Applications are open for September 2025
Our application deadline for online degrees and awards starting in January 2025 has passed. But you can apply now to start in September 2025.
Gain a clinical education qualification and learn to deliver, organise and lead clinical training.
Join us online for a flexible Masters in Clinical Education that fits around full-time work.
Graduate with the knowledge and skills to develop, deliver, and research first-class clinical education in your own discipline.
- Tailor your learning with elective courses in teaching with simulation, teaching technology, clinical learning in primary care, and more.
- Enjoy one-to-one support for your professional development goals and MSc research project.
- Mix 24/7 learning resources you can access anytime with live online teaching sessions, for a more social and active learning experience.
Outstanding teaching and networking
You’ll learn from senior academics, lecturers and NHS staff from a variety of clinical backgrounds. All are actively engaged in clinical education and pedagogic research.
You’ll study alongside students working as clinical staff in medical, dental, and nursing education, as well as doctors, nurses, dentists, physician associates and other healthcare professionals.
Who can join this online MSc in Clinical Education?
Our distance learning clinical education programme is for practising health professionals and academics anywhere in the world who want an academic qualification in clinical education.
It’s ideal for those involved in the education of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, dental practitioners, associated scientists (biomedical or social), clinical psychologists and occupational therapists.
You can join online MSc Clinical Education whether you’re relatively new to clinical education or an experienced educator looking to advance your existing knowledge and skills.
Access discounts and funding for this degree
Find out about:
Accredited PgCert in Clinical Education
Our postgraduate certificate in Clinical Education is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME).
Complete our PgCert successfully and apply for full AoME membership without having to go through the full application and assessment process.
By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to...
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Apply critical knowledge and a conceptual base in the arena of clinical teaching and learning.
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Inspire a reflective approach to educational practice.
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Design, plan, teach and assess clinical education training.
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Carry out clinical educational research.
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Discuss and investigate theories of learning.
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Lead and manage more confidently in your clinical education work.
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Identify and apply the core values of educators, with a particular emphasis on clinical education.
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Meet and exceed the minimum requirements of the Academy of Medical Educators (Level 2).
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your online Clinical Education degree
Trusted clinical education training
We’ve been training outstanding clinical educators in the NHS, military, private and overseas health sectors since 2016.
Research-led teaching
Your teaching is informed by active researchers from the Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences.
NHS and alumni discounts
NHS staff get 10% off this online degree. University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off.
Join one of the UK’s best medical schools
We’re ranked first in the UK for Medicine by the Guardian University Guide 2025.
What you’ll study
You can apply to study for a:
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Masters (180 credits), or
- start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).
You can build your way up through these qualifications, one short course at a time.
Typically, students enrol for the PgCert first, then continue through to the PgDip and MSc subject to personal development goals.
How you’ll study
Online learning
MSc Clinical Education is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere, with no need for a visa.
Your teaching
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- videos and webinars
- podcasts
- live online teaching sessions
- discussion boards with your peers and tutors
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
One-to-one tutorials
You’ll have lots of direct support while you study with us. You’ll have one-to-one online tutorials with your course coordinators to discuss your progress, assignments and receive any additional support you need. If you live locally, you’re welcome to meet in person with your coordinators at our Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen for support with course queries. Remote students will have the same support online.
Collaboration
We use interactive seminars, large and small group work, and discussion board activities to encourage collaboration. Working online with colleagues locally, nationally and internationally, you’ll become part of a global peer group, sharing insights, research, and building your professional network.
Reflective practice
Our online Clinical Education programme places an emphasis on reflective practice. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own experiences in clinical, educational and cultural settings, as learners and teachers. We’ll use methods including peer observation and feedback on teaching.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned educators, researchers and NHS staff. They’re actively engaged in clinical education and pedagogic research.
This degree is assessed entirely online. We use several types of assessment, including:
- written assignments
- oral presentations
- development of reflective portfolios
- course work.
Our assessments help you gain transferable skills in clinical education. For example, presentation skills in the form of oral presentations and podcasts; and writing a research report in the form of a scientific paper.
Study hours for taught courses
If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. Students typically take one or two 15-credit short courses per term.
15 credits
- Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 8 – 10 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
30 credits
- Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 15 – 20 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
Activities at fixed times
There may be some activities scheduled at a fixed time, such as live online sessions, or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.
Study hours for live online sessions
Each 15-credit course features six to eight live online sessions. These last around one hour.
Live session dates and times will be organised flexibly at the start of each course. Your course coordinator will consider everyone’s circumstances and time zones before setting up live session times that best suit the class.
These sessions will also be recorded for you to view later if you cannot attend.
Study hours for 60-credit project
A 60-credit project or dissertation is around 600 hours of study time.
You’ll complete your clinical education project part-time over two terms.
Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.
We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:
- Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
- Disability support
- IT support
- Library support
- Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
- Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
- Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
- Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.
When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.
But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.
Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.
Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:
- Be realistic
- Create a weekly schedule as a guide
If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.
We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).
Access study spaces, books and journals in your area
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.
You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Eve Brock
Eve is the programme coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about course content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Clare McHattie
Clare is part of the School’s postgraduate teaching support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Your MSc qualification
You’ll graduate with a respected MSc in Clinical Education from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
You’ll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your MSc qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.
Careers
You’ll graduate ready to enhance and advance clinical education practice, wherever you work.
The contacts you make within the University will enhance the credibility of your degree and help establish your reputation as a contributor to essential research projects.
Graduate pathways
Graduates of this programme have gone on to develop as educators in a variety of roles, including Lecturers in Medical Education, Clinical Supervisors, and Simulation Faculty.
Many have also gone on to lead roles in academic programmes, clinical postgraduate training, and to conduct healthcare education research in areas including Selection and Assessment Psychometrics.
Career opportunities include:
- Further study (PhD)
- Clinical academic jobs in universities (Lecturer, Researcher)
- Clinical educational roles, including those requiring recognition and approval by the General Medical Council (Educational Supervisor)
- Lead roles (Director of Medical Education, Training Programme Director)
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
What our students say
Here’s what recent students have to say about their experiences on the programme:
I’ve really enjoyed the PgDip in Clinical Education this year. The format made it very accessible, as I work full time in the NHS and I’m a parent. Being online didn’t stop the engagement with other students and tutors; discussion boards were available on all modules to ask questions and to interact with fellow learners. Really impressed with the University and the quality of the course and tutors.
Laura Reid, Practice Educator, NHS Grampian
The course was set around learning days set well in advance, so was easy to fit into my clinical and personal commitments. And the assessments were an opportunity to build on my academic profile and portfolio – I’ve presented work from the PgCert at a number of local and national conferences.
Dr David Wandless, Honorary Lecturer in Medicine, University of Aberdeen
Not only was I learning a huge amount more around the principles of education, but I was also able to apply it directly to my current teaching. This allowed me to confidently improve this teaching, and these improvements were reflected directly and positively in my end of year student feedback.
Dr Malcolm Stewart, Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Aberdeen
Fees and funding
The PgCert fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2024/25 academic year. The PgDip and MSc fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% for the 2025/26 academic year. Our indicative costs include a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go degree.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your degree.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Learning resources
Access to all the books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.
Printing
You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.
Additional Cost of Teaching (ACT) funding
If you’re an NHS Grampian career grade staff applicant (eg, Consultant, staff grade) or other healthcare professional with a substantive commitment to the teaching of undergraduate medical students (e.g. specialist nurse may be considered from time to time, pending funding availability), funding may be available for your Clinical Education fees from NHS Grampian’s Medical ACT fund.
Applications are subject to ACT panel review. If you’re eligible, email clined@abdn.ac.uk to enquire about application.
You need to submit your application for ACT funding by:
- 30 November 2024 for a January 2025 start (Postgraduate Certificate Level only)
- 31 July 2025 for a September 2025 start (All stages).
Other funding sources
- Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
- Student loans
- Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
Find out more about funding options.
Student card
All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.
20% Alumni discount
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. View Alumni discount details.
10% NHS discount
NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; our School of Psychology; and our ILM leadership courses. View NHS discount details.
How discounts work
Discounts are applied during your application process. Only one discount can be used per application. If you are eligible for more than one discount, we will apply the largest discount for you.
Entry requirements
MSc, PgDip, PgCert
- An honours level degree, usually in healthcare (eg, MBChB, nursing, or BDS), or
- an honours level degree in a healthcare-related area (eg, psychology).
You should also be currently involved in teaching practice.
You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.
What you need to apply for this degree
- Degree transcript
- Personal statement
- Degree certificate
- CV / Resume
Apply now
Start with our step-by-step guide. It explains degree transcripts, what to write in your personal statement and how to use our Applicant Portal.
Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.
September 2025 intake
For our September 2025 intake, the application deadline is 8 September 2025.
You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 15 September 2025.
Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.
Application deadlines will be announced in due course.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world.
See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.
Visa requirements
You do not need a student visa to study online with us.
English language requirements
Teaching is delivered in English.
If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.
English language tests and scores
If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept.
These are our Postgraduate Higher requirements.
IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, and IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
- 6.5 overall
- 5.5 for listening and speaking
- 6.0 for reading and writing
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 90 overall
- 17 for listening
- 21 for reading
- 20 for speaking
- 21 for writing
- TOEFL DI code is 0818
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall
- 162 for listening and speaking
- 169 for reading and writing
LanguageCert Academic/LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall
- 60 for listening and speaking
- 65 for reading and writing
LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken) – Online / In-centre
- Overall High Pass
- 33 for listening, reading and speaking
- 38 for writing
Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online
- 7.0 overall
- 5.0 for listening and speaking
- 6.0 for reading and writing
PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
- 62 overall
- 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
- 120 overall
- 95 for listening and speaking
- 105 for reading and writing
University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
- Pass
- Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
- Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
- B2 in all four skills
- Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course
For more information about language qualifications see our English Language Requirements page.
You will need access to:
A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) operating on either:
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
Reliable internet access
We recommend:
- a wired connection
- a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.
Speakers or headphones
- We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
- A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.
Software
We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and install these programs on up to five personal devices.
If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.
See our detailed IT requirements for more information.
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£3,960
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in January 2025.
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
£8,680
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Master of Science
180 credits
£13,160
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- January or September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £3,960
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in January 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
