All of our programme offerings are delivered on a part-time basis by fully online distance learning with no requirement to attend the University of Edinburgh at any point during your studies.
The programme is delivered as individual courses which combine for each level of achievement. Prospective students can apply to study for a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, or a Masters degree, and these each have different lengths of study.
- A Postgraduate Certificate consists of 60 credits of successfully completed coursework and normally takes one academic year to complete.
- A Postgraduate Diploma consists of 120 credits of successfully completed coursework and normally takes two academic years to complete.
- A Masters degree consists of 180 credits of successfully completed coursework and normally takes three academic year to complete.
The academic year is structured around three academic terms each of 12 weeks. The academic year normally runs from early September to late June with a Winter/Christmas break and another break in Spring.
If the completion of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree does not align to your current goals, you have the option to take a single course/s of study to enhance a particular element of clinical practice. Students may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses through our Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme. These lead to an award of academic credit or after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to study towards a higher award of a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
What courses are available?
Information on the specific courses currently being offered, including learning and assessment activities, can be found in the Degree Finder, in the section called ‘Programme Structure’, using the link below. Please note that not all elective courses will be offered in any one academic year as they are offered according to availability of teaching staff and in line with minimum on-course student numbers.
Teaching and assessment
During your time on the programme, you will have time to study independently and reflect on what you have learned and how you might apply your learning to your clinical practice. Each course in the programme consists of themed areas including a blend of:
- short online lectures and podcasts
- live lectures and guest speakers
- practical case studies
- directed readings
- discussion board activities
- group work
The interaction between students, clinicians and academics is promoted through facilitated discussion forums, which provide the opportunity for collaborative critical discourse and debate of current issues.
Assessments have been specifically designed to provide you with authentic learning opportunities and offer the ability to draw on your personal clinical experiences and expertise, regardless of where in the world you are located. Assessments and course tasks include, but are not limited to, written assignments, topic-focused short essays, and the creation of clinical resources and teaching materials.
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