Health Simulation MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Study level: Postgraduate
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Learn how to create and use health simulations for clinical training, education, and research. This course is for healthcare and medical professionals or simulation enthusiasts.

Year of entry

Location

100% online study

Study mode

Part-time

Duration

3 years part-time

Course code

HLST271

Start date

September 2023

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Course overview

Health simulation is a vital and growing field for health education and training. Technology offers new ways of learning that were unimaginable before.

  • The opportunity to become a leader in creating and using health simulations.
  • Develop virtual and technology-enhanced healthcare content for various learning settings.
  • Explore the latest technologies and theories in health simulation as a learning tool.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • Course is taught 100% online using innovative teaching methods
  • Online access to virtual simulation spaces at Coventry University’s purpose-built, state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building4.
  • Technology-enhanced learning design and utilisation, which may include domain building and the creation of virtual learning environments.
  • Course and project-level support for digital literacy and learning technology.
  • Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and remote teaching2.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute logo

Chartered Management Institute

Upon successful completion of the Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation module, and attainment of the CMI learning outcomes you will gain a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice and will be awarded Foundation Chartered Manager status, which will enable the use of the designation ‘fCMgr’ after your name.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2023/24 intake.

What you'll study

All modules are mandatory for the award of an MSc. Only modules with a * need to be completed for the award of a PGCert. Only modules with a ^ need to be completed for the award of a PGDip.

This course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to enhance your understanding of current and emerging technologies and theories in the field of health simulation as a learning tool. You will explore what it is now possible to achieve through simulation in health education, what is likely to be possible in the near future and discuss the ethical questions that need to be addressed when utilising health simulation as a learning tool.

Modules

  • This module is designed to support and facilitate your exploration and understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of contemporary topics and practices of simulation within education. During the module you will examine the following areas:

    • Formulating and planning of simulation to develop learning.
    • Developing learning objectives and suitability in relation to a learning community (uni-professional or inter-professional).
    • Delivering healthcare simulations within education contexts.
    • Debriefing learners following simulations (including learner support and wellbeing).
    • Evaluating the simulation learning, activity, quality and effectiveness.
    • Ensuring accessibility and usability of simulation technologies.
    • Identifying best practice within healthcare simulation in relation to national and international guidelines and accrediting bodies.

    Compulsory

  • Throughout this module you will have the opportunity to explore some key medical educational concepts, as applied to healthcare simulation learning. You will focus on identifying the learning needs of medical and healthcare students and relating this to educational theories to align to learning objectives. On successful completion of the module you should be able to apply education theory to the field of medical education while critically analysing key historical concepts and possible future trends in education, including:

    • Pedagogical approaches
    • Learning theories
    • Medical education debates and key trends
    • Contemporary and possible future educational approaches related to healthcare simulation
    • Developing innovative learning tasks and approaches within medical education and simulation
    • Summative and formative assessment within simulation
    • Supporting learners in difficulty

    Compulsory

  • The purpose of this module is to support and facilitate your initial exploration of healthcare simulation research at master’s level. You will examine contemporary topics and practices in relation to healthcare simulation literature including:

    • Principles of ethical enquiry and the ethical approval process
    • The philosophies of research
    • The application of research to practice
    • Critical appraisal of literature
    • Synthesis of literature

    Compulsory

Building upon the principles we cover in year one we begin to look at the technology used in more depth and apply this to the more strategic element of health simulation and its applications to clinical, educational and research areas. We have specifically allowed for more focus in the latter part of the year for you to have the time and ability to focus on delivering your final master’s dissertation or project.

Modules

  • Developing your skills and abilities in the creation of engaging and inspirational virtual- and technology-enhanced healthcare simulation is the focus of this module. Successful completion will give you the necessary practical tools and critical vision to analyse the use of learning technologies, specifically those used in healthcare simulation, including:

    • Learning experience platforms
    • Functionality of innovative technologies
    • The use of 5G technologies in healthcare simulation
    • Mixed realities, including 360-degree field-of-view environments
    • Evaluation of learning in technology-enhanced simulation

    You will have the opportunity to create an ‘open’ browser-based healthcare simulation learning resource.

    Compulsory

  • By successfully completing this module you will have developed an in-depth and strategic use of governance frameworks and standards and practical application for their use. In addition, this module is designed to help you to develop both theoretical and applied strategies for planning and implementing simulation centres or spaces. This includes the following:

    • Decision-making in healthcare simulation governance
    • Accountability frameworks
    • Accreditation and validation for regulatory bodies
    • Planning simulation spaces, equipment, processes and strategies
    • Financial governance and return on investment models

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation whatever the master’s degree of specialisation you elect to follow, in different types of organisational scenarios.

    You will critically assess strategies for change and change management and explore the leadership skills required to lead successfully. You will explore, for example, the complexity of innovative strategic plans, implementation plans and how to apply analytical techniques, theories, models and creative problem-solving to manage change with confidence. Ultimately, you will be given the opportunity to develop an innovative framework to deliver a change management strategy in a changing organisational context.

    Finally, the module requires you to reflect critically on your personal learning and development needs and how you work with others, from an ethical and professional standpoint to encourage your continuing professional development.

    The question key to this module is: What skills and behaviours do I need to develop in order to creatively implement a programme of innovative change in a range of contemporary organisations?

    Compulsory

  • Building on your studies earlier in the course, this module will support and facilitate your advanced exploration of healthcare simulation research at master’s level. including:

    • Advanced considerations of ethical enquiry and the ethical approval process
    • Emerging philosophies of research
    • The application of advanced research to practice
    • Synthesis of literature
    • Parametric and non-parametric statistics

    Compulsory

In the final year, you will apply your knowledge gained from years one and two. You can choose from several options to fit your future ambitions.

Modules

  • During this module you will be encouraged to design and undertake either an original and robust piece of research (dissertation) or evidenced, systematic report on a topic, theme, issue or problem in healthcare simulation (report). Based on your chosen assessment for this module, the module may consist of:

    • Research methods
    • Proposal writing
    • Literature searching
    • Data analysis
    • Project supervision
    • Writing strategies
    • Writing for publication

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course is delivered wholly online, and as such will use a variety of up-to-date and innovative teaching methods, including online access to virtual simulation spaces as well as digital experience platforms, such as Aula, to create learning environments. The Engageli Platform, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other video conferencing software may be used to help maintain engagement in online and distance delivery.

Teaching contact hours

As this course is wholly taken online, all contact will be digital using innovative teaching methods.

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around two contact hours per week, per module.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately five -10 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Essays
  • Reports
  • A portfolio
  • Creation of a digital healthcare simulation learning resource
  • Creation and presentation of an academic poster
  • Dissertation or project report

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

It is hoped that this course will draw students from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. You will have an opportunity to share your background with others on your course and will be encouraged to learn from your fellow students. This is complemented by the international experience of the current course team, who have taught and led in simulation centres around the world, present at global conferences and who are part of international networks (staff may be subject to change).

Due to these key globalisation cornerstones, the curricula of the courses reflect contemporary international and global developments in health simulation. Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is the term that Coventry University uses to refer to ‘virtual mobility’ experiences. These are included within the curriculum and provide you with an opportunity to interact with international universities and industry professionals without leaving your current location. You may also have the opportunity to use COIL to develop intercultural competencies and digital skills, while working with others on subject-specific learning tasks or activities2.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry

You should hold a health or social care (or relevant) undergraduate degree. Other degree-level qualifications may be considered with relevant work-based experiential learning experience, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as part of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Coventry University process.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

You should hold a health or social care (or relevant) undergraduate degree. Other degree-level qualifications may be considered with relevant work experience, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as part of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Coventry University.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK Not available £11,200 total cost
EU Not available Not available
International Not available £18,600 total cost

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you should:

  • Have enhanced your understanding of current and emerging technologies and theories in the field of health simulation as a learning tool and apply them to your area of expertise.
  • Have explored what it is now possible to achieve through simulation in health education.
  • Be aware as to future developments to consider when designing your simulation programme/implementation allowing you to be future-focused and ready for what is coming to remain relevant. Allowing for more informed decision-making as to what technology or kit to invest in for your area.

The course is designed for people who are currently working in, or would like to develop a career in health simulation. This is an exciting and constantly evolving field with demand from the public and private sector for people with expertise in this area.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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