Health Professions Education PGCert
Develop the confidence, insight and practical expertise to become a more effective healthcare educator on our PGCert Health Professions Education course.
Overview
| Course length: | 2 semesters part-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | September 2026 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University and Online study |
| Example offers: | A UK honours degree (normally at least 2:2) in a relevant subject area such as healthcare, health sciences, education or a related professional discipline and relevant professional experience within healthcare education settings View full entry criteria |
| Subject(s): | Medicine |
| Faculty: | Medical School |
| Department: | Medical School |
If you’re a graduate healthcare professional looking to develop your expertise in clinical education, our practice-focused PGCert Health Professions Education is for you.
This course is designed to strengthen your teaching skills and develop your professional practice, making it ideal for those who support learning in practice settings, including mentors, practice educators and clinical supervisors. It also provides a strong foundation if you’re looking to progress into a formal education role or a career in healthcare education.
The PGCert Health Professions Education offers you a transformative learning experience with a fresh approach. With support from an expert multidisciplinary teaching team, you’ll be encouraged to challenge traditional approaches within clinical practice and consider how you can use creativity and inclusivity can shape more innovative and progressive teaching and learning experiences.
Through supportive, inclusive teaching approaches and flexible, innovative assessment methods, you’ll be able to develop your knowledge in ways that work for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to build a portfolio of professional teaching experience to support your professional development.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your current role or take the next step towards a career in healthcare education, this course will give you the knowledge, confidence and practical insight to support learner development across a range of clinical and educational environments. You’ll build confidence as a clinical educator while developing a strong foundation in pedagogy, innovation and transformative clinical practice.
What you'll study
Throughout the academic year, as you engage with the three modules, you will explore key issues in clinical education. These include the core principles underpinning the teaching and learning of healthcare professionals, strategies for designing inclusive approaches that support diverse learner needs, and the role of high-quality teaching in enhancing patient safety and the overall quality of care. You will also examine effective methods of assessment and feedback, alongside innovative and transformative approaches to clinical teaching.
How you'll study
The programme adopts a flexible approach, with a combination of in-person sessions and online delivery.
Modules HEA4523 and HEA4525 begin with an intensive, front-loaded block of face-to-face teaching delivered over three and a half days during the first week. Attendance at these sessions is strongly recommended to support your engagement and learning.
Module HEA4524 is delivered through asynchronous online learning, with materials released at regular intervals throughout the duration of the module to support flexible study.
How you'll be assessed
For Modules HEA4523 and HEA4525, you will benefit from a flexible approach to assessment, with the option to choose between a traditional written assignment or an alternative presentation format that allows you to showcase your learning in a way that suits your strengths.
For Module HEA4524, you will develop a comprehensive summative portfolio over the course of two semesters, enabling you to evidence your progression and integrate your learning across the programme.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by a diverse team of experienced healthcare professionals and academics, ensuring that specialist expertise informs teaching across the programme.
Entry criteria
- A UK honours degree (normally at least 2:2) in a relevant subject area such as healthcare, health sciences, education or a related professional discipline or an equivalent qualification recognised by Edge Hill University
- Relevant professional experience within healthcare education settings
- Evidence of planned, current, or recent involvement in teaching, supervision, mentoring or educational support roles in practice
- The ability to study successfully at postgraduate level, evidenced through a personal statement, professional portfolio, and/or employer reference
- Where appropriate, professional registration with a relevant regulatory body or voluntary register (e.g. NMC, HCPC, GMC, GDC or equivalent). We do, however, recognise some roles do not require registration.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
How to apply
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
There’s plenty of opportunities to come take a look around campus. Attend one of our open days to see what life at Edge Hill University is all about.
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Facilities
The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine offers outstanding facilities for the education and training of health and social care professionals.
The contemporary teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.
Face-to-face teaching is primarily delivered in a classroom setting, complemented by access to specialist facilities, including the state-of-the-art Simulation Suites within the Clinical Skills Centre, providing authentic and immersive learning experiences.
Where you'll study
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Part-Time
£53 per credit
for 60 credits
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see our EU student finance page for further details.
Your future career
This Postgraduate Certificate will help you build the skills to evaluate your own practice, respond to sector standards and contribute to high-quality learning experiences in a range of healthcare settings.
