Master of Clinical Education (Coursework)

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Have specialised and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge relating to the theory and pedagogy, research and evidence, and policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education within the health professions, universities and health services.
2. Have expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills relating to the theory and pedagogy, research and evidence, and policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education within the health professions, universities and health services.
3. Critique, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories relating to symbiotic clinical education and its potential as a powerful mechanism for change in health systems, and the educational programs offered across a range of health professions and disciplines.
4. Apply advanced knowledge and analytical and practical skills in clinical education, evaluation or research.
5. Evaluate existing and innovative learning and teaching pedagogies and practices for the purpose of extending or redefining existing knowledge and promoting new insights regarding clinical education pedagogy, theory and practice.
6. Design, develop, implement clinical education research and disseminate outcomes.
7. Interpret and communicate knowledge, skills, ideas and solutions related to symbiotic clinical education to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including stakeholders within the health professions, universities, health services, governments and community.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, expertise, adaptability and responsibility as an educational practitioner and scholar.
9. Supervise health professionals learning in clinical practice.
10. Demonstrate expert judgement relating to the theory and pedagogy, research and evidence, and policy and practice of symbiotic clinical education within the health professions, universities and health services.

The course aims to provide health professionals with an understanding of foundational principles of symbiotic clinical education, the ability to demonstrate advanced and applied knowledge and skills in clinical education. Students will also be able to contribute to this specialist body of knowledge by undertaking a piece of educational research.

Recommended study pattern

The Clinical Education postgraduate courses at Flinders support health and social care practitioners to advance their expertise in education. The Master of Clinical Education (Coursework) (12 topics) builds on the first two awards, and supports health professionals to lead health and clinical education in a range of environments and systems.

Year 1

First Semester:

• Foundations of Learning and Teaching in Health and Clinical Education
• Student Learning and Assessment in Health and Clinical Education
• Designing for Learning in Health and Clinical Education
• Evaluation and Improvement in Health and Clinical Education

Second Semester:

• Leadership and Change for the Health professions
• Curriculum Design for the Health Professions
• Research Skills in Clinical Education - Evidence Synthesis
• Elective: postgraduate topic in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Year 2

First Semester:

• Assessment of Learning for the Health professions
• Reflective Learning and Teaching
• Research Projects in Clinical Education

Second Semester:

• Research Project in Clinical Education

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Clinical Education (by Coursework), a student must complete 54 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Exit points

• Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education: available to students who have completed 18 units of study.
• Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education: available to students who have completed 36 units of study.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $6,936

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally:

• hold a degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution, and have one and a half years full-time equivalent work experience in a clinical or health related field; or
• hold the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education or equivalent.

However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.