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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Simulation in Clinical Practice

BSMS > Postgraduate > Simulation in Clinical Practice

Simulation in Clinical Practice

Key facts

PGCert

Part-time: 1 year

Eligible applicants: Open to UK applicants only (and EU applicants who are appointed to a post within Health Education England Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Location: University of Brighton, Falmer campus, local hospital trust; online via the virtual platform

Course Principal: Dr Nicholas Tovell

Course Lead: Dr Wajeeha Aziz

Read Dr Wajeeha Aziz's profile here >

Course Co-Ordinator: Kirstine Ross

Read Kirstine Ross's profile here >

General enquiries: brighton.ac.uk/enquiries

This course is jointly validated by the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. Applications for 2024/25 entry are now open.

APPLY for the Simulation in clinical practice course HERE >

Download the course application handbook for further information on this course.

Download the Simulation in Clinical Practice handbook here > 

Key areas of study

  • Multidisciplinary approach to learning
  • The evolution, variety and importance of human factors in healthcare practice
  • Knowledge and skills required to design, develop and facilitate simulation training
  • Debriefing skills required to aid learners and subsequent reflection and development
  • Simulation-based medical education principles
  • Transformative learning
  • Role of extrinsic and intrinsic feedback
  • Producing a portfolio of teaching experience

Course overview

This course is purpose-built to meet the clinical and professional development needs of the NHS workforce, including potential educators in simulation-based learning in the South East.

It allows participants to advance their skills and knowledge in a mix of theoretical and practical sessions including group work activities, debriefing and feedback, the exploration of technical issues, human factors and fidelity. Students are expected to develop a portfolio of experience which reflects the educational principles of the modules and demonstrates competence in their educational approach

student examining a dummy's ear

"Overall, the module was absolutely amazing. The teaching was outstanding, the format was well thought through, I feel like I learned a great deal. And for the first time, I am sad that it is Friday and the module is over."

Dr Thomas Kurka
PGCert Simulation in clinical practice student 

Course Structure

Principles and Practice of Simulation is delivered over the course of five days in the medical school, whereas Feedback and Debriefing in Simulation is a smaller module, allowing students to develop their teaching portfolio in practice. Principles and Practice of Simulation and Teaching and Learning in Medical Education are assessed by way of academic essays following the delivery of each module. 

  • MDM148 Principles and Practice of Simulation (20 credits)
  • MDM149 Feedback and Debriefing in Simulation (20 credits)

AND either

  • MDM28 Teaching and Learning in Medical Education (20 credits)

OR 

  • MDM162 Digital Learning (20 credits)

Career opportunities

This PGCert will provide specialist knowledge that will be useful for any career in the field of healthcare that involves the support of learning and assessment in practice.

In addition, the programme will enable you to develop the skills of critical analysis, critical reflection and the evaluation of research evidence commensurate with postgraduate study.

Delegates who graduate from the PGCert will take with them specialist knowledge and the confidence to design simulation scenarios, and facilitate beneficial debriefing sessions.

As most graduates will already be employed in a medical educator role prior to starting the course, the PGCert is designed to increase the repertoire of the educators, and to enable them to deliver simulation sessions more effectively within their chosen setting.

Entry requirements

Applications are welcome from medicine, nursing, paramedics, physician associates and other healthcare specialist groups. Current employment in a clinical role which includes teaching or developing simulation-based education is essential.

The course forms one of two validated routes for entry to the PGDip or MSc in Clinical Education, the other being via the PGCert in Medical Education.

Prior study at level 6 and experience in delivery of simulation is also a requirement. 

This course is open to UK applicants only (and EU applicants who are appointed to a post within HEESE).

Fees and funding

The fees listed are the overall costs for full-time courses taken in the academic year 2024/25. Where courses are taken part-time over more than one academic year, fees are usually charged pro-rata for the modules taken during each academic year. If you do not have settled status in the UK and require a work visa, then you will be fee assessed as Overseas and will therefore be subject to the International fee rate.

Find out more about fees and funding >

Scholarships

All BSMS students on Masters courses accredited jointly by the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton are eligible to apply for University of Sussex postgraduate scholarships in 2024/25.

Bursaries

A number of bursaries are available for trainees employed by the NHS in the HEESE region. Please contact the Course Leader for further information.

Read more about fees and funding >