Division of Medical Education MPhil/PhD

University College London

Overview

UCL Medical School has a significant and vigorous educational research profile. Academics and research staff from a variety of backgrounds (education, social science, psychology, philosophy and medical ethics, as well as clinical specialties) contribute to our cross-disciplinary and wide-ranging educational research activities. Educational research is fundamental to improving medical and health-related professional practice, from medical school to postgraduate training, and continuing professional development. At UCL Medical School, our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is informed by our research, and our research is informed by our teaching. We are also dedicated to contributing to the wider education community by sharing our research findings and involving key stakeholders in our educational research. Our research outputs and reputation are growing in both national and international importance, particularly in the key area of assessment.

Careers

Many former students and clinical practitioners have continued to practise in healthcare whilst playing a significant role in local education. One former (non-clinical) PhD student remained in the department and was successful in securing a senior lectureship in medical education and now plays an important part in the curriculum design of the undergraduate MBBS programme. UCL Medical School graduates have gone on to senior positions in other medical schools and in the postgraduate sector

Employability

A PhD in Medical Education prepares graduates for a substantive career as an educational researcher. Whilst many clinical practitioners will continue to practise in healthcare, this award carries with it the opportunity to develop an academic role either in undergraduate or postgraduate education. The research qualifications have helped our graduates obtain high-quality posts either as NHS consultants or academics in university settings, with complementary roles in medical education with local/national and international influence.