Marian University

What you'll study

This master’s brings together educational theory, medical ethics and humanities approaches to prepare graduates to design and lead learning in health professions. Core themes include principles of adult learning and curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, qualitative and mixed-methods research in education, and applied ethics in clinical and educational contexts.

• Foundations of Health Professions Education – adult learning theory, course and curriculum design, instructional strategies for clinical learners.
• Assessment and Evaluation – formative and summative assessment, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), programme evaluation and quality improvement.
• Medical Ethics and Professionalism – clinical ethics frameworks, ethical decision-making in teaching and assessment, professionalism and duty of care.
• Medical and Health Humanities – narrative medicine, literature and film in clinical education, reflective practice and empathy development.
• Research Methods for Educators – qualitative methods, survey design, basic statistics for education research and scholarship of teaching and learning.
• Interprofessional Education and Collaboration – designing interprofessional learning activities, facilitation skills, teamwork and communication across health disciplines.
• Practicum/Capstone Project – an applied project or portfolio that demonstrates curriculum development, teaching innovation or an ethics/humanities-informed educational intervention implemented in a clinical or academic setting.

The programme is typically delivered through a blend of seminars, workshops, small-group tutorials and supervised practice. Students develop a teaching portfolio and engage in peer observation and feedback. Flexible study options are commonly available to accommodate practising professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree. Preference is often given to candidates with professional qualifications or experience in health professions (medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, etc.), education, or the humanities. Typical admissions requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (additional consideration for professional postgraduate qualifications).
• Relevant professional experience in healthcare, education or related fields; clinical educators and practising clinicians are encouraged to apply.
• A current CV demonstrating professional responsibilities and educational involvement.
• A personal statement outlining motivations for the programme, educational interests and proposed capstone focus.
• References from academic or professional referees who can comment on the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate study and educational leadership.

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide evidence of prior learning or teaching experience. If an applicant’s first language is not English, proof of English proficiency may be required in line with university regulations.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across academic, clinical and administrative settings. The programme equips professionals to lead and innovate in health professions education and ethics.

• Clinical or academic educator roles in universities, medical schools and allied health programmes.
• Curriculum developer or programme director positions overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate training.
• Simulation and assessment specialists designing OSCEs and performance-based assessments.
• Members of clinical ethics committees, educators in clinical ethics and professionalism programmes.
• Leads for interprofessional education and continuing professional development (CPD) units.
• Researchers in the scholarship of teaching and learning within health professions education.

Why study at Marian University

Marian University’s educational approach emphasises person-centred learning, ethical reflection and community engagement consistent with its Franciscan heritage. Students benefit from small cohort sizes that promote mentorship and close faculty interaction. The university maintains active partnerships with regional hospitals, clinics and health systems, creating opportunities for practicum placements and applied projects.

Faculty who teach on the programme typically combine experience in clinical practice, ethics and pedagogical research, enabling applied instruction that connects theory with real-world educational challenges. Flexible delivery modes and support for practising professionals make the programme accessible to those balancing clinical work and study. The focus on humanities and ethics alongside rigorous educational methods offers a distinct pathway for those wishing to enrich health professions education with humanistic and ethical perspectives.