Education for Health Professionals MEd / PGCert / PGDip

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.

Course Structure

Tailored Education for Health Professionals

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:

Multi-professional Course

Designed for doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, midwives and other health professionals.

Clinical Teaching Fellows Course

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:

• Modules are taught by clinicians and educational experts.
• Learn collaboratively through group activities and discussions during teaching days at our Edgbaston campus.
• Oportunity to present your education projects and research at the annual ‘Birmingham Conference’.
• Gain professional recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.

Our programme is structured around the UK Professional Standards Framework and has been accredited by the Higher Education Academy since 2009.

This three-year course consists of six taught modules and a dissertation.

• Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars and workshops.
• Dissertation – this involves completing a 15,000 word dissertation based on an educational research project of your choice.
• Assessments – these include written assignments, presentations, plenaries and small group discussions.

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.

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.

Year 1

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

Year 2

2027/28 Session

The following must be taken:

Year 3

2028/29 Session

The following must be taken:

Our Standard Requirements

To join us, you need:

• A First Degree or Equivalent Professional Qualification
• Proficiency in English
• One Satisfactory Academic Reference
• Exception: Education Fellows applying for 168A do not need to provide a reference.

Our applicants are typically employed in the health service and involved, formally or informally, in training health professionals.

For the Diploma, you must satisfactorily complete the Certificate or an equivalent course. For the Masters, you need to complete the Diploma or an equivalent course.

If you believe you have equivalent qualifications, please contact us to discuss your situation.

English Language Support

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:

• Open-Access English Classes
• Online Self-Assessment Tools
• CANVAS Online Materials
• Quick Question Email Support
• One-to-One Tutorials

English presessional programmes

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.

Fees for September 2026

Home/International fees

• PG Certificate: £4,920 (Multi-professional)
• PG Certificate: £4,920 (Education Fellows only)
• PG Diploma: £4,920 (per year)

Home fees

• MEd: £4,920 (per year)

International fees

• MEd: £10,500 (per year)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.

Paying your tuition fees

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.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

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.

Postgraduate Masters loan

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.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

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.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

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.