Course content

Teaching is organised into six core modules and an options module. The content mentioned below is indicative only.

Module1: Policy and context of surgical education

This module includes orientation and induction to Imperial and studying for the MEd and addresses key issues within healthcare and social policy which impact upon surgical education.

Module 2: Theory and practice of learning and teaching 1

This module introduces a range of fundamental educational ideas, theories and principles. It forms the educational underpinning for the whole programme. Some basic teaching techniques are modelled and practised. (Exemption from this module is possible for those with certain entry qualifications.)

Module 3: Theory and practice of learning and teaching 2

This module builds on the material covered in ‘Theory and practice of learning and teaching 1’, consolidating and extending those principles and considering their application to practical teaching techniques within a range of clinical settings (with special reference to surgery).

Module 4: Theory and practice of technology & simulation in surgery & education

This module addresses specific issues relating to the use of technology (both surgical and educational) and simulation, building on the foundations laid in earlier modules.

Module 5: Assessment and appraisal

This module provides an overview of the purposes and application of assessment within learning and specifically within surgical education, together with an understanding of the range of assessment techniques available and the rationale for selecting them.

Module 6: Research methods (6a) and dissertation (6b)

Research methods form a taught element within the module (6a). This part of the module provides an overview of research methodology in surgical education. The skills that are learned are consolidated by practical experience in designing, constructing and presenting a research project by dissertation (6b). The research project forms approximately one third of the programme and participants have an individually assigned supervisor for its duration.