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This is a flexibleÌýpart-time, level 7Ìý±è´Ç²õ³Ù²µ°ù²¹»å³Ü²¹³Ù±ðÌýshort course deliveredÌýonline.

This module provides an introduction to assessment principles and methods used in medical and health professions' education to measure learners' performance. It is a distance learning module comprising interactive online workshops and peer and independent learning activities. Topics include assessment methods used to measure knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours, and topical developments in assessment such as programmatic assessment.

Who is this Short Course suitable for?

Applicants will typically be qualified healthcare practitioners, academics, NHS education managers or professional service staff, with some experience of and access to supervising, teaching or supporting learners in their daily work.

Why study this course?

On successful completion of this short course, the learner will be able to:

• Critically appraise the principles underpinning effective assessment using theory and evidence
• Evaluate critically different assessment approaches and methods (written, practical, lab based, workplace based), standard setting and application to practice
• ÌýCritically appraise approaches to assessing knowledge, skills/competences and professional behaviours in different contexts from selection to postgraduate assessments
• Synthesise and apply theory and evidence demonstrating self-direction and originality in application and adaptation of relevant assessment methods in their own context

How long does this course take to complete?

This short course starts at the end of January, and the teaching will be completed by May. Assignments will need to be submitted by the end of June ( details of dates TBC).

Assessments

Assessments on this short course will include: Ìý

• An academic essay (2000 words)
• ÌýA written narrative reflection Ìý(1500 words)

Tutor

Professor Catherine O’Keeffe

Catherine has held a number of senior roles in postgraduate medical and health professions education. Her work has included leading faculty development and professional support initiatives as well as research and teaching in higher education in this field. Catherine originally trained as a nurse and worked for many years internationally in health professions education before settling in the UK. Catherine’s teaching and research interests have focused on interprofessional education and professionalism. Recent awards include Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a UCL Faculty Education Award for Academic Support. Catherine is an Emeritus Professor of Medical Education, UCL and is working with the North Wales Medical School on faculty development programmes.

What will you study on this course?

The module aims to develop students' critical understanding of key concepts, theory, research and current best practice relating to the assessment of learner performance in the academic and clinical settings. The module also introduces students to approaches to studying at masters level in this discipline.

Ìý

There are 10 units (one per week) that may cover the following topics:

• Principles of assessment (purpose, reliability, validity, feasibility, educational impact)
• Assessment methods: knowledge, skills, professionalism
• Choosing assessments (alignment, combining assessments, impact on student learning)
• Designing assessments: standard setting, blueprinting, setting criteria, programmatic assessment)
• The role of feedback in learningÌý
• Evaluating assessment impact
• Introduction to Leadership in assessment & MHPE
• Introduction to AI in assessment & MHPEÌý
• Introduction to interprofessional education in assessment & MHPEÌý
• Writing reflective commentaries and mapping to AdvanceHE criteria
• Introduction to studying and writing at 'M' level

On successful completion of this short course, the learner will be able to:Ìý

• Critically appraise the principles underpinning effective assessment using theory and evidenceÌý
• Evaluate critically different assessment approaches and methods (written, practical, lab based, workplace based), standard setting and application to practiceÌý
• Critically appraise approaches to assessing knowledge, skills/competences and professional behaviours in different contexts from selection to postgraduate assessmentsÌý
• Synthesise and apply theory and evidence demonstrating self-direction and originality in application and adaptation of relevant assessment methods in their own contextÌý

The cost for the 2024/25 academic year will be £1,112

Please see ourÌýPostgraduate Fees and FinanceÌýpage for further information.

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Ìý

Applicants will typically be qualified healthcare practitioners, academics, NHS education managers or professional service staff, with some experience of and access to supervising, teaching or supporting learners in their daily work.Ìý

A degree, degree level qualification, or professional qualification supplemented by relevant experience will normally form part of the applicant's profile. Minimum of 2.2 acceptedÌý

Applicants may be requested for an online interview with programme staff.Ìý

For UK applicants their degree/ degree level qualifications will be assessed using the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ requirements. Professional qualifications will need to be recognised by the appropriate professional regulatory body e.g. GMC; UKCC; HCPC; HCPC; Institute of Administrative Management (IAM). Teaching experience will be assessed based on the supporting statement submitted and, if needed, an online interview.Ìý

How to Apply

Please make sure you read and follow the step-by-step application guide as this will specify which sections of the application form are compulsory for the type of course you want to apply for and save you time.

Please prepare the following information (in a Word document):

• Current employment details;
• Years of experience, and employment history (where relevant)
• Name of staff member and organisation that have approved your funding for this module.

This will speed up the process of completing the application form