MA Clinical Education

Summary 2012/13

• Join a multi-professional programme specifically designed for doctors, dentists, nurses and allied health professionals involved in the support and assessment of learners in clinical practice;
• Systematically and creatively analyse the complexities of clinical education, based on active and reflective learning from your own experiences in practice;
• Experience highly flexible study on a course delivered through a blend of online learning and face-to-face sessions.

The MA in Clinical Education is a modular course which aims to improve teaching skills and develop a critical understanding of how individuals learn in a clinical environment. The programme will be run on a multi-professional basis, allowing practitioners from different professions and specialities to share their knowledge, experience and skills.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this programme, prospective participants are expected to be experienced professionals in a medical, dental, nursing or allied health speciality, with some responsibilities for education within the workplace.

You will be expected to hold a Postgraduate Certificate in a relevant subject (such as PGCert Teaching and Learning in Clinical Practice or an equivalent) as the first 60 credits of the award. On the rare occasions where candidates might offer other professional qualifications, applications will be considered in accordance with institutional AP(E)L regulations and procedures.

Please note, if you wish to access any of the modules on a stand-alone basis you do not need to have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Clinical Practice or an equivalent course of study. These applications will be considered on individual merit.

If you do not meet the standards entry requirements you should contact Cathy Sherratt (Programme Leader) on 01695 584154 to discuss eligibility for Accreditation of Prior and Experiental Learning (APEL).

You will be asked to provide references. Interviews may also be used to supplement the application process.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is designed for a range of health professionals (medical doctors, dentists, nurses and allied health professionals) who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in teaching and supporting learning and the assessment or evaluation of teaching.

Increasingly, health professionals are expected to have undertaken preparation for this role, as indicated by professional bodies such as the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to fulfill this responsibility.

What will I gain from this programme?

This programme will offer a supportive and challenging learning environment in which clinical educators can critically review and develop both theoretical perspectives and practical skills in the facilitation of learning and assessment. You will systematically and creatively analyse the complexities of clinical education, based on active and reflective learning from your own experiences in practice.

How we will support you

You will be supported by a team of experienced academic tutors throughout your studies. A full range of learning resources including the electronic library catalogue, online journals and e-books are available. You will also have access to the University’s comprehensive student support services.

What will I study?

To exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education (60 level 7 credits), you need to complete a core module in Research and Clinical Education (20 credits) then two further 20 credit modules from a choice of eight optional modules.

The optional modules are designed to allow you to explore different aspects of clinical education which are relevant to your role.

For the award of MA Clinical Education, you will need to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education and write a 60 credit (level 7) dissertation, which includes the preparation of a paper suitable for publication.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily using online learning through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The online learning is blended with a small number of face-to-face days. A typical module may include up to three face-to-face days, although due to the flexibility of the programme, attendance is not compulsory.

Who will be teaching me?

The academic team is comprised of highly experienced tutors from Edge Hill University. Many of the team are research active in the field of clinical education and are University Teaching and Learning Fellows with an extensive publication record. Some of the academic tutors are, or have been, practising clinicians who have specialised in clinical education and others are experienced educationalists from a range of backgrounds.

How will I be assessed?

A range of assessment strategies are employed in this programme including online tasks, critical reflection on practice, assignments, evaluative reports and portfolios. You will be expected to write approximately 4,000 words (or equivalent) for each module. The dissertation will be 12,000 words (or equivalent). Assignments are submitted electronically through the VLE.

What are my career prospects?

The MA Clinical Education programme will provide specialist knowledge that would be useful for any career that involves the support of learning and assessment in practice. In addition, the programme will enable you to develop skills of critical analysis and research commensurate with postgraduate study.

Related Programmes

• Postgraduate Certificate Teaching and Learning in Clinical Practice
• Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace-based Postgraduate Medical Education

A Great Study Environment

The Ormskirk campus is the usual location for face-to-face days. The campus provides a modern and stimulating environment for study and is equipped with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities. The VLE is used to deliver the online elements of the programme and enables you to engage in a range of interactive learning activities.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the application form (pdf).

Fees and Finance

Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. Information for UK and EU students only.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Not got the entry requirements?

You can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education or can complete the dissertation module to achieve the MA Clinical Education award.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Cathy Sherratt, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584154
• Email: sherrattc@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

CPD7001 Research and Clinical Education focuses on the generation, development and application of research within the area of clinical education. While not a generic "research methods" module, it covers major debates within the research area, various approaches to research and evidence-based practice, and some of the major research methods which are employed in the study of clinical and professional education. You will learn to critically appraise research findings in clinical and professional education and how they affect practice. The module also helps you to plan and develop research inquiries of your own or initiate joint research projects with other clinical practitioners.

CPD7002 Careers Management within the Health Services offers you an introduction to managing your own clinical career and supporting others with career planning. The syllabus is designed to meet the needs of clinical professionals carrying out a range of supervisory, advisory and guidance roles, as well as those who aspire to take on such roles. This module will therefore enhance your understanding of major theories underpinning the professional activity of career management, plus further develop awareness of the tools and assessments used to manage careers in the healthcare professions.

CPD7003 Curriculum Design in Clinical Education focuses on sharing an understanding of what constitutes curriculum and sets curriculum design for clinical educators in a broader context (eg professional bodies and NHS initiatives). It examines models of curriculum design, as well as some specific design tools. The module reviews the process of curriculum design and also looks at the more controversial debates with particular reference throughout to the clinical setting.

CPD7004 Educational Leadership in Health Settings provides you with a critical and evaluative perspective on educational leadership. The module will address leadership theories, styles and approaches in the specific context of clinical education and will facilitate the application of theory to practice. Educational leaders can face unique challenges in working across organisational and professional boundaries and you will, therefore, be encouraged to apply leadership concepts to your own role and consider your personal contribution to the development of 'learning organisations'.

CPD7005 Educational Supervision in the Clinical Context explores the role and skills of educational supervision in the clinical workplace. The module will introduce and raise your awareness of key concepts involved in supervision in medical education, drawing on theory, practice and the broader scholarly literature. Assessment for learning and the use of critically constructive feedback to support learning will also be considered.

CPD7006 E-learning in Clinical Education analyses on the development of e-learning within the health context. It draws on the growing international research literature to identify key pedagogic and design principles which should underpin the effective use of communication and information technology applications in the field of clinical education. The module also facilitates you in applying available research to your own work environment, your own teaching, and in critically evaluating the potential of e-learning opportunities.

CPD7007 Improving Practice in Clinical Education allows you to focus on a specific issue or topic of relevance to their educative role, in a supported way, within your own workplace. The precise focus of work will be negotiated and the subject of an individual learning agreement completed at the start of the module.

CPD7008 Mentoring in Clinical Education focuses on mentorship in relation to its purposes, context, processes, skills and impact on the clinical learning environment. The module requires you to engage in an analysis of the nature of supportive / developmental relationships in the clinical education field, including evaluation of the theoretical constructs of mentorship, current research and both the individual and organisational benefits of mentoring. You will explore the role of mentoring in your own specific area of clinical practice in some depth.

CPD7009 Using Simulation to Support Clinical Learning will offer you an introduction to simulation for teaching, supporting learning and learning in the clinical workplace. Examining simulation techniques and technologies from low-fidelity to high-fidelity, this module will raise awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of using and designing simulation-based training activities to create effective, high quality learning and training opportunities for health care professionals.

CPD7010 Dissertation. The dissertation allows you to conceptualise, develop and realise a significant piece of primary research in the field of clinical education. It is designed to ensure that professionals who are clinical practitioners in a wide variety of professions / specialities in health care are able to carry out research which relates to, and which informs, professional practice as clinical educators. It will give you first-hand experience of supervised research in this rapidly developing and increasingly important subject.