MSc Health Professions Education

Overview

Our Health Professions Education (HPE) programmes are designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop advanced teaching and educational leadership skills. Whether you are a clinician, educator, or trainer, these programmes will equip you with the knowledge and practical tools to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality education in health professions.

The curriculum combines educational theory with practical application, ensuring you can immediately apply what you learn in your workplace. You will explore topics such as curriculum design, assessment strategies, feedback and supervision, and the use of technology in education. A strong emphasis is placed on reflective practice, enabling you to critically evaluate your teaching and continuously improve.

Our teaching approach is interactive and student-focused, with small-group sessions, case-based discussions, and opportunities for peer learning. You will benefit from flexible study options, including part-time and full-time routes, campus-based or online delivery, allowing you to balance your studies with professional commitments.

Our HPE programme offers flexible routes to suit your needs. You can begin with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), progress to a Postgraduate Diploma (60 credits), and complete the dissertation (60 credits) to be awarded the MSc in HPE (180 credits). Part-time students typically complete the Certificate and Diploma over one year each, followed by a two-year dissertation stage. Full-time students can complete the MSc in one year on campus, or choose our online MSc, available full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). Each stage provides clear exit points and progression opportunities, allowing you to tailor your learning journey.

To learn more about the Online MSc programme please visit online programme

Foundations of Medical Education - introductory short course
As a health professional you may be responsible for the education of doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons or physician associates. Foundations in Medical Education (FMed) is an AoME accredited online non-credit short-course suited to those who are in a teaching role and have not had formal training but may not yet want to commit to the full HPE certificate qualification. However, it provides a stepping stone to the PgCert.

Programme structure

We offer flexible study routes to suit your needs:

Part-time route

Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in HPE – 60 credits

Duration: 1 year
Structure: Three mandatory units
Exit Award: PgCert in HPE
Progression: Eligible to continue to PgDip (60 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in HPE – 60 credits

Duration: 1 year
Structure: Two mandatory units + one elective unit
Exit Award: PgDip in HPE (120 credits)
Progression: Eligible to continue to MSc dissertation

MSc (Dissertation stage) in HPE – 60 credits

Duration: 2 years
Structure: Dissertation unit
Award: MSc in Health Professions Education (180 credits)

Full-time route

Campus-based MSc in HPE – 180 credits

Duration: 1 year
Structure: Six taught units + one dissertation unit
Award: MSc in Health Professions Education (180 credits)

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a relevant degree including (but not limited to) medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmacy, biological sciences, psychology and social sciences, or a relevant professional qualification with at least two years' full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional experience.

You should demonstrate interest in clinical teaching through work experience, volunteering or research. You must be able to access teaching opportunities within your current role.

For entry to the Postgraduate Diploma award, you must have successfully completed the Health Professionals Education (or TLHP) Postgraduate Certificate, or an equivalent qualification from another institution.

For entry to the MSc Modular award, you must have successfully completed both the Health Professionals Education (or TLHP) Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate, or equivalent qualifications from another institution.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

evidence of significant, relevant work experience/volunteering/research in clinical teaching
a relevant postgraduate qualification including (but not limited to) medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmacy, biological sciences, psychology and social sciences.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Admissions Statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: MSc full-time: £14,400 per year
Overseas: MSc full-time: £39,800 per year
Home: MSc part-time (two years): £7,200 per year
Overseas: MSc part-time (two years): £19,900 per year
Home: PG Cert part-time (one year): £4,800 per year
Overseas: PG Cert part-time (one year): £13,290 per year
Home: PG Dip part-time (two years): £4,800 per year
Overseas: PG Dip part-time (two years): £13,290 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Some funding may be available through NHS employers or the clinical academies linked with the University of Bristol Medical School.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme gain recognised qualifications accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME) and Advance HE that open doors to roles in health professions education, clinical academia, and leadership positions in training and development. You will also join a vibrant community of educators, and researchers building networks that support your career progression.

Contact us

Contact: Enquiries Team
Phone: +44 (0) 117 394 1649
Email: choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk

Faculties: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Schools: Health Professions Education