Master of Health and Medical Education MHMEd

About the course

The Master of Health and Medical Education offers the chance to learn with other health professionals and will be of interest to all health professionals who are interested in workplace education. This will include specialist registrars, GPs and other doctors interested in academic medicine; senior nurses, health visitors and midwives involved in education in the workplace.

Programme structure

• This programme is offered on a modular basis to fit in with existing commitments.
• Modules can also be studied on an individual basis. Some of the modules require minimal attendance, and have a large e-learning component; others require some attendance (typically 5 days) together with independent study.
• The programme comprises of compulsory, specialist and optional modules. For further details, please click here.

Example of Full Time and Part Time study routes

The University year is divided into 3 semesters;

• Semester A - September - January
• Semester B - January - May
• Semester C - June - September

The programme has 2 intakes per year - September and January. Commencement dates vary depending on the modules selected.

Awards and Credit Requirements

You may study individual modules to gain academic credits or complete a planned programme of study leading to one of the following awards. Most modules are worth 30 postgraduate credits with the exception of Evidence Based Practice (15 credits); Leadership in Practice, and the Health Disciplines Project (45 credits). You are allowed 5 years from initial registration to complete your academic award.

Modules

The programme consists of the following compulsory, specialist and optional modules

Compulsory Modules

• Evidence Based Practice
• Health Disciplines Project

Specialist Modules

• Health and Medical Education in the Workplace
• Narrative Enquiry in Health and Medical Education
• Work Based Learning

Optional modules

• Challenges in Child Development, Recognition, Diagnosis and Care
• Chronic Skin Diseases
• Concepts of Simulation Training in Healthcare Education
• Clinical Negligence
• Diagnostic Dilemmas in Child Health and Medical Practice
• Expert Witness
• Ethics and Law at the Beginning and End of Life
• Immunology in Health & Illness
• Issues in Health Law and Ethics
• Leadership in Practice
• Safeguarding Children Through Advanced Health and Medical Practice
• Acupuncture Modules
• Dermatology Modules

Why choose this course?

• The Postgraduate Programme in Health and Medical Education is an innovative collaborative development between the School of Postgraduate Medicine and the School of Education. The programme has been developed in response to an evolving NHS climate where clinicians will be providing education and support within the working environment. The programme will appeal to medical doctors with an interest in academic medicine and education, nurse trainers/tutors, and other health and social care professionals who are interested in developing their educational expertise.
• You will study and explore aspects of educational theory and practice with particular emphasis on adult learning, narrative enquiry and work based learning, with an option to study simulation as an educational tool.
• The emphasis of this programme is on contemporary and practical educational theory and practice which is primarily focused on teaching and learning in the workplace and includes opportunity to experience a range of teaching and learning techniques such as blended learning, simulation, narrative and work based learning. This programme aligns with the requirements of the Gold Guide (DH 2007).
• This programme leads to the award of Master in Health and Medical Education with interim awards of Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Medical Education; Postgraduate Certificate in Health and Medical Education or Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education.

Study routes

• Full Time, 15 Months
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 18 Months

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

This postgraduate programme offers the opportunity for clinicians working in positions where teaching and training is a requirement, to update and enhance their knowledge and skills. This is identified in the Gold Guide (DoH 1997), which specifies that those involved in the provision and management of postgraduate medical training programmes must have required competencies in the range of educational issues covered by the programme.

The programme

Develops the critical skills required to become a knowledgeable and competent practitioner in work based learning in health and medical educational settings.

Raises awareness and fosters critical problem solving regarding the wider contextual factors affecting educational issues in the workplace

Fosters the advanced skills required for multi-professional and inter-professional working.

Provides networking and peer support

The programme (or single modules) will be of interest to:

Medical doctors with an interest in academic medicine and education;

Nurse trainers/tutors, and other health and social care professionals who are interested in developing their educational expertise.

Teaching methods

A variety of teaching methods are used during the programme including seminars, group work, e-learning, and work-based learning. The programme is well supported by expert educationalists; academics with expertise in work based and health based education; doctors and nurses with expertise in competency assessment; and key opinion leaders in the field so that it maintains links with practice and the ability to reflect current trends in educational practice and work based learning.

The course is intensive with a limited amount of classroom based teaching, and requires you to be a self-directed learner and make full use of the e-support provided and of the Virtual Learning Environment - StudyNet.

Our state-of-the-art Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7 to meet your information, computing, study and coursework needs. We receive excellent ratings from current students for our facilities and our virtual learning environment, Studynet.

Assessment

The programme assessment strategy is designed to facilitate appropriate levels of knowledge and skill. Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including; case study presentations, poster presentations; written assignments. To complete the Master's degree you will complete the final Health Related Project (45 credits), which is substantial piece of written work of 8,000 words.

Work Placement

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Health and Medical Education in the Workplace

  Students will develop their understanding of the nature and process of learning through examination of some of the major theories of learning and related concepts. They will draw upon this understanding to analyse experiences in a workplace context, examining the interrelationship between forms of learning and individual and contextual factors in a given setting. Key concepts and theories examined will include competence-based education and training, experiential learning, informal learning, action learning, cognitive apprenticeship, constructivism, situated learning. Students will develop their understanding of how learning may be supported through a variety of approaches and in a range of contexts. Supporting professional and work-related learning through approaches such as training, tutoring, coaching, mentoring and work shadowing will be examined, and appropriate methods for evaluating these approaches considered. Professional and work-related learning at different levels and in a range of contexts will be explored, including peer learning, workplace training, team leadership, performance management.

• Healthcare Disciplines Project

  The module is designed to enable students to engage in independent study and apply further skills to undertake a comprehensive investigation which will be of value to the student's area of work. The project will be an analysis of an issue related to their professional discipline which will require the student to explore critically the relevant literature and conduct a systematic investigation into a practice or professional issue developing new insights and perspectives related to the topic of choice. Students may use a current or prospective approach.

Optional

• Business Skills for Clinicians

  Specialist practitioners spend a considerable amount of time developing and managing clinical services. This module is designed for health professionals who want an introduction to business planning, marketing and project management skills. It will allow them to consider the impact that the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry has on clinical practice and contemporary healthcare delivery and will help develop business awareness in the context of healthcare. No prior academic knowledge of the subject is assumed.

• Ethics and Law at the Beginning and End of Life

• Evidence Based Practice - Distance Learning

  Students will construct a research question and search strategy, conduct systematic searches of on-line databases, internet and other sources of information; appraise the evidence base of health and social care practice and interventions through the use of a range of tools; apply and critically explore, through discussion and debate, the contextual factors which influence application of evidence to practice.

• Expert Witness

  This module will prepare students to become expert witnesses within their professional fields. The module provides opportunities to participate in related activities within a court setting and will be taught by appropriately qualified personnel from within the field of law. Students will be supported through their learning using experiential techniques within a court room setting

• Health and Medical Education in the Workplace

  Students will develop their understanding of the nature and process of learning through examination of some of the major theories of learning and related concepts. They will draw upon this understanding to analyse experiences in a workplace context, examining the interrelationship between forms of learning and individual and contextual factors in a given setting. Key concepts and theories examined will include competence-based education and training, experiential learning, informal learning, action learning, cognitive apprenticeship, constructivism, situated learning. Students will develop their understanding of how learning may be supported through a variety of approaches and in a range of contexts. Supporting professional and work-related learning through approaches such as training, tutoring, coaching, mentoring and work shadowing will be examined, and appropriate methods for evaluating these approaches considered. Professional and work-related learning at different levels and in a range of contexts will be explored, including peer learning, workplace training, team leadership, performance management.

• Health and Medical Simulation - Design and Delivery

  The module content will focus on the evidence base and practical delivery of simulation as an educational and training tool in order to enhance patient safety and improve services. Students will have the opportunity to design, deliver and evaluate simulated sessions based on scenarios written according to the learning needs of participants, and accross a range of situations which will involve neonatal, paediatric and adult subjects. Students will also be enabled to understand the real world planning and resourcing of simulation facilities. Students will be familiarised with a range of simulation modalities; and models including some input on programming. Students will also develop a range of skills including the facilitation of interpersonal and team working, briefing and de-briefing, and assessment of competencies.

• Healthcare Disciplines Project

  The module is designed to enable students to engage in independent study and apply further skills to undertake a comprehensive investigation which will be of value to the student's area of work. The project will be an analysis of an issue related to their professional discipline which will require the student to explore critically the relevant literature and conduct a systematic investigation into a practice or professional issue developing new insights and perspectives related to the topic of choice. Students may use a current or prospective approach.

• Issues in Health Law and Ethics

• Leadership in Practice

  This course will enable the student to understand the multi-faceted nature of leadership. It will encourage the practitioner to recognise their approach to leadership, how leadership is undertaken within their work setting and the multiple factors that shape prevailing leadership styles and the impact of this on colleagues, team working and for clients. Within the course, particular attention will be given to the practitioner as leader within contemporary organisations. This course will equip the practitioner to recognise and develop their leadership potential so that they can develop new insights new ways of working and promote change and sustained development within their work setting.

• Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare

  English Legal System & Ethical Theory NHS legislative frameworks Consent Confidentiality and Data Protection Safeguarding Adults and Children Complaints Clinical Negligence Professional Regulation End of Life Issues

• Medical Emergencies and Human Error- Managing Risk, Improving Services

  The module is designed to extend and enhance practitioner s knowledge and skills relating to the assessment and management of a range of patients presenting with a medical emergency. The module will enable the development of an advanced understanding of the philosophies and theories which underpin the risk management process and its application to a medical emergency situation. Students will also develop an awareness of the impact of risk management on services and on organisational learning. The module will be delivered through lectures, group work, seminars and simulation activities where students will be encouraged to explore the process of risk management in relation to the medical emergency situation and consider its impact on the delivery of emergency care within the wider organisation

• Recognition & Management of Skin Lesions

  This module is a compulsory specialist course for the MSc in Dermatology Skills and Treatment. It enables health professionals to develop and consolidate skills in recognition and management of a variety of skin lesions and associated conditions and is suitable for medical and non-medical practitioners from a range of specialties including dermatology, tissue viability, accident and emergency and primary care. Practical skills workshops are run by experienced tutors to provide learner-centred teaching. Proficiency is developed during a period of supervised clinical practice and competency assessed using an observed simulated clinical examination (OSCE).

• Western Medical Acupunture in Clinical Practice

  This module is intended for practitioners of acupuncture who have completed a minimum of the British Medical Acupuncture Society Foundation Course (or equivalent). The work-based module aims to encourage practitioners to critically appraise their acupuncture practice both by evaluating the relevant published literature and by discussion of the efficacy of their treatment for specific patients. Assessment will require submission of a portfolio based on patients the student has treated with acupuncture.

• Work Based Learning in Health and Medical Practice

  The provision of healthcare in contemporary practice demands that health care professionals engage in continuing professional development and lifelong learning. These needs have been identified within the political agenda for health care, not only to meet professional body requirements but also to meet the agenda for continuous quality improvement within the NHS. This module will enable students to engage in continuing professional development thatis of particular interest to them. It will also facilitate an understanding of current best practice and strategies for continued enhancement of this aspect of practice within their organisation.

• Work Based Learning in Health and Medical Practice: An International Perspective

• Work Based Study:Professional Issues Related to Healthcare Practice

  Choosing an appropriate practice-relevant issue to study. Management of a report (time management). Structuring a report. Critical appraisal techniques. Skills required for the utilisation of relevant and current theories and frameworks. Skills to develop a comprehensive, coherent, analytical report.

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply