Tracy McEwan

I completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education at the University of Leeds  (graduated 2016). I found the tutors very knowledgeable but above all supportive and encouraging so chose to  continue onto the MEd. Leeds was initially chosen for the PGCCE mainly to do with location, near to York my home town. The course at Leeds university offered taught study days which I preferred rather than online based courses that were offered closer to home. The Postgraduate certificate in clinical education definitely prepared me for the MEd.

My main role is an educator within undergraduate medical education so this course, after the PGCE, offered me the next step which would give me the skills and knowledge I needed to not only enhance the current teaching I delivered but also give me the skills that I may need in future roles within medical education

We had plenty of opportunities to present our research ideas to fellow colleagues and tutors and received bespoke feedback specific to our work. From this you learnt not only how to improve your work but also aspects you may wish to consider revising, tutors had the hindsight of previous work that maybe did not work as well as intended and thus giving you the opportunity to potentially change things before it was too late.

The opportunity to meet face to face for tutorials with your personal tutor was invaluable. In this dedicated time you could discuss specifics about your study and take advice from very experienced and approachable tutors.

Because I was able to research an area specific to my role within the medical school I was able to then, with the findings from my study, make an immediate difference to the way in which clinical skills are delivered. Tutors supported me with initial ideas I had for the study and encouraged me throughout from completing the ethics form, through to how to conduct and then analyse raw data, and finally to writing the dissertation.

For me, it offered the learning I wanted in a way I wanted to learn. Face to face taught sessions and accessible support when I needed it. If I could I would do it again, definitely study the MEd or PGCE at the University of Leeds.

Yorkshire has the best of everything you need, city centre hustle and bustle but gorgeous countryside to relax and admire.