The University of Cambridge Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education has been designed collaboratively by University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) and the University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine’s Clinical Deanery. The Postgraduate Certificate is a one-year, part-time Master’s-level programme resulting in 60 level-7 credits and the University of Cambridge award.
The course is delivered through in-person teaching sessions requiring attendance in Cambridge, self-directed and peer learning, and synchronous and asynchronous approaches provided via the course Virtual Learning Environment [VLE].
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Key course information
Watch the information session for the Medical Education pathway from our Medical Open Week 2025
Who is the course designed for?
The Postgraduate Certificate is aimed at doctors and other professionals allied to medicine who have a teaching role and/or a role in training and appraising healthcare professionals. This includes:
- doctors working in primary care
- doctors working in secondary care at all levels from foundation year 2 to consultant grades
- professionals allied to medicine that have a role in teaching both undergraduates and postgraduates
Aims of the programme
The programme is designed to provide practical solutions to teaching undergraduates or postgraduates as individuals, small groups and larger groups. It will look at the theory behind teaching in medical settings and how these apply in real-life situations. It is also designed to provide help in developing skills in giving feedback, appraisal and assessment. Where possible, the teaching will be adaptable so that it can help specific groups of teachers in their particular environment.
The programme is designed to meet recommendations of the General Medical Council (GMC) and Academy of Medical Educators (AoME), and aims to contribute to continuing professional development of doctors and allied professionals in an integrated clinical and teaching environment to stimulate more inter-professional education. It also aims to develop a cohort of professionals who will pursue and develop their roles as teachers in the field of medical education.
Upon successful completion of the programme you may apply for membership of the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME). You may also apply for Fellowship status of the Advance HE.
Learning outcomes
Students successfully completing the programme will have gained skills and knowledge to:
- ensure safe and effective patient care through training
- establish and maintain an environment for learning
- teach and assess learning and apply core theoretical principles to their own educational contexts
- support and monitor educational progress
- guide personal and professional development
Progression
The Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education forms the first year of the progression route to the MSt in Medical Education. Upon successful completion of the postgraduate certificate, students would be eligible to apply for the one year Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education, and following this the one year MSt in Medical Education. Please note that the postgraduate diploma and MSt are not guaranteed to run each year.
We welcome applications from healthcare staff including doctors and other allied health professionals who have a teaching role and/or a role in training and appraising healthcare professionals.
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.
If you wish to apply to join the programme you must:
- hold a qualification in one of the healthcare professions or another relevant qualification
- be a post-foundation-year doctor in primary, secondary or tertiary care or a professional allied to medicine who is involved in teaching students at undergraduate or postgraduate levels or who has a role in training and appraising healthcare professionals
- have had at least one year of experience as a teacher prior to starting the programme
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.
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.
Teaching
This course comprises 3 modules and combines in-person study days with online activity, study and assignments.
Core skills in medical education
- October 2026 (two-day teaching block, dates tbc)
- November 2026 (one-day teaching session, date tbc)
- December 2026 (one-day teaching session, date tbc)
Applying teaching skills to practice
- January 2027 (one-day teaching session, date tbc)
- February 2027 (one-day teaching session, date tbc)
- March 2027 (one-day teaching session, date tbc)
The role of assessment, evaluation and feedback
- April 2027 (one-day teaching session, date tbc)
- May 2027 (one-day teaching session, date 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.
Bursary funding for a limited number of places may be available from Health Education East of England (HEEoE) . If you wish to apply for the bursary please ensure you follow the HEE EoE guidance (deadline for bursary applications to be announced but likely to be end of March). The bursary process is separate to the course application process.
Some students receive funding or sponsorship from their employers, but please note that places on the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education are offered on merit rather than funding.
We recommend that you explore any potential funding well in advance of the application deadline.
Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. 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 28 May 2026.
- We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates from March 2026.
- If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you in the weeks before interviews to arrange a time and format for yours.
The programme is likely to be oversubscribed. Preference will be given to applicants who meet the academic criteria and can demonstrate a clear commitment to the programme. Candidates must be available to attend all teaching sessions and meet assessment deadlines.
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.
Employer letter of support
Upload a letter from your employer confirming release of time to study.
Evidence of funding, if applicable
Upload details for any funding you have secured for this course.
Qualifications and transcripts
Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying.
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.
