academic referees, who we will contact on your behalf.
For more information on applying and admissions, see Postgraduate and Master's admissions.
We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.
