Clinical Education PGCert
About this course
The Institute of Health and Allied Professions at NTU offers a comprehensive suite of continuous professional development (CPD) courses that have been designed and developed to meet the needs of the local health sector workforce.
The course has been jointly developed by NHS England (NHSE) and Nottingham Trent University and is designed to support the development of knowledge, skills and understanding of adult learning and educational theory.
It is ideal for prospective GP Educational Supervisors (ES).
The course will also guide the prospective ES through the NHSE process of training practice and educator approval.
The course has a careful blend of theory and practice, and promotes evidenced based and reflective teaching practice. The curriculum is designed to provide a theoretical basis for educators in clinical setting in health care particularly GPs who wish to become an ES. This theoretical basis is combined with exploration of the application of theory.
The course is delivered over 6 days, and is delivered in partnership with NHSE East Midlands.
-
Upon satisfactory completion of course you will become eligible to proceed on to a Trainer approval visit and become an Educational Supervisor, provisional for a year or until you have been confirmed as passing the Module Two Assignments. -
You may also wish to continue your studies and move on to a postgraduate course at Masters level with NTU's Institute of Health and Allied Professions.
What you’ll study
The two modules will encourage students to not only examine the knowledge and skills requirements for advanced and competent practice as educators, it will also explore specific themes based upon experiences in practice. In this way students will be able to integrate learning across the “theory and practice” divide and to emphasise the importance of the practice component.
The course aims are to:
- Develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes of a clinical educator in a modern UK healthcare setting. Prospective GP Educational Supervisors will gain a working knowledge of the RCGP e-portfolio from an educator perspective.
- To develop educators who demonstrate reflective practice and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Core modules (60 credits)
Developing a Learning Culture (30 credits)
This module introduces you to the concepts around clinical education and supports you to identify and develop a culture of learning in your own healthcare setting. It introduces you to postgraduate study, and aspects of online learning.
Education Skills and Practice (30 credits)
This module expands on the work from the first module. You'll learn to critically evaluate and appropriately apply theories of learning and teaching within healthcare, explore the concepts associated with identifying and managing common learner problems, and the ways in which to support a learner through professional qualifications such as MRCGP.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
Delivery mode
The teaching strategy is multi-modal and adopts a blended approach, with a clear commitment to face-to-face teaching and learning supported by online learning materials, small group discussions, presentations and practical exercises. Lectures will develop students’ subject knowledge and understanding and will aim to build on previous learning.
Throughout the course, each module will encourage students to not only examine the knowledge and skills requirements for advanced and competent practice, it will also explore specific themes, based upon experiences in practice. In this way students will be able to integrate learning across the “theory and practice” divide and to emphasise the importance of the practice component. Where appropriate, learning on the course will be led and enhanced by the contributions of external professional staff with specialist expertise. This co-delivery of education will enable learners to benefit from both clinical and academic expertise to augment their learning and provides a symbiotic approach to professional development.
Clinical area
Students should work within an appropriate healthcare setting while studying this course. This will enable students to reflect on their current practice and apply the knowledge and skills that are learned throughout the course. The course will also use case studies relating to the specialty and workplace along with discussion of professional practice to facilitate the integration of theory and practice.
How you're assessed
- Formative discussion
- Written essays
- Presentation
- Professional discussion.
As well as formal (graded) assessments learners have the opportunity to undertake a formative (developmental, ungraded) assessment. Students are allocated a tutor during the course who will provide formative feedback on student's progress and development.
All work is marked aby experienced General Practitioners Educators with Teaching Experience and Qualifications and is internally moderated by the NTU course leader.
Campus and facilities
The purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre on the Clifton Campus is home to our world-class teaching, practice, research and scholarship in the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP).
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
Applicants to this course will be Practicing General Practitioners (GPs) that are registered with the General Medical Council and want to become a GP Educational Supervisor.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Fees and funding
Fees for courses starting September 2025 and January 2026
| Level of study | Course cost |
|---|---|
| PGCert | Students on this course are often sponsored by NHS England. You can find out more about this on their workforce, training and education pages. |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can.
Before you start, we recommend reading the information hosted on the NHS England (NHSE) website, as you will need to submit part of your application to them, particularly if you are being sponsored. You will need to contact Julia Taylor, Associate Postgraduate Dean to discuss the requirements and expectations prior to submitting the application forms. Contact details can be found on the NHSE website.
Download and complete our application form and return it to SOC.cpd@ntu.ac.uk. Please make sure you have read through the above course entry requirements carefully before you do.
This course is not open to international students.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder. You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Good luck with your application!
