Master of Medical Education MMedEd

Explore the complexities of medical training within a regulated framework, focusing on quality management, learner and educator support, student success, retention, attainment, and fitness to practise. Engage with theory, evidence, and practice, designing and conducting your own independent study with expert supervision. Deep dive into the fundamentals of teaching and learning.

Register your interest

Overview

The full-time Master of Medical Education is designed for medical and dental students with a strong interest in medical education and aspirations for a future role in the field.

This programme provides a deep dive into the fundamentals of teaching and learning, alongside a critical examination of assessment methods in medical education. Topics include work-based competency assessment, professionalism evaluation, and knowledge assessment, as well as the latest advancements in technology-enhanced learning.

You will explore the complexities of medical training within a regulated framework, focusing on quality management, learner and educator support, student success, retention, attainment, and fitness to practise.

A strong emphasis is placed on research, where you will engage with theory, evidence, and practice, designing and conducting your own independent study with expert supervision.

Throughout the year, you will receive one-on-one support, along with regular peer group sessions to foster collaboration and shared learning.

Why us?

Expert guest speakers from diverse backgrounds will share real-world insights and practical examples to enhance your learning
You will be taught by a range of recognised academics and clinicians from the field of medical education, ensuring the teaching is relevant, practical, and directly applicable to your educational work
The course emphasises the real-world delivery of training, helping you navigate the complex clinical and educational environments you work in

Flexible learning options are available to fit around your professional commitments
We are one of the few courses offering a specialised module on Leadership in Medical Education
This internationally recognised higher degree in medical education focuses on developing you as a modern educator and leader in the field

Course structure

The course combines synchronous online lectures, group seminars, interactive workshops, self-study, and asynchronous activities via the Canvas platform.

Regular in-person study days provide opportunities for you to network with fellow students and engage in creative and interactive learning activities.

In person writing days and online academic writing sessions help develop your academic writing skills, provide protected time for writing your assignments and opportunity for feedback from course and library staff.

Online drop-in and presentation sessions provide opportunity for you to gain feedback on your work in progress.

Assessment will be conducted through a variety of methods, including critical and reflective writing, individual presentations, and portfolio. In the final research module, you will be assessed on a journal-ready written paper, a conference-ready poster, and a viva-style presentation. Throughout the course, you will have numerous opportunities for formative assessment, allowing you to receive constructive feedback to support your development.

Modules

Term one

Planning, Delivering and Assessing in Medical Education (30 credits)

This module introduces you to learning theory and how to apply this day to day, ensuring you develop an evidence base to your teaching practice.

Research Methodology in Medical Education (30 credits)

An overview of qualitative research methodology, allowing you to explore a whole new area of medical education.

Term two

Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the Clinical Workplace (30 credits)

The clinical workplace can be complex and you need to be able to manage and understand this to teach and assess effectively. The module is delivered by experienced clinicians who help you through this.

Technology Enhanced Learning (30 credits)

This module looks at theoretical principles, deliver, methodologies, opportunities and risks associated with TEL in medical education.

Term three

Academic Practice: Independent Project (60 credits)

Throughout the year you will build a full research project concluding with a paper ready for publication, a presentation and a poster all ready to be shared with the wider medical education community.

In each of the first two terms you complete two modules, gaining 30 credits per module. The Academic Practice: Independent Module is delivered throughout the whole year, and it is assessed at the end of the year when you have gained the knowledge and skills to complete it.

Facilities

This course is based in the Murray Health building at our City Campus. Teaching may take place online (Microsoft Teams) and in-person (on site) in Murray Health, and/or Gateway/Edinburgh building.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

You are required to be a medical or dental student in good standing with your university. You need to have completed at least the first three years of your degree and be expected to pass that third year if you are applying at that stage. A suitable reference will be required.

You can apply for this full time course as a postgraduate doctor or dentist but as this is a full time programme it is recommended you speak to the programme lead before applying, the part time course is more likely to be suitable.

This course is not suitable for overseas applicants.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£8,500 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
£17,000 if you are an international student

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements, and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Students graduating at the Stadium of Light

Career ready

On completion of the course, you may look to find employment at higher education institutions, or clinical teaching roles in the public and private sector (subject to meeting the role specification requirements).

Your career in medical education

The majority of students who study this course will become qualified doctors or dentists seeking to develop their career in medical education. The course is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as a teaching professional and as such, will ensure that you are able to offer student-centred teaching and learning experiences. Medical education is a very varied field and the programme lead is happy to discuss your future career options as part of the support we offer through this course.

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing

Page last updated: 09 May 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Overview

Why us?

Course structure

Modules

Term one

Planning, Delivering and Assessing in Medical Education (30 credits)

Research Methodology in Medical Education (30 credits)

Term two

Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the Clinical Workplace (30 credits)

Technology Enhanced Learning (30 credits)

Term three

Academic Practice: Independent Project (60 credits)

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Your career in medical education

Meet the team — Master of Medical Education

Related courses

Contact