Health Simulation MSc/PGDip/PGCert
Study level: Postgraduate
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
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.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why 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
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.
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
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.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
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
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
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.