Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care

Course details

The certificate aims to foster and develop future leaders in teaching evidence-based health care by exploring different teaching styles, identifying development needs and planning effective curriculum.

This will include providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical perspectives of effective teaching in medical education, specific methods and techniques in relation to teaching evidence-based health care to different audiences, and key issues for effective curriculum design and evaluation. Participants have access to current leaders in research-led teaching and experts in medical education.

The Programme is delivered in partnership with Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences,  one of the world's most important  academic centres for primary care, and leaders in world-class research and training  for over 20 years.  It is also supported by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.  Find out more about the history of the centre and the Evidence-Based Health Care Programme here.

Course Director: David Nunan, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences

Watch the video below for more information about this course, along with the MSc EBHC Teaching and Education:

 

 

Student spotlights

Find out about Enderson Miranda's experience on the Teaching Evidence-Based Practice module, one of the three compulsory modules on this programme. Our Student Spotlights feature students' experiences both on and after their courses, and highlight the day-to-day life of study on the Evidence-Based Healthcare programmes.

Quick links:

• Programme details
• Course aims
• Fees and funding
• Application details – entry requirements and how to apply
• Accommodation

Programme details

The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Evidence-Based Practice is a part-time course. There are three compulsory modules which can be taken over 1–2 years.

Modules

• Teaching Evidence-Based Practice: Designed for all health care professionals who have knowledge of critical appraisal and experience in practising evidence-based health care, and who want to explore issues around teaching.
• Developing Practice in Medical Education: Aims to support students in developing their practice through critical reflection on the ways in which evidence, theory, values and contexts interact.
• Course Design, Assessment and Evaluation: Provides an overview of the principles of curriculum development in medical education and the critical issues in course design and assessment, with a focus on implementation at the course/module level, the coherent planning of learning activities, and evaluation of teaching and learning.

The majority of modules are run over either an eight, or thirteen week learning cycle.  Most modules are either delivered fully online or in a blended format, however, some modules are only delivered with a blended format that includes a 5 day attendance in Oxford, and some are only run entirely online.  In any given year, not all delivery formats for a module may be available.

Blended format: an initial period of self-directed study is spent on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is followed by a week spent in Oxford for supported face-to-face teaching, and then a further period of Post-Oxford activities (a mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission.  

Fully online format: These are delivered through the VLE with the first week allocated to self-directed introductory activities. There is then either:

- a number of units to work through which are released week by week. Each unit includes a mixture of supported and self-directed learning with discussion forums, tasks and activities. Students then have five weeks of self-directed personal study with use of a revision forum and the requirement to submit an assignment electronically the following week.  Courses usually run over a 15 week period.

Or

- an intensive week of 5 consecutive days of synchronous and asynchronous teaching sessions, and then a further period of activities (A mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission.   Courses usually run over an 8 week period.

Part-time attendance details

As a part-time student, you must complete at minimum of one compulsory module ‘in person’ in Oxford. Each ‘in person’ module requires you to attend a week (5 days) in Oxford for supported face to face teaching. Your other modules can be made up of a mix of ‘in person’ or fully online modules. For additional note: All students are required to attend a minimum of one module in each academic year on course. This can either be ‘in person’ or fully online.

Assessment methods

Assessment for each module will be based on a written assignment, which shall not be of more than 4,000 words.

Course aims

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• articulate the critical components of the practice of EBHC which is informed by your academic discipline and/or area of professional practice
• design and evaluate teaching of the core competencies of EBM and to self-reflect efficiently on your teaching experience
• evaluate crucial pedagogy principles and research underpinning the evidence-base for differing teaching, assessment and evaluation methods
• apply originality in the application of teaching styles and techniques, together with a practical understanding of methodologies to enhance teaching skills tailored to your own teaching contexts
• develop skills in practical curriculum design, delivery, assessment and evaluation in teaching and learning
• deal with and adapt to challenging circumstances you may encounter in teaching evidence-based medicine, ensuring the needs of learners are met in unison with the aims and objectives of their teaching and learning
• articulate how (and why) your own teaching practice and understanding of learning and teaching has evolved over time and ideas for future development.

Fees and funding

Fee rates for the academic year 2025-26*

*Rates for 2026/27 to be confirmed

These rates (in pounds sterling) are for students joining in the 2025-26 academic year and will increase annually.

The annual award fee is due for every academic year (or part-year) attended; module fees are due in advance as invoiced. Fees must be paid in accordance with the Terms and Conditions for the programme.

Illustration for full programme (completing in one year):

• Annual award fee: £9,020*
• Module fees: £2,740 (per taught module)*

Total fee = £17,240*

*Notes

1. The fee rates listed are for the academic year shown, and you should be aware that these rates will increase annually.
2. The Illustration is based on the fee rates for the academic year shown; however, fee rates for attendance in future years will increase, so students attending for more than one year should expect the total to be higher than is shown in the Illustration. The exact amount will depend on the fee rates set annually, and upon the years you are in attendance; these are normally published well before the start of each academic year, but for your own budgetary purposes you may wish to estimate a 6% annual increase on fee rates.

Scholarships

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our Sources of Funding page.

Application details

Level and demands 

For the full Selection Criteria please refer to the Graduate Admissions and Funding website.

How to apply

Applications for this course should be made via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. This website includes further information about this course and a guide to applying.

Early application for the programme is advised. Applications which have not been fully completed before the application deadline cannot be considered, so please ensure any applications are received by us in good time so that we may advise of missing or incorrectly completed elements. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to telephone interview, and asked to provide evidence of their funding for the programme.

Applications open in September for entry in the following academic year. To see if this course is still open for applications for admission please visit the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. Courses with a green admission status are open for applications, amber means the course will be closing at 12 noon on the following Friday and red means it has closed to new applications.

For further information on applying, please refer to the Application Guide. Please read our Terms and Conditions before submitting your application. If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying please contact:

Tel: +44 (0)1865 270453 - Email: cpdhealth@conted.ox.ac.uk