PgDip in Health Professions Education

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education is designed to enhance careers by developing the knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality educational experiences for learners in academic and/or clinical environments.

Award

• Postgraduate Diploma

Duration

• 1 year

Mode of Delivery

• Online - Part-time

Credits

• 60 ECTS

Next Start Date

• September 2026

About

This program, offered by RCSI Health Professions Education Centre, aims to equip students with evidence-based teaching and learning strategies. It deepens understanding of the landscape around health professions education and contemporary learning theories, and provides practical expertise in techniques such as assessment and feedback methods, instructional design, educational evaluation, and health professions education research.

Learning Approach

Following a 'Community of Inquiry' pedagogical model, students learn with and from peers, experienced clinicians, and academics within the field of health professions education. Learning is supported through weekly synchronous (webinars, small group tutorials, teaching demonstrations) and asynchronous (videos, interactive web-based content, discussions, self-directed reflections) activities.

Learning Resources

Learning resources are guided by best practice in higher education, including universal design for learning (UDL) principles and contemporary approaches to formative and summative assessment.

Suitable For

This program is designed for both experienced and early career educators working in the healthcare industry and supporting learners in clinical and non-clinical settings.

What You Will Learn

The program covers key areas including:

• Module 1: Introduction to Health Professions Education - How learning takes place and can be nurtured in health professions education settings.
• Module 2: Principles of Teaching and Learning - Evidence-based teaching and learning methods.
• Module 3: Assessment as/for/of Learning in Health Professions Education - Assessment and feedback in health professions education.
• Module 4: Curriculum Design and Evaluation - How to evaluate sessions, modules, and programs.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of key principles and theories of health professions education.
• Apply theories of learning to their own teaching contexts.
• Critically appraise and reflect upon their teaching to develop a personal teaching philosophy within a health professions education context.
• Integrate theory and practice in relation to learning, teaching, and assessment strategies.
• Demonstrate an awareness of curriculum design issues to promote an inclusive environment.
• Use a student-centred learning approach in their teaching practices.
• Design curricula including learning and teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and evaluation models.
• Use AI and other digital technologies to support student-centred learning.
• Facilitate effective feedback dialogue within healthcare and educational contexts.
• Design and analyze interprofessional learning that promotes collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
• Evaluate self-development as a teacher through a systematic and critical application of established frameworks describing the features of the effective and excellent educator.
• Demonstrate development in generic capabilities such as communication skills relevant to a range of teaching roles.

Modules

The one-year part-time program takes place over two academic semesters, with two modules completed in the first semester and two in the second semester.

Module Details

Module Name	Credits	Assessment Method
Introduction to Health Professions Education	15	Online activities (individual and group)/teaching demonstration
Principles of Teaching and Learning	15	Online activities (individual and group)/teaching demonstration
Assessment as/for/of Learning in Health Professions Education	15	Online activities (individual and group)/teaching demonstration
Curriculum Design and Evaluation	15	Online activities (individual and group)/teaching demonstration

Schedule

The September 2026 intake includes live sessions, with a tentative schedule subject to change.

Assessment Format

Assessment is continuous and via online activities (individual and group), including teaching demonstrations and reflective portfolios.

Accreditation and Recognition

RCSI is a recognized University of the National University of Ireland (NUI), and all RCSI programs are accredited by the NUI. Recognition by Ministries and bodies in all jurisdictions must be determined by individual applicants.

Admissions

Entry Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree.
• Be working in the healthcare industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements, you may still be eligible to apply through RPL, which assesses knowledge, skills, and competence previously acquired.

English Language Requirement Exceptions

You must meet the English language requirements unless exempt. Exemptions may apply for applicants who have completed their school or undergraduate studies through English in a country where English is the majority native language, or for those who have worked in a country where English is the majority native language.

Fees and Funding

• Student fees: 7,500
• Fee includes all resources, access to the online learning portal, and access to extensive RCSI-only databases.
• Fee is payable via a scheduled payment plan.

How to Apply

Applications for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education are now open. To apply, you must submit your application with supporting documents, including a clear copy of your valid passport, copies of your academic transcripts/degree, and copies of your CV.

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

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Overview:

RCSI is a university focused exclusively on health sciences. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as professional development courses. RCSI emphasizes collaboration between students, educators, and researchers to advance human health.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

RCSI offers a vibrant campus life with various student opportunities, including:

Life on campus:

The university provides a range of facilities and services to support student life.

Virtual campus tours:

Prospective students can explore the campus virtually.

Life in Dublin:

RCSI provides information about living in Dublin, a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene.

Student stories:

The university showcases the experiences of current and former students.

73 questions with ...:

A series of interviews with students and faculty.

A day in the life:

Provides insights into the daily routines of RCSI students.

Student opportunities:

RCSI offers various opportunities for student engagement and development.

Student engagement and partnership:

The university encourages student participation in various initiatives.

Undergraduate essentials:

Provides information about essential aspects of undergraduate life.

Course semester dates:

Outlines the academic calendar for different courses.

Chat with us:

Provides a platform for students to connect with RCSI staff.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

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Academic Programs:

RCSI offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

• Undergraduate:

  • Advanced Therapeutic Technologies
  • Dentistry
  • Graduate Entry Medicine
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy

• Postgraduate:

  • Taught courses
  • Postgraduate research

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Other: