Surgical Education MEd

The MEd in Surgical Education course aims to challenge your thinking and develop your practice as a surgical educator. Successful completion of the programmes will develop your theoretical and practical understanding of surgical education and the judgment needed to innovate in this important and growing field. These programmes use intensive face-to-face teaching, discussion and academic work to challenge and develop your thinking and practice as a surgical educator. Educational themes tailored to the unique features of surgical practice are explored throughout. There is increasing emphasis across surgical specialities on sound education, assessment and appraisal, and a growing recognition that education is key to safe clinical practice and effective professional development. Surgery with its professional emphasis on craft, performance and teamwork presents unique opportunities and challenges to educators and trainers. The face-to-face nature of the course enables active discussion with peers and tutors and fosters a collaborative community atmosphere in which to develop your educational interests. These programmes are of interest to those involved with the education of students and trainees in interventional and surgical specialities. Although we expect participants to bring relevant experience of medicine, surgery, and training in the workplace, we make few assumptions of prior knowledge in the field of education. This programme is designed to produce graduates equipped to further careers in healthcare and surgery–related education; provide a solid foundation for those who intend to go on to study for an MD or PhD; develop understanding of processes involved in surgical education and research; provide a supportive learning environment; and attract highly motivated students.

We anticipate that graduates of this programme will be well placed to advance their careers in a range of directions. Some may likely be senior in their ‘first’ profession; for this group the programmes will represent professionalisation for a role they may have taken on without full and appropriate academic training. Our graduates are positioned to take increasing educational responsibility in Universities, Trusts and professional bodies, influencing policy and practice and empowered to carry out research in surgical education. Assessment methods involve the following: Coursework (e.g. group projects, extended writing) and Dissertation. During this course students will also achieve PgDip awards.