University of Western Australia

What you'll study

This programme combines taught coursework with an independent research dissertation to build capabilities in educational theory and practice specific to health professions. Core themes include curriculum design and evaluation, contemporary approaches to assessment and feedback, educational research methods, interprofessional and workplace-based learning, simulation and technology-enhanced learning, and leadership and change management in education.

• Curriculum and programme design — principles of curriculum development, alignment of outcomes, constructive alignment and accreditation considerations for health professions programmes.
• Assessment and feedback — workplace-based assessment, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), programmatic assessment, competency frameworks and feedback strategies.
• Educational research and scholarship — quantitative and qualitative methods, research ethics, critical appraisal and methods relevant to educational scholarship and evaluation.
• Simulation and technology-enhanced learning — design and evaluation of simulation activities, e-learning design, digital assessment tools and use of learning analytics.
• Interprofessional and workplace learning — clinical teaching in workplaces, supervision models, reflective practice and fostering interprofessional collaboration.
• Leadership and educational change — managing curriculum reform, faculty development, policy and the economics of education in health services.
• Dissertation — an independent research project supervised by faculty that applies educational research methods to a question relevant to health professions education, culminating in a written thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a health-related or allied discipline or equivalent professional qualification, together with relevant clinical or educational experience. Candidates normally include registered clinicians such as doctors, nurses, allied health practitioners and other health professionals working in education or clinical practice.

Selection may consider academic performance, professional experience and a statement of purpose outlining educational interests. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Additional documentation such as a CV and references are usually required; research supervision availability may be considered for the dissertation component.

Career prospects

Graduates build careers in clinical education and academic roles across universities, teaching hospitals, health services and vocational training organisations. Typical roles include clinical or programme educator, curriculum developer, assessment lead, simulation educator, faculty developer, and roles in academic departments of medical and health sciences.

The qualification also supports progression to senior educational leadership positions, roles in professional accreditation and policy development, and provides a foundation for further research or higher research degrees in health professions education.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers this programme within a research-active medical and health faculty with strong links to metropolitan and regional health services. Students benefit from experienced faculty who are active in clinical education research and from opportunities for interprofessional collaboration across health disciplines.

UWA provides access to clinical teaching facilities, simulation resources and supervision for education research projects, along with flexible study options to accommodate practising professionals. The programme emphasises applied, evidence-based approaches so graduates can translate new skills directly into clinical and educational practice.