FAQs
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked question or FAQs, relating specifically to the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education. Please do read through these and you should find the answers to most questions.
Admissions and questions about applications: For any queries or information about the admissions procedure, making an application or your application itself - please contact the admissions team by email to: pgadmissions@ice.cam.ac.uk
However, if you still cannot find what you are looking for then please click on, the ‘Ask a Question’ link at the top right of this page to send the course team a message and we will respond as soon as possible.
Is this course available online?
No, this is not a distance-learning course. Even with the pandemic in mind, we plan to deliver our postgraduate and MSt qualifications in-person in the academic year 2022-23. Please note that this will be reviewed in line with the latest public health guidance available at any given time. If required, to ensure the health and safety of students, we may look to utilise alternative teaching formats and will contact students if we expect changes to the course delivery.
Students often take a combination of annual and study leave to meet their face-to-face teaching commitments, attending teaching sessions in Cambridge.
Is this course available full-time?
This course has been designed for part-time delivery in order to permit students to work around their employment commitments. It is not possible for it to be studied on a full-time basis.
When can I apply for the next PG Certificate in Medical Education course?
Applications for the course starting in the Michaelmas term (October) of any given year, open in the September/October of the previous year. So, for example, for an October 2022 start, applications open September 2021. Please see our Courses pages for when courses are open for application here.
When is the deadline for applications?
Applications for 2022/23 entry for the PG Certificate in Medical Education will be accepted online until 31 May 2022.
When will my application be considered?
All applications will be reviewed at the close of the applications window after the submission deadline, irrespective of when they are received.
Who is the course aimed at?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education is aimed at doctors and other professionals allied to medicine who have a teaching role and/or a role in training and appraising healthcare professionals. This includes doctors working in: primary care; secondary care at all levels from Foundation Year 2 to consultant grades; and other professionals allied to medicine that have a role in teaching both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Am I suitable for this course?
The entry requirements for this PG Certificate in Medical Education course are outlined under the Entry Requirements of the course page here. Applications can be made during a doctor’s Foundation Year 1 or 2. However, the course could not be commenced until Foundation Year 2 or beyond.
English is not my first language - can I still apply?
All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme. Students whose first language is not English must be able to satisfy the necessary requirements, even if they have worked or studied in English previously. Please refer to the ICE website here for further information, following any extra links there for further, added advice.
Can I study the Medical Education PG Diploma or MSt courses without having first to study the PG Certificate course?
In order to apply for the PG Diploma in Medical Education, you need to have first successfully completed the PG Certificate in Medical Education course at ICE, University of Cambridge. Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma in Medical Education at ICE, students could then apply to progress to the MSt in Medical Education course.
Can I transfer credits from my current/previous university?
We are currently unable to accept any transfer of credits from other universities.
Can I study individual Medical Education modules?
Currently the units/modules are not offered for individual study but this may change, so please keep looking at our web pages for updates.
I have a question about my application, whom should I contact?
For any queries or information about the admissions procedure; making an application; or your application itself - please contact the admissions team by clicking on the Ask A Question link at the top right-hand side on this page.
When can I expect to hear back with a decision?
Decisions on applications will be made approximately 6 weeks after the relevant closing date.
Final decisions regarding admissions can only be made on the full and final applications and the offer of places will depend on the strength of applicants in any one year.
How is teaching delivered?
The PG Certificate in Medical Education comprises three modules and combines face-to-face study days (providing a total of approximately 90 contact hours) with additional between-module reflection, study and assignment work, supported through a virtual learning environment [VLE].
A provisional guide to the number of teaching days is provided under the Teaching & Assessment tab of the course page. Teaching day attendance is in Cambridge and students should ensure they are able to meet all teaching obligations before starting the course.
I want to study the PG Certificate in Medical Education and do the MSt later on – is that possible?
It is possible to complete the PG Certificate in Medical Education and then, on successful completion, apply to progress through the PG Diploma. Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma in Medical Education, students can then apply to undertake the MSt in Medical Education. It is not possible to go straight from the Certificate to the MSt course.
What are the Fees?
The fees for 2022 entry for the PG Certificate in Medical Education, as detailed on the course page, are £4,350 per annum for Home students and £6,498 per annum for Overseas students. The fee status of EU nationals for 2021 entry onwards will be International by default until the UK government announce further details and amendments of the current regulation. EU students should regularly check for updates at: www.cam.ac.uk/eu. Students will be expected to cover the application fee (£75 online) and any costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence during residential sessions in Cambridge.
Is there any funding available for Medical Education courses?
Bursary funding for a limited number of places will be available from Health Education East of England (HEEoE) for the PG Certificate course ONLY. If you wish to apply for the bursary please ensure you follow the HEE EoE process (deadline for bursary applications to be announced but likely to be end of March; more details can be found here https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/faculty-educators/educators-development-and-networking/bursaries). All other applicants should apply direct to the Institute of Continuing Education.
Some students receive funding or sponsorship from their employers.
Please note that places on the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education are offered on merit rather than funding.
Information about Bursaries at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) can be found here: www.ice.cam.ac.uk/bursaries The Graduate Admissions Office website provides information on funding administered centrally within the University and you may find the following link helpful :http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding
How are fees payable?
Once you have arranged any funding, payments can be scheduled through a payment plan, of up to four instalments per academic year; per academic year, or for the whole course (the latter is sometimes the preferred method by sponsoring organisations). You can discuss this with the course team prior to course start.
What is my Fee Status?
Guidance on fee status, whether Home/EU or Overseas can be found on the University website here. Your fee status will determine the fee that you are liable to pay for your course of study. If in doubt or you require further advice regarding your fee status please contact admissions. Ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk
Progression
Upon successful completion of the PG Certificate in Medical Education, students can apply to progress to:
- PG Diploma in Medical Education, 1 year, part-time. Further details can be found here.
- Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma, students can then apply to progress to the MSt in Medical Education, 1 year, part-time. Further details available here.
