Medical and Healthcare Education MSc

Postgraduate degree accredited by AoME

Develop the skills to become an educational leader in healthcare with our Academy of Medical Educators accredited online masters.

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Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Course length

Study this course over 2 years

Start dates

Start in January or September

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 27th May 2026

Fees: £9,000

Payment plans available

Professional accreditation

Academy of Medical Educators

Course overview

Studying a masters in medical education online gives you the flexibility to develop your career around commitments and bring together health and education. Designed for registered healthcare professionals involved in teaching or supporting learning, this online distance learning course develops your understanding of learning and teaching methods specific to healthcare and prepares you to become an educational leader. You’ll enhance your teaching practice, from motivating learning to designing resources you can apply in your role, supported by activities, formative assessments and tutorials.

You’ll also build specialist skills in healthcare education and research through a project that addresses a problem in your practice or a gap in your knowledge. Studying alongside doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, dentists and allied health professionals, you’ll benefit from inter-professional discussion and non-traditional assessments.

You can also take this medical education online course as a PG Cert, accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME), with the option to top up to the full Masters and opportunities for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

Why choose this course?

100% online study gives you the flexibility to fit learning around other commitments
Learn first-hand from healthcare professionals and medical educators at a University of the Year (THE)
Improve your professional practice and gain an in-depth knowledge of medical education
Support your own professional development and advance your healthcare teaching career
Undertake a research project to address a problem within your practice or fill a gap in your knowledge
Select an optional module in an area of specific interest or relevance to your existing role, on a course aligned to the Professional Standard Framework (PSF-23) of Advance HE

What you’ll gain

Skills to become an educational leader in healthcare
Enhanced teaching practice, from motivating learning to designing effective learning resources
In-depth knowledge of medical and healthcare education to improve your professional practice
Ability to apply key principles and philosophies of teaching and learning in your professional context
Specialist skills in healthcare education relating to your field of practice
Essential research skills developed through designing and completing a research project

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

Modules

Principles of Medical and Healthcare Education

This module will introduce you to some of the key principles within medical and healthcare education. Encouraging you to reflect upon your own experiences, both as a learner and as an educator. You’ll develop and enhance your own teaching practices, exploring principles, incorporating critical analysis of relevant literature. You'll address practical aspects of teaching, from motivating learners through to designing effective learning resources to enhance your teaching strategies and we'll provide guidance on planning, delivering and reflecting on teaching sessions to maximise the quality of your learning experience.

Philosophies of Medical and Healthcare Education

During this module you’ll engage with fundamental questions concerning the aims, values and outcomes of education, within your sphere of practice. You'll be encouraged to reflect on your role within the educational process and how your personal aims and values might influence your practice. You'll explore incidences of when policy and practice are misaligned and the practical implications of this within your field, drawing on your understanding of educational theory to propose solutions.

Postgraduate Research Design

This module will give you the tools you need in order to identify and plan research to address a real world problem within your practice, or address a gap in your existing knowledge within your field. It is designed for participants from across the School of Medicine which is reflected in the diverse content including: evaluating literature, designing research questions, systematic review procedures, qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis, issues of rigour and ethical considerations in research.

Postgraduate Research Project

As a central component of the Masters award, the major project provides you with the opportunity to address a suitable research problem or gap in your knowledge within your practice. Through synthesis of your learning from previous modules, you'll be able to plan a research project, including the selection of appropriate methods of data collection and analysis, execute the design, and communicate your findings in a suitable manner.

Optional Modules

You will need to select one optional module

Specialist Techniques for Medical and Healthcare Education (Optional)

Principles of Simulation in Medical and Healthcare Education (Optional)

Developed for those involved in, or interested in, developing and leading simulation-based learning within medical and healthcare education. Delivered using blended learning, you’ll be encouraged to critically explore the evidence base behind the use of simulation in medical education, before attending 3 workshops based at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus. During these workshops you’ll experience different aspects of planning and designing simulation sessions as both a learner and facilitator, allowing you to see how the theoretical concepts behind simulation are applied in practice. You’ll be supported through the design and development of a simulation-based learning activity for your specific context, and, in a final follow-up workshop, you’ll lead a session with your fellow students acting as co-facilitators and learners.

Global Leadership (Optional)

Businesses, whether private, public or third sector, operate in a world facing a range of urgent global issues. You’ll examine the fitness of businesses and individuals to tackle such issues, based on the Global Leadership model developed by lecturers at ARU. You’ll cover effective decision making, adoption of a global approach, creation of a new business paradigm and creation of a contemporary mission. You’ll also consider the related concept of mis-leadership, which looks at how leaders have often failed to achieve the optimum outcomes for those they lead.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment methods vary according to module selection, but will include written essays, teaching observations, research proposals, educational portfolios and research reports.

Meet your course leader

Dr Eshtar Hamid

Course Director: Medical and Healthcare Education

Dr Eshtar Hamid is a senior medical educator and Course Director for the Medical and Healthcare Education programme at the School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). With a background in medicine, she brings a strong passion for advancing education and research in teaching and learning across healthcare disciplines. Her academic interests centre on the development of active and innovative pedagogical approaches, particularly through the integration of technology such as simulation-based learning.

Dr Hamid’s work is grounded in research-informed practice, focusing on evaluating student experiences across diverse teaching and learning strategies. She also leads the Medical Education Research Group at ARU, where she supports the design and implementation of educational projects aimed at enhancing curriculum design and instructional effectiveness. Eshtar is also an academic supervisor, supporting students undertaking workplace-based projects that bridge theory with real-world practice.

Her role involves guiding learners through the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational initiatives within clinical and healthcare settings. She is committed to fostering reflective practice and helping students develop the skills to critically appraise and enhance teaching and learning in their professional environments.

Accreditation

AoME Accredited*

AoME accreditation of our Medical and Healthcare Education PG Cert means that if you have completed the PG Cert modules under ARU, you will be able to apply for Membership of the Academy which offers many additional benefits including signifying that you have been judged to meet the Academy’s Professional Standards for Medical Educators at an appropriate level.

*Accreditation cannot be met if you have completed your PG Cert modules through a different institute.

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our Medical and Healthcare Education MSc is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC or tablet, at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

You’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or primary medical qualification. If you are a non-graduate but have extensive relevant practical and continuing professional development experience you are also encouraged to apply.

You must be a registered practitioner with at least two years of post-registration experience in the field of health or social care and actively involved in facilitating teaching and learning within your professional role.

You will need to provide evidence that a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance has been undertaken.

If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in.

If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.

If English is not your first language, you will be expected/asked to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

As a distance learner, you’ll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of word processing, internet, and email.

If you have completed a relevant PG Cert degree in Medical and Healthcare Education or Learning and Teaching at Anglia Ruskin University, or another UK institution, you can apply to enter the online Medical and Healthcare Education MSc course with 60 credits exemption. This exemption will reduce the tuition fee for the full MSc and may reduce the length of time needed to complete the degree.

Please note: Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please contact us for further information.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for this masters in medical education is £9,000.

The tuition fees you pay each year for the full Medical and Healthcare Education MSc will be £4,300. The course is studied over 2 years.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted. Please note that APL may affect your eligibility for a postgraduate loan.

Funding

Your masters in medical education can be fully funded by the Postgraduate Student Loans now available (subject to eligibility).

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

What our students say

of our Alumni would recommend studying with ARU Distance Learning

found studying via distance learning either ‘very accessible’ or ‘quite accessible’

felt ‘much more confident’ or 'more confident’ at work

2026 Alumni survey with 268 respondents

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Teaching for change: Anu’s mission in Medical Education

Meet Anu, a medical educator on a mission to give back. With a passion for uplifting others and creating lasting change, she’s using her Medical and Healthcare Education PG Cert to lead with purpose. Learn how she’s combining leadership, teaching, and compassion to reshape training and support her wider healthcare community.

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your MSc medical education remotely, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist module tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your MSc medical education, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

Visit support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in medical education

What could a masters in medical education do for my career?

What skills will I get from a Medical and Healthcare Education MSc to help my career?

You’ll enhance your CV with a higher-level award that includes both deeper knowledge of the subject and added transferable skills such as the ability to:

Deliver effective learning lessons
Reflect critically on the effectiveness of your teaching and professional responsibilities
Identify and facilitate opportunities for inclusion
Communicate and present effectively
Integrate theory with educational practice
Problem-solve
Manage research and work-based projects

What can I study after a masters in medical education?

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications, and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

Why study a masters in medical education at ARU?

While studying with ARU, you will be met with a medical education programme that is dedicated to offering you a supportive learner centred teaching approach. The advancement of medical education is essential for improving healthcare services, making your role as a medical educator a vital part of the healthcare field.

We’re passionate about making an impact on local communities and in supporting our students to gain the skills they need to apply their learning to helping others. And, we’re proud to have received a Gold Award* – the highest possible rating – in a UK-wide review of teaching, learning and student support, so we’re well placed to support you to master your learning and teaching practice.

*Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

What options are available to me after graduation with an MSc in medical education?

After successful completion of the course, many medical education students go on to become medical educators themselves, whether that's face-to-face teaching in a medical school environment, or funding relevant educational research to inspire future medical students and medical trainees.

You may also want to take a look at the Medical and Healthcare Education PG Cert postgraduate diploma, which is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators.

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.

Apply now