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.
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.
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.
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
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£4,060
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 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.
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in 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 qualification.
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 qualification.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
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.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- INDICATIVE COST
- £4,060
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
