Simulationin Healthcare
Course length
12 weeks part-time
Start date
18 January 2027
Location
Online
Simulation-based techniques and immersive technologies are key approaches to training the health and care workforce alongside traditional educational methods.
They provide a safe environment for learners to develop competencies and professional capabilities through realistic practice, while also supporting the application of safety science and human factors to strengthen organisational learning, improve system performance, and promote staff wellbeing.
Teaching using simulation is an increasingly important part of undergraduate and postgraduate education in the health professions.
The Simulation in Healthcare short course equips healthcare educators with vital knowledge and skills to design and deliver clinical simulation activities for undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare professionals in clinical and non-clinical settings.
It is essential that simulation is designed and facilitated using safe and effective methods. On this short course, there are many different simulation techniques which will be explored and critiqued.
The module is open to those from across the healthcare professions - whether you work in medicine, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy or any other relevant profession, we can help you take the next steps to enhance your simulation teaching.
At Hull York Medical School, we not only deliver exceptional education, but teach others to do so too – using the latest pedagogical evidence-based practice. If you are as passionate as we are about delivering high quality education, your journey starts here.
This course was developed by Hull York Medical School educators in simulation across Hull Hospitals and York Hospital.
Clinicians involved in the course also deliver our MB BS in Medicine, ranked 3rd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
Teaching is delivered by experienced clinical and non-clinical academics and researchers from our Health Professions Education Unit (HPEU), a group dedicated to advancing health professions education. We extend knowledge boundaries on workforce research, recruitment, selection and widening access, workplace-based learning, curriculum development, professionalism and assessment to enhance practice and understanding.
Who is this short course for?
This short course is ideal for clinicians, healthcare staff, educators or researchers interested in simulation education in healthcare settings who are looking to develop their simulation expertise.
You can take the short course on its own or as part of the PGCert, PGDip and MSc in Health Professions Education.
Teaching and assessment
What you will learn
Combining practical and academic insight, this course will explore the core principles of simulation and consider the range of ways simulation can be effectively implemented. The module will cover how simulation is used in education, stakeholder perspectives on the use of simulation, designing simulation scenarios, debriefing and more.
This online short course will enable you to develop critical skills in simulation so that you can effectively design, administer and evaluate simulation scenarios.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate current evidence on the use of simulation across its varied applications in healthcare.
- Discuss the technological elements of simulation and critically apply its use when delivering simulation activity.
- Describe the design of the simulation and how it drives transformational outcomes that improve systems, culture, and safety.
- Describe principles and common models of effective debriefing.
- Facilitate a safe and effective simulation debrief using advocacy with enquiry.
- Plan, deliver and evaluate a complete simulation episode.
How is this short course delivered?
The programme is primarily delivered online, with optional face-to-face opportunities.
You will take part in:
- Weekly online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) activities
The VLE provides you with easy access to online resources and is where you will complete learning tasks. - Discussions with your peers and the Programme Team
Your peers hold a wealth of knowledge and experience. You will work together on activities through the VLE and during study days. - Face-to-face and online study days
Our optional face-to-face study days involve interactive workshops to explore ideas with your peers. They are a brilliant opportunity to share good practice and network with colleagues from a range of healthcare professions. - Meetings with your Programme Tutor
You can meet with your Programme Tutor for guidance, to discuss the course and for additional support.
Time commitment
As a 20 credit level 7 module, the total time commitment, including contact time and self-directed learning, is 200 hours. Across the module, this is approximately 16 hours per week, including timetabled sessions.
An in-person study day is planned for Monday 1 February 2027 in York.
Assessment
This short course is assessed through written assignments.
Applying
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree or its equivalent and have access to an appropriate level of teaching activity (we recommend around 18 hours, which should ideally consist of a few separate events). Academic waivers may be possible in exceptional circumstances.
All teaching is delivered online. You will need a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone to access classroom sessions through Zoom.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
The fee for this short course for the academic year 2027/28 is £1,494.
Fees are reviewed annually and may change.
Funding
To support the professional development of the Hull York Medical School community – our staff, alumni and partners – we offer reduced fees for our MSc Health Professions Education Programme and continuing professional development modules.
50% reduction in tuition fees
For contracted or seconded members of Hull York Medical School staff with a substantive teaching and leadership role in the delivery of our curricula.
20% reduction in tuition fees
Available to Clinical Teaching Fellows employed by one of the Hull York Medical School Partner NHS or Community organisations applying for the PGCert.
15% reduction in tuition fees
Applicable to employees of our University partners, NHS partner organisations, and primary care and community partners.
applying
How to apply
Applications for this short course will be accepted soon. Sign up for our Continuing Professional Development newsletter to be informed when applications open.
The deadline for applications is 13 December 2026.
If you have any enquiries, please email postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk.
