Program Overview

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Postgraduate Diploma of Medical Education

Overview

The Diploma in Medical Education is designed for those looking to build on their PG Cert and deepen their expertise in medical education. It is ideal for health professionals who regularly train or supervise medical students and resident doctors, as well as those in dental and veterinary education.

This course equips you to deliver high-quality, practical training in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, where time is limited, and patient care is the priority.

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning to areas relevant to your current and future medical education practice, supporting your career development.

For those looking to advance further, the Diploma provides a pathway toward a full Masters qualification in medical education.

Why us?

• Expert guest speakers from diverse backgrounds will share real-world insights and practical examples to enhance your learning
• You'll be taught by a range of recognised academics and clinicians from the field of medical education, ensuring the teaching is relevant, practical, and directly applicable to your educational work
• The course emphasises the real-world delivery of training, helping you navigate the complex clinical and educational environments you work in
• Flexible learning options are available to fit around your professional commitments
• We are one of the few courses offering a specialised module on Leadership in Medical Education

Course structure

The course combines online lectures, group seminars, interactive workshops, self-study, and activities via the Canvas platform. Regular in-person study days provide opportunities for you to network with fellow students and engage in creative and interactive learning activities.

In person writing days and online academic writing sessions help develop your academic writing skills, provide protected time for writing your assignments and opportunity for feedback from course and library staff. Online drop-in sessions provide opportunity for you to gain feedback on your work in progress.

You will be formally assessed using multiple methods including critical reflective and essay writing, individual presentation, and portfolio.

There will be multiple opportunities to engage in formative assessments to gain valuable feedback on your work as you progress through the course.

Modules

All modules are worth 30 credits. Any can be chosen though we advise 'Research Methodology in Medical Education' if you intend to go on to the final Masters stage.

Supervision and Support of Medical Learners

This module examines the support and supervision aspects of medical education, extending beyond teaching to roles such as postgraduate educational supervisors, personal tutors, and programme leads. Grounded in GMC supervision domains, it covers essential areas including learning environments, educational culture, governance, and support for both learners and educators.

Research Methodology in Medical Education

Designed to introduce students to qualitative and educational research methodology, this module helps you to frame research questions and develop study designs. If you plan to complete the final Masters qualification through a research project, this module is essential unless you have prior relevant training.

Leading and Managing in Medical Education

This module aims to support career development for those in, or aspiring to, educational leadership roles such as programme leads, training directors, and foundation tutors, providing a strong foundation in leadership theory and styles. The module is taught by leaders in the field and university academics.

Technology Enhanced Learning

A dynamic and evolving module, this module focuses on innovation in medical education technology. Participants will explore emerging and established teaching methods, including MOOCs, screencasts, flipped classrooms, shared learning spaces, e-portfolios, and effective online presentation techniques. This module ensures you stay at the forefront of digital education advancements.

Facilities

This course is based in the School of Medicine at our City Campus. Teaching may take place online (Microsoft Teams) and in-person (on site) in Murray Health, and/or Gateway/Edinburgh building.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

You should be actively involved in teaching or supervising medical students, doctors, dentists, or veterinarians within current UK practice.

Applicants will hold a medical degree (MB BS, MBChB) or a first degree of 2:2 or above.

University of Sunderland staff will apply via the HR staff qualifications policy agreeing workload remission and support with their line manager.

This course is suitable for applicants to enter with advanced standing. You will need at least 60 credits or equivalent to be suitable for entry. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is permitted for up to 120 credits. APL will normally be applied against the modules in the Postgraduate Certificate usually because the applicant holds a Postgraduate Certificate of equivalence. Normal university processes of mapping learning outcomes will be applied. APL is permitted only where all of the course learning outcomes to the level of a particular exit award have been met.

Please email if you have questions about your suitability for the course.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The tuition fee for this course is:

• £2,833 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
• £5,666 if you are an international student

As this course is part-time, we can only consider international students currently residing in the UK on a suitable visa that covers the duration of your studies (e.g. Tier 2).

If you wish to go on to study Master of Medical Education, the next-year tuition fee would be the same as above.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Our goal is to equip you with the skills and expertise to advance your career in medical education. These courses are designed to support your development as a supervisor, teacher, course organiser, training programme lead, and beyond.