29 Sep 2025 (Intake closed)
Apply by: 15 Sep 2025
New Session
Semester A
29 Sep 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 30 Sep 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 01 Oct 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 02 Oct 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 24 Nov 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 25 Nov 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 26 Nov 2025 (Face-to-face on campus), 27 Nov 2025 (Face-to-face on campus)
Course overview
Course Description:
The module aims to enable students to explore theories of learning relevant to the delivery of simulation based medical education. With an emphasis on evidence-based contemporary debriefing, students will be enabled to (further) develop these critical skills through real-time, practical facilitated simulation sessions within the excellent facilities at the University.
Students will be expected to design, deliver and evaluate a simulation session based on a scenario written according to the learning needs of their anticipated participants. This may involve neonatal, paediatric and adult subjects. Students will focus upon the use of structured debriefing to enhance both technical and non-technical skills learning. The utility of simulation in enhancing patient safety and its contribution to safer system design is also included in the curriculum.
The programme(s) this module can be linked to/contribute to:
PG Cert / MSc Health and Medical Simulation
Assessment Details:
Simulation Scenario (Practical)
Students will be required to design and direct a real-time simulation scenario, which will include a contemporary, evidence-based approach to structured debriefing. The scenario will be based on learning/training needs assessment of an appropriate participant.
(30% of final mark)
Written Paper (Coursework)
Students will be required to submit a critical evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the scenario, to include a critical reflection on their own role as a facilitator of simulation based healthcare education.
(70% of final mark)
Both parts of the assessment MUST be passed.
Word limit equivalent to 5000 words (excluding appendices and references).
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
Successful students will typically:
- Critically review content and composition of scenarios and simulation sessions with particular emphasis on patient safety.
- Develop knowledge and a critical understanding of the principles of evaluation of simulation sessions.
- Critically compare and evaluate the utility and suitability of a range of simulation equipment to run particular scenarios, and critically evaluate the evidence base and related literature regarding simulation as an educational and training tool.
- Demonstrate a critical and comprehensive understanding of contemporary debriefing as an integral component of simulation-based education.
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills
Successful students will typically:
- Demonstrate the ability to design, run and evaluate high and low fidelity simulation sessions according to the educational and training needs of participants.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the utility of simulation in enhancing the clinical practice of participants.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead group based discussions, reflections and feedback ensuring effective and efficient debriefing of participants.
This module can contribute to the following programme(s)
LMHMEMSC: MSc/PG Cert Health and Medical Education
LMHMSIMSC: MSc Health and Medical Simulation/PG Cert in Health and Medical Simulation
Funding
£1,830.00
The price quoted above is per 30 credits in this academic year. This price relates to self-funding students assessed as UK students for fee purposes. Prices may differ for students that are assessed as EU/Overseas, or for returning students that are on a course leading to an award. Click here for Fees and Funding information, you can find further details along with, costs and when your fees need to be paid. You may be able to obtain a Post Graduate student loan, for which you must sign up for the whole MSc programme and not just individual modules or a Post Graduate Diploma, further details can be found at Gov.uk Master’s Loan. For International applicants apply here. For country specific international qualifications please check here.
Why choose HERTS?
Excellent sector connections: we have extensive links with eight NHS Trusts and Local Authorities in Hertfordshire.
Links with over 98 NHS Trusts and Local Authorities in East Anglia and London regions.
Flexibility: we provide flexible study options to ensure you can fit CPD study around your busy professional and personal lives.
Location: the main University of Hertfordshire campus is 25 minutes from London with easy access by both road and rail services.
Course details
Course leader
Associate Prof. Ken Spearpoint <k.g.spearpoint2@herts.ac.uk>
Administrator
Vanessa Bysouth
Telephone
01707 284800
Course delivery
Mode of delivery: Face-to-face / Blended taught by expert clinical simulation educators. Number of learner hours: Scheduled – 60 hours / Independent - 240 hours.
Prerequisites
Pre-Requisites required to undertake the course:
- A first degree in a related discipline, although applicants with evidence of equivalent professional/academic experience will be considered.
- Normally two years full time (or equivalent) experience within a relevant field of practice.
- Normally employed in a relevant area of practice whilst enrolled on the programme.
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