University of Manchester - Online and Blended Learning

PGCert Medical and Health Education

This course is suitable for all experienced clinicians and healthc scientists, including medical doctors, dentists, nurses and all other allied health professionals involved in teaching, learning or assessment in the workplace, whether formal or informal. Non-standard applicants who have significant relevant professional experience may be considered on an individual basis by the Course Director.

Our course is aimed at those who want to further develop their teaching skills through a course with a strong emphasis on professional practice. Interprofessional learning is central to the ethos of the course and provides the added value of learning alongside colleagues from other disciplines. You will benefit from the wisdom and experience of your peers, as well as the expertise offered by healthcare teaching professionals. This course is designed to be completed alongside work commitments.

This course is suitable for all experienced clinicians, including medical doctors, dentists, nurses and all other allied health professionals involved in teaching, learning or assessment in the workplace, whether formal or informal.

You'll build the professional confidence and the recognition to effectively facilitate teaching and learning within a variety of settings.

As a recognised postgraduate qualification, this PGCert reflects the teaching competencies set out by relevant professional bodies, giving you a unique opportunity to broaden your role and apply your educational know-how in the workplace.

The Reflective Educator (Begins in September)

• Study the theory that underpins effective practice in teaching, learning, assessment and evaluation.
• Analyse your role as an educator and reflect on developments in your discipline.
• Develop innovative approaches to learning opportunities, curriculum and learning tools.

The Art and Science of Teaching (Begins in November)

• Explore curriculum in terms of interprofessional education, leadership, mentoring and professionalism.
• Present the principles of curriculum design and course development.
• Introduce a range of teaching and learning methods for critical appraisal.
• Facilitate the selection of appropriate teaching and assessment methods aligned to curriculum to enhance learning.
• Demonstrate a personal teaching style and consider the factors which can influence teaching and learning, from both a learner and educator perspective.

Pass or Fail, Who Decides? (Begins in February)

• Explore current assessment practices within the context of your discipline
• Consider how assessment fits into the broader remit of evaluation and quality assurance
• Understand the impact and value of feedback

• Apply evidence and theoretical principles to your individual teaching practice.
• Work with peers across disciplines to compare experiences and evaluate how different approaches can enhance learning.
• Reflect on your practice, and what is needed to effectively contribute to teaching and learning in various settings.
• Consider the influence of meaningful assessment on learning.

• Develop the professional confidence and the recognition to effectively facilitate teaching and learning within a variety of settings.
• Studying alongside peers from varied backgrounds, widening your knowledge and building a multidisciplinary community of practice.
• Broaden your role and apply your educational know-how in the workplace through this recognised postgraduate qualification that reflects core teaching competencies set out by relevant professional bodies.

Delivery - Online course developed to fit your lifestyle and circumstances.

Duration - 12 months, part-time

Enrolment date - September 2026

Workload - Approximately 20 hours per week

Teaching and learning

This course is 100% online and delivered flexibly to suit your lifestyle, specifically designed to help you learn alongside your career.

Our teaching and learning methods include videos, webinars and other online learning exercises. These provide insights into key concepts and guide you towards where to focus directed study.

Through discussion boards and tutorials, you'll take part in guided discussions around issues related to teaching practice. This will establish the links between theory and practice, helping you to create practical strategies to deal with these real-world problems.

'Drop-in' tutorial sessions will provide you with opportunities to discuss your personal goals and progress. Reflective activities will allow you to consider your own skills and project development.

You will be assigned a Study Advisor who will be with you throughout your studies with us. Your Study Advisor will be your first point of contact - by phone or email - for any queries that aren't directly related to course content. You'll take an active role in your learning, committing to approximately 20 hours per week.

Please review the technical requirements to prepare for a successful learning journey with us.

Academic teaching start dates: September 2026 entry - 1 September 2026

The welcome event and induction take place one week before the academic teaching start date. Our admissions team will confirm your induction date closer to the time. Please ensure that you complete your registration ahead of your chosen entry date to gain access to the online learning material and library services.