Health Professions Education (PGCert, PGDip, MSc) – online at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A fully online part-time programme for those developing a health professions educational role, with exit awards at PGCert, PGDip and MSc level. It is interprofessional and interdisciplinary, and the PGCert is accredited for membership of the Academy of Medical Educators.

Department: School of Medicine | Duration: Three years part-time distance learning (PGCert year 1, PGDip year 2, MSc year 3) | Intake: September 2027; application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027 | Study mode: online | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 (PGCert, 60 credits) covers Fundamentals of Designing and Facilitating Learning and Impact of Learning. Year 2 (PGDip) adds Contemporary Global Issues in Health Professions Education, Health Humanities Approaches within Health Professions Education and Research Methods in Education. Year 3 (MSc) is a supervised degree project: an empirical study, a systematic review or an extended research proposal with ethics application.

Career pathways

For individuals developing a health professions educational role, pursuing an academic career in health professions education or healthcare education research, or preparing for PhD or MD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

All candidates must hold an existing teaching role in their workplace. PGCert: a 2.1 Honours degree in a health profession or relevant field, or significant professional experience with evidence of prior alternative learning. PGDip/MSc: at least one 30-credit module at SCQF level 9 or equivalent within five years of the start, plus a 2.1 Honours degree in a health profession or relevant field, or the St Andrews PGCert in Health Professions Education completed within five years. Application documents: CV, personal statement, one employer reference, transcripts and degree certificates, and a satisfactory 30-minute online interview. English language (international applicants, IELTS Academic; equivalents accepted): overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component (postgraduate taught profile 3-D). Also accepted: PTE Academic 79 overall (76 in each skill), TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) 91 overall (reading 19, writing 23, listening 19, speaking 22). Applicants from some countries and those with a degree taught in English at a qualifying institution may not need a test score. Test scores are normally valid for two years.

Intake: September 2027; application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027

Duration: Three years distance learning

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences