Launch your journey as a clinical educator
This course has been designed collaboratively by University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) and the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine. 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 delivers in-person teaching sessions requiring attendance in Cambridge and provides plenty of opportunities to interact with peers and teaching faculty to maximise your learning. As this is a postgraduate course, self-directed learning is also expected outside of teaching days. In addition, asynchronous learning activities and resources are provided via the course Virtual Learning Environment [VLE].
Ready to develop yourself as a clinical educator? We look forward to your application.
Course Dates
Course details
Academic team
Pathway overview
Course information
Who is the course designed for?
The Postgraduate Certificate is aimed at doctors and other healthcare professionals who teach undergraduate medical or healthcare professions students and/or have a role in training and appraising postgraduate doctors or other healthcare professionals. This includes:
- doctors working in primary care
- doctors working in secondary care at all levels from foundation year 2 to specialty, associate specialist, and specialist (SAS) doctors and/ or consultant grades
- other healthcare professionals with a role in teaching both undergraduates and postgraduates
Aims of the course
The course is designed to provide practical solutions to teaching undergraduates or postgraduates in the clinical or academic setting. This includes teaching individual learners at the bedside or in the workplace, small or larger group teaching as well as delivering teaching synchronously and asynchronously using VLE and other technology. It will look at the educational theory underpinning teaching in clinical settings and how these apply in real-life situations. You will have an opportunity to apply your learning to your teaching/ training in the workplace whilst on the course, thus testing and refining your teaching skills. It is also designed to develop skills in providing feedback, appraisal and assessment of learners, something most healthcare professionals are required to do as part of their job roles.
The course is aligned to the General Medical Council (GMC) Standards for Educators and accredited for membership of the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME). It is therefore ideal for the continuing professional development of doctors and other healthcare professionals working in an integrated clinical and teaching environment to stimulate inter-professional learning. Completing the course will enable you to become a part of various communities of practice, in and around the workplace, as part of your development as an educator.
As the course meets the AoME professional standards for Medical, Dental and Veterinary Educators, students can apply for associate membership of AoME while on the course. Successful completion of the course confers eligibility to apply for professional recognition as an educator and access to other learning opportunities and interaction with a wider community of practice through membership of the AoME.
Learning outcomes
Students successfully completing the programme will have acquired the knowledge, skills and practice that underpin each of the following areas:
- designing and planning learning activities
- teaching and facilitating learning
- assessment of learning
- educational scholarship and evidence-based practice
- educational management and leadership
- core values of clinical educators
Progression
The Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education forms the first year of the progression route to the MSt in Medical Education. Students who have, or will have, successfully completed it, would be eligible to apply for the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education, and following this, the one-year MSt in Medical Education.
For more information, watch our most recent Medical Education Pathway 'Ask-Me-Anything' AMA event recording.
We welcome applications from healthcare professionals who have a role in teaching undergraduate/ postgraduate students and/or training and appraising other 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 before 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. Dates below are indicative and will be updated in due course.
Module 1
Core skills in medical education
This module introduces students to core educational models, concepts, skills and types of teaching relevant to medical or other healthcare professions education.
- October 2027 (2 days in person)
- November 2027(1 day in person)
- December 2027 (1 day in person)
Module 2
Applying teaching skills to practice
This module focuses on application of the educational models and skills to teaching undergraduate or postgraduate learners in healthcare settings.
- January 2028 (1 day in person)
- February 2028 (1 day in person)
- March 2028 (1 day in person)
Module 3
The role of assessment, evaluation and feedback
The final module explores the role of assessment of learning, critical reflection, evaluation of teaching, and the importance of giving feedback to students.
- April 2028 (1 day in person)
- May 2028 (1 day in person)
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
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 27 May 2027.
- We reserve the right to hold interviews for shortlisted candidates which may take place from March 2027.
- 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.
