MSc Medical and Healthcare Simulation MSc

About the course

This programme offers the opportunity to study all aspects of Simulation as way of providing education and training to others, whilst grounding it firmly in a sound evidence based knowledge of educational theory and practice. You will have the opportunity to study all aspects of the theory and practice of health and medical education in the workplace, the design, and delivery of scenarios and simulation sessions, planning simulation facilities, programming simulators. You will also have the opportunity to study medical emergencies and managing risk, leadership and teamwork, business skills, and evidence based practice.

What are the key skills that I will gain?

On a masters programme you will gain many different skills and a lot of knowledge. The main aims of this programme is to:

• provide you with the knowledge and skills required to utilize high and low fidelity simulation as a training and educational tool to improve the knowledge and skills of participants
• Enable you to empower others to transfer learning acquired in simulation scenarios to the workplace in order to improve services and increase patient safety
• Enable you to evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching in simulation on the knowledge and skills of other health care practitioners in order to increase patient safety and improve the quality of services
• Enable you to critically appraise best evidence in order to inform your educational and training practice in simulation

Is this for me?

If you are involved in the provision of medical or healthcare simulation then this programme has a route for you. As a clinician you may be from a medical or other healthcare background where you are involved in the provision of training and education which would benefit from the utilisation of simulation, or you may already be using simulation as an education or training tool. If you do not have a clinical background you may be interested in the technical side of simulation, and the leadership and business acumen that might benefit you in your role. There are a range of modules and awards within the MSc that would add to your professional development in the field.

Course Structure

The MSc in Medical and Healthcare Simulation is designed around four core modules and two optional modules.

The core modules are;

• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health & Medical Education in the Workplace
• Health & Medical Simulation: Design & Delivery
• Medical Emergencies & Human Error: Managing Risk & Improving Services

Students will follow a personalised and flexible programme of study that provides an optimal opportunity for learning, whether they are full-time or part-time.

The matrix below provides an example of how the pathway of study generally flows.

Full-time mode

Semester A

Evidence-based Practice, Health and Medical Simulation 

Semester B

Health and Medical Education in the Workplace; Medical Emergencies and Human Error, or Leadership in Practice

Semester C

Work-based Learning in Health and Medical Practice, Healthcare Disciplines Project

Part-time mode

Year 1

Semester A: Evidence-based Practice

Semester B: Health and Medical Education in the Workplace

Year 2

Semester A: Health and Medical Simulation

Semester B: Medical Emergencies and Human Error; Leadership in Practice or Work-based Learning in Health & Medical Practice

Year 3

Semester A: Work-based Learning in Health and Medical Practice

Semester B: Healthcare Disciplines Project, or Service Improvement Project

Details of the modules can be found by clicking on the ‘modules’ tab

What will I gain?

The programme leads to the award of MSc Medical and Healthcare Simulation; Postgraduate Diploma in Medical and Healthcare Simulation; or Postgraduate Certificate in Medical and Healthcare Simulation, depending on the number and combination of modules that you choose to study.

Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate will also give you Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

Why choose this course?

Simulation is now recognised as a key component in managing medical emergencies, understanding the effect of interpersonal and team dynamics on quality of patient care, increasing patient safety and improving services. Therefore, there is a growing need for clinical facilitators who are developed to deliver high quality simulation training and education.

UH has state of the art simulation facilities, a track record, and the expertise in simulation education. This programme is unique in the UK.

The MSc Medical and Healthcare Simulation has been developed to enable students to develop advanced knowledge and skills needed to provide high quality effective education and training across a range of situations, using Simulation as the primary tool.

Please click here for more details

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Full Time, 15 Months
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Career Opportunities

The use of medical simulation and the teaching of human factors is a rapidly developing area within medical and healthcare education. A number of our previous students have achieved significant promotions and career enhancements following or during this programme of study.

Teaching methods

Teaching Approach

Our teaching places the student experience in the forefront of what we do. We use contemporary educational approaches that embrace adult learning in the development of a positive, safe educational environment to encourage active facilitated learning for our students.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

Optional

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,250 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

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.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply