Health Professions Education - MSc

Accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME) at Accreditation Plus Level, this transformative MSc programme is tailored for busy health professionals aspiring to lead and innovate in education. With flexible learning formats and a global perspective, the MSc in Health Professions Education (HPE) equips students to inspire future generations and drive impactful change in healthcare systems worldwide.

The programme is offered in two formats to meet the needs of busy healthcare professionals:

· Blended Learning - course code MSHPEDTPA (face-to-face and online/distance) - for students who favour the social and collaborative nature of face-to-face learning.

· Online/Distance Learning - course code MSHPEDTDA – for those individuals who, for whatever reason, cannot present physically on campus.

Why Choose Our MSc in Health Professions Education?

• Accreditation: Gain an accelerated pathway to AoME membership and fellowship, demonstrating excellence in medical education. Members of the AoME may use the post-nominal letters MAcadMEd to demonstrate that they have been judged to meet the Academy’s Professional Standards for Medical Educators at an appropriate level.
• Flexible Learning Options: Choose between blended learning (face-to-face and online) or fully online/distance learning formats.
• Research-Led, Practice-Based Curriculum: Engage with cutting-edge research and apply it to real-world educational challenges.
• Interprofessional and Collaborative Learning: Share knowledge across healthcare professions in a stimulating, multi-professional environment.
• Innovative Teaching: Experience diverse learning formats and authentic situations that connect theory with application. With regular feedback and tutor interaction

What Will You Learn?

Graduates will develop:

• Advanced Knowledge and Skills: Specialised understanding of health professions education theory, pedagogy, and practice.
• Educational Leadership: The ability to lead programmatic changes and innovations in healthcare education.
• Research Expertise: Skills to design, implement, and disseminate health education research.
• Practical Competence: Proficiency in teaching, assessment, and curriculum development tailored to healthcare settings.
• Impactful Change: Tools to drive meaningful improvements within health systems.

(M) A MicroCred is a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking a micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.

*Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma upon completing 60 ECTS or earn the MSc upon completing all modules (90 ECTS).

In the case of Blended Learning face to face sessions (6 over the two-year period) will run at weekends in
the Graduate Entry Medical School at the University of Limerick. 
 

• A first or second-class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or recognised equivalent) or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement in a subject related to the health professions, education or management.
• Evidence of a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the health professions, education or management.
• The applicant must meet the University’s Minimum English Language Requirements for Taught Post Graduate Programmes.

In addition to the above, applicants must submit the following:

• A Personal Statement (250-500 words) outlining why they wish to undertake the programme
• Two academic/professional references dated within 6 months of the application.

In the case where demand exceeds the number of available places, the Personal Statement and References will be used to select applicants for this programme. The University reserves the right to interview an applicant to determine their suitability to undertake the programme of study.

How to Apply?

• Apply online at http://www.ul.ie/medicine/msc-healthprofessionseducation

The content of this brochure is for information purposes only and should not be viewed as the basis of a contract between a student and the University.

No guarantee is given that the programme, syllabus, fees or regulations may not be altered, cancelled or otherwise amended at any time.

Empower Your Career, Inspire Generations!

What to Include with your application:

• Full degree transcript and certificates/awards 
• Personal statement 250 – 500 words
• 2 professional /academic references dated within last 6 months
• CV
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
• If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. 

EU Distance Learning: €6,700 per annum* Taught Part-time (Hybrid): €6,800 per annum*

Non- EU Distance Learning: €6,800 per annum* Taught Part-time (Hybrid): €9,200 per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Our graduates are:

• Agile: Adaptive, flexible, and responsive to changing healthcare landscapes.
• Responsible: Equipped to educate others and lead ethical, sustainable innovations.
• Curious: Independent thinkers capable of driving evidence-based improvements.
• Courageous: Resilient and transformative leaders in academia and practice.
• Articulate: Skilled in written, verbal, and digital communication.

Who Will Benefit?

• Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and other practitioners transitioning into educational roles.
• Faculty members teaching or training healthcare students or professionals.
• Health-related course directors and curriculum developers.
• Researchers in health professions education.