Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education

The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education takes the Graduate Certificate of Clinical Teaching’s learner-centred approach and adds levels of flexibility and complexity intended to extend participants beyond their current level of competence. Deeper understanding of the principles of education and assessment is necessary for those who develop clinical examinations rather than just participate in them, and a focus on ensuring that participants are research-driven in their clinical education activities brings a level of opportunity to deepen their knowledge in areas that most apply to their current roles, or to broaden their skills and interests in order to take on new challenges. The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education is designed as the next step for those who not only do the teaching but are involved in the planning and development of clinical education.

Graduates who gain the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education will have:

1. advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in clinical education;
2. advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply methods and technologies to:

• analyse critically, evaluate and transform information to complete a range of clinical education activities
• analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems in clinical education
• transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to others involved with clinical education.

Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement of knowledge adaptability and responsibility as a clinical practitioner, educator and learner.

Semester 1, Year 1
EDUC90741 - Effective Clinical Teaching, Compulsory, 12.5 points
EDUC90742 – Effective Clinical Supervision, Compulsory, 12.5 points

Semester 2, Year 1
EDUC90744 – Assessing Clinical Learners, Compulsory, 12.5 points
EDUC90743 – Clinical Education in Practice, Compulsory, 12.5 points

Semester 1, Year 2
EDUC90803 - Pedagogy into Practice, Compulsory, 12.5points
EDUC90804 - Clinical Assessment & Course Evaluation, Compulsory, 12.5 points

Semester 2, Year 2
EDUC90805 - Clinical Simulation, Compulsory, 6.5 points
EDUC90802 - Research in Clinical Education, Compulsory, 6.5 points
EDUC90801 - Clinical Education Modules, Compulsory, 12.5 points

Core subjects

Year 1 subjects

Year 2 subjects

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an entry-to-practice degree or equivalent in a health discipline, or
– an undergraduate degree or equivalent in another area and at least three years of documented experience of clinical teaching;
and
• current involvement in the delivery of clinical teaching.
Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking and/or assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic qualification and performance; and
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Graduates who gain the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education will be:
Academically excellent:
• demonstrate an analytical and reflective approach to their clinical teaching and supervision activities and a recognition of their professional responsibilities in this area;
• underpin their clinical teaching with the best available research evidence;
• contribute to the scholarly development of the field of clinical teaching.

Knowledgeable across disciplines:
• Contribute to the learning of students at all levels of the educational continuum;
• be aware of the unique and common challenges and approaches involved in developing learners of different health disciplines;
• be aware of their strengths and weaknesses as a clinical teacher and/or supervisor and be prepared to collaborate accordingly;
• collaborate with practitioners from other health disciplines to achieve best outcomes for their learners.

Leaders in communities:
• Initiate and implement constructive change in the approach to clinical teaching within their healthcare environment;
• mentor future generations of clinical learners;
• appreciate the importance of exchanging feedback, support and assistance with colleagues;
• be well-informed of the health workforce training needs of the local communities within which they practise.

Attuned to cultural diversity:
• Develop a student-centred approach to clinical teaching and learning;
• respect knowledge, cultures and values of Indigenous students and patients involved in teaching;
• maintain and encourage a sensitive and respectful approach to involving people from different cultures in clinical education;
• be aware of the specific cultural characteristics of the communities within which they practise.

Active global citizens:
• Accept social and civic responsibilities to help develop an appropriate, accessible and sustainable health workforce;
• advocate for environmental sustainability;
• seek opportunities to contribute to the improvement of health workforce in developing countries.

On successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• understand the principles of curriculum development and delivery.
• critically analyse the most salient research that underpins adult education and the key debates in this field;
• develop and implement approaches to dealing with current and emergent challenges in clinical education;
• design comprehensive evaluation strategies for educational programs;
• understand the academic basis of clinical education.