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
Accredited by
Funding
£1,830.00
The price quoted above is for a 30 credit module in the 2025/26 academic year and applies to students who are assessed as Home fee payers ONLY. Fees will differ for students assessed as Overseas fee payers. Fee assessment decisions follow UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) guidance, which is based on UK law and government regulations. Further information on who will pay Home or Overseas tuition fees can be found here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees
Once confirmed, a student’s fee status will normally remain the same for the duration of their course. However, information regarding fee reassessment is available here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees#FeeReassessment
Eligible students may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Student Loan. Please note that to access this funding, you must enrol on the full MSc programme; funding is not available for individual modules or interim awards (for example, a Postgraduate Diploma). Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
Further details, including tuition fee amounts, fee policy and payment deadlines, can be found here : https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fee-information/fees-and-finance-policy-documents
If you require further information or have any questions regarding fees, please contact: cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk
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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