MSc Health Professions Education (Online)
- MSc
Overview
Our Online MSc in Health Professions Education (HPE) offers a flexible and accessible way to advance your expertise in teaching and learning within healthcare. You can choose to study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years), allowing you to fit your studies around professional and personal commitments.
This programme provides evidence-based theoretical knowledge and practical skills for those seeking to develop educational expertise in their health profession context. You will learn alongside a diverse, multi-professional cohort, gaining valuable insight into teaching and learning across different healthcare settings. Our academic team brings a wealth of experience from clinical practice, social sciences, and education, ensuring a rich and varied learning environment.
As an online programme, you will benefit from:
- Asynchronous learning materials for flexible study at your own pace.
- Synchronous small-group tutorials with dedicated lecturers for interactive discussion and support.
- A collaborative, multi-professional learning community.
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.
Programme structure
The Online MSc in Health Professions Education is a 180-credit programme delivered entirely online. It includes:
- Six mandatory taught units (20 credits each)
- One dissertation unit (60 credits) requiring a 15,000-word thesis
You can choose one of two study routes:
- Full-time route (1 year):
Complete all six taught units and the dissertation within one academic year. - Part-time route (2 years):
Year 1: Study all six taught units
Year 2: Complete the dissertation unit
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content:
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.
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.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
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: full-time
- £14,400 per year
- International: full-time
- £39,800 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
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools