Master of Clinical Education (Coursework)

Knowledge

Graduates of the course are expected to 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.

Skills

Graduates of the course are expected to 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, and be able to independently:

• 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;
• apply advanced knowledge and analytical and practical skills in clinical education, evaluation or research
• 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
• design, develop, implement clinical education research and disseminate outcomes
• 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.

Application of knowledge and skills

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate:

• autonomy, expertise, adaptability and responsibility as an educational practitioner and scholar
• capacity to supervise health professionals learning in clinical practice
• 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.

This articulated suite of courses aims to provide health professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to deliver quality education in health service settings. Clinical education is characterised by a symbiotic relationship between the learner, an experienced clinical educator and the health service.

These courses are a cornerstone for developing and retaining a well-trained and supervised clinician workforce with the help of skilled clinical educators who are committed to excellence in professional development.

They are specifically designed for a variety of health professionals involved in professional development, mentoring or clinical education at undergraduate and post-graduate levels without formal qualifications in education.

The courses are designed to provide you with an understanding of foundational principles of symbiotic clinical education, the ability to demonstrate advanced and applied knowledge and skills in clinical education, and the opportunity to contribute to this specialist body of knowledge by undertaking a significant piece of educational research.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete nine core (compulsory) topics and three option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students the opportunity to 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.

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Clinical Education (by Coursework), students must successfully complete nine core (compulsory) subjects and three elective subjects chosen from an range of electives available.

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

Indicative total fee $32,978

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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Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and must have a minimum of two years’ full-time equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline such as nursing, midwifery, medicine or health therapy by the commencement date of the course; or hold the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education or hold the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education from Flinders University or equivalent qualification.

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.