If you're a health professional engaged in teaching, our programme is crafted with you in mind.
Our course is for health professionals who are involved in the education and training of undergraduates and postgraduates. The PGCert allows you to develop your knowledge of theory and practice in teaching and learning, assessment and curriculum design. The PGDip and MEd focus on your skills as a researcher in education.
Our two-day, in-person Teach the Teachers CPD course offers an opportunity to develop your skills as a clinical educator and experience learning with our Education for Health Professionals faculty. Designed for healthcare professionals involved in teaching, supervision and assessment, or in supporting the learning of others, the course provides a practical introduction to key principles of health professions education in an interactive learning environment.
Teach the Teachers provides an ideal introduction to postgraduate study and may act as a stepping stone to the University of Birmingham's Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Clinical Education.
This course helped me to be successful in my application to become and Academic Clinical Fellow as it provided me a good grounding in medical education research and I was able to present the findings of my mini project at national and international conferences.
This part-time course runs for three years (with an option to complete the Masters in two years). Each year is self-contained and leads to a qualification.
Year one: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PG Cert)
In the first year, taught modules will focus on developing your knowledge of theory and practice in teaching and learning, assessment and curriculum design.
Year two: Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
In the second year, taught modules will focus on developing your skills as a researcher in education.
Eligible students have the option to undertake the M.Ed. qualification in Year 2 of the programme, alongside their PGDiploma studies, completing a 2-year Masters.
Year three: Masters (M.Ed)
In the third year you will work on your dissertation project.
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In our course, you'll delve into theory and its practical applications in your educational setting.
We offer two one-year part-time PGCert courses, each tailored slightly differently:
Designed for doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, midwives and other health professionals.
Designed for clinicians currently working as clinical teaching fellows who deliver teaching to University of Birmingham undergraduate students in local NHS trusts.
On both courses:
The University of Birmingham is consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report).
Our Postgraduate Certificate is HEA accredited.
Our programme is structured around the UK Professional Standards Framework and has been accredited by the Higher Education Academy since 2009.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Our Clinical Education course includes a combination of taught lectures, seminars, and workshops. You’ll learn from academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This three-year course (with an option to complete in two years) consists of six taught modules and a dissertation.
You'll have the opportunity to study in our Doug Ellis Learning Hub, featuring spacious open study areas where you can access laptops for free.
This three-year programme (with an option to complete in two years) comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit dissertation project.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2027/28 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and Health Professionals | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Curriculum Design, Innovation and Leading Educational Change | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals | 20 | Semester 1 |
There is an option for students to complete 'Year 3' of the course (the 60-credit dissertation) during 'Year 2/PGDip'.
2028/29 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Project in Education for Health Professionals | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Researching Education for Health Professionals | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Reviewing Education for Health Professionals | 20 | Semester 1 |
2029/30 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation in Education for Health Professionals | 60 | Full Term |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You should have a first degree or equivalent professional qualification.
To join us, you need:
Our applicants are typically employed in the health service and involved, formally or informally, in training health professionals.
Students must have achieved 60 credits at M level (on a PG Certificate course in Healthcare Education) to study on the PGDip – this requires a passing grade in all assignments.
Students must have achieved 100 credits at M level (on a PG Certificate course and PG Diploma course in Healthcare Education) to study on the M.Ed.
If you believe you have equivalent qualifications, please contact us to discuss your situation.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Before Your Course Starts
Pre-sessional English courses are available for students whose IELTS scores do not meet entry requirements. Completing one of these courses means you won’t need to retake IELTS.
During Your Studies
The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) offers free English language services for international students, including:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
Home/International fees
Home fees
If you choose to complete the PGDip and M.Ed in one academic year you'll complete 120 credits in and pay £10,320
International fees
If you choose to complete the PGDip and M.Ed in one academic year you'll complete 120 credits in and pay £16,020
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Contact our subject team if you have a question about studying Clinical Education.
Our students typically work in the NHS, universities, the military, or other health organisations.
PG Certificate:
The PG Certificate is HEA accredited. Upon successful completion, you can apply for professional recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), subject to fulfilling additional HEA requirements, further details can be found in the programme handbook. Note that the HEA currently charges for this widely recognised teaching qualification.
Diploma and Masters:
Both the Diploma and Masters are research-based, making them ideal if you want to develop your academic skills.
Education for Health Professionals PgCert Class of 2026
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
