PGCert in Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care
About the course
The PGCert in Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care aims to foster and develop future leaders in teaching evidence-based health care by exploring different teaching styles, identifying development needs and through planning effective curriculum.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care (EBHC) will position you to use theories and research evidence to inform your own teaching practice in health care and educational settings. It is a part-time course that can be taken alongside work commitments, generally over one to two years.
This is a joint programme between the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and the Department for Continuing Education. The programme works in collaboration with the renowned Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in Oxford.
This programme has teachers and contributors who are internationally recognised leaders in the field of evidence-based practice, research-led teaching and experts in medical education. The flexible structure of the course has been devised to fit with the structure of specialist training and to accommodate student choice.
The aims of the course are for you 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 Evidence-Based Medicine (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 teaching evidence-based medicine, ensuring the needs of learners are met in unison with the aims and objectives of your teaching and learning; and
- articulate how (and why) your own teaching practice and understanding of learning and teaching has evolved over time and ideas for future development.
Course structure
The PG Certificate in Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care is a part-time course. There are three compulsory modules:
- Teaching Evidence-Based Practice
- Developing Practice in Medical Education
- Course Design, Assessment and Evaluation
The order in which modules are to be taken will not be prescribed, allowing the maximum flexibility for participants to combine study with their professional commitments. Guidance may be given as to a preferred order.
The majority of modules are run over either an eight, or fifteen week learning cycle. Modules are spaced out throughout the academic year, allowing a choice of options to be taken over the one to two years students attend the course. Further details about the course and modules can be found on the course page, on the Department for Continuing Education Website (See Further Information and Enquiries).
Teaching format
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 five-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
Fully online modules are delivered through the VLE with the first week allocated to self-directed introductory activities.
For some courses, you will have 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. You will 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. These courses usually run over a 15 week period.
For other courses, five consecutive days of synchronous and asynchronous teaching sessions will be followed by 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. These courses usually run over an eight week period.
Attendance
As a part-time student, you will be required to attend a minimum of two modules (one of which must be a compulsory module) ‘in person’ in Oxford. Each ‘in person’ module requires you to attend a week (five days) in Oxford for supported face to face teaching. Your other four 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.
Resources to support your study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.
The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.
The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.
The Rewley House Continuing Education Library, one of the Bodleian Libraries, is situated in Rewley House. The department aims to support the wide variety of subjects covered by departmental courses at many academic levels. The department also has a collection of around 73,000 books together with periodicals. PCs in the library give access to the internet and the full range of electronic resources subscribed to by the University of Oxford. Wi-Fi is also available. The Jessop Reading Room adjoining the library is available for study. The department provides various IT facilities, including the Student Computing Facility which provides individual PCs for your use.
Supervision
The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department for Continuing Education and this role will usually be performed by the Course Director. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department for Continuing Education and/or the Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences.
Assessment
There will be formative assessments of the presentation of own teaching and leadership as appropriate at each of the face- to-face teaching weeks and peer-lead and tutor-lead feedback during online VLE activities and discussions. The summative assessment for each module will be based on a written assignment.
Graduate destinations
It is anticipated that most who commence this course will already be health practitioners or educators and as such will already be employed within the health or education sector. The course offers opportunities for career enhancement through the development of a better understanding of the theory and practice of teaching, and the design and evaluation of curriculum in undergraduate and postgraduate contexts. There is also the opportunity to consider further MSc and DPhil study in this area.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency, who collect data on UK HE staff with a teaching qualification, considers a PG Cert in teaching to be equivalent to Fellow of the HEA (UKPSF Descriptor 2), regardless of whether the programme is accredited by the HEA or mapped to the UKPSF.
Changes to this course and your supervision
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.
Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26
Proven and potential academic excellence
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying.
Degree-level qualifications
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject.
For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.
Successful completion of a professional training course or professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field may also be considered.
GRE General Test scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
Successful applicants should be able to:
- formulate an answerable clinical question;
- search for relevant publications quickly and efficiently;
- critically appraise various types of studies, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews of RCTs, Diagnostic, Prognostic and Qualitative studies;
- understand some basic statistical concepts required to interpret studies; and
- consider translation of evidence into practice.
Successful applicants should also:
- have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field;
- identify a work based problem for which they will be seeking evidence;
- be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of evidence- based health care within the workplace;
- have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration);
- show evidence of access to opportunities to deliver teaching activities including delivery, assessment and/or evaluations during their study on the course; and
- show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
Publications are not expected.
English language proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.
| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum score per component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) | 110 | Listening: 22 Reading: 24 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 |
| C1 Advanced* | 191 | 185 |
| C2 Proficiency† | 191 | 185 |
*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
†Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement.
Declaring extenuating circumstances
If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.
References
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Supporting documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Performance at interview
Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process for candidates whose application provides evidence fulfilling all the entry requirements.
Interviews may be held with candidates whose application requires clarification or further information in relation to one or more aspect of the entry requirements, such as those identified below as other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience.
References outlining academic potential and suitability to study for the intended course are secured before discussion with the applicant takes place. Interviews will be conducted by either telephone, face-to-face or video link and there will be a minimum of two interviewers. Applications may be rejected without further direct contact with the applicant.
Offer conditions for successful applications
If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our 'After you apply' pages provide more information about offers and conditions.
In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:
Financial Declaration
If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.
Evidence of ability to study for employed part-time applicants
If you are currently employed, you may be asked to provide evidence that your employment will not affect your ability to study and that you can commit sufficient time to fulfil all elements outlined in the course description. You may be asked to provide details about your pattern of employment and provide evidence to show how you will fulfil your commitment to make time available to study, to complete coursework, and attend course and University events and modules.
Permission to use data obtained through your employment
If you are embarking on study with the support of your employer and intend to use data obtained through your employment, evidence should be provided of permission to use your employers’ data in your proposed research project.
Other factors governing whether places can be offered
The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:
- the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
- the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
- minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.
Departments offering this course
This course is offered jointly by the following departments:
Department for Continuing Education
The need for new learning opportunities throughout life is recognised throughout society. An intensive, initial period of higher education is not always enough, or possible, in times of rapid social, economic and technological change. The Department for Continuing Education is known worldwide as a leading provider of extended learning for professional and personal development.
The department provides high-quality, flexible, part-time graduate education, tailored for adults. Students can undertake graduate-level certificates, diplomas and taught master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects. Increasing numbers of courses are delivered in mixed mode, combining intensive periods of residence in Oxford with tutored online study.
The department recruits adult students of all ages on a regional, national and international level. Many courses are offered jointly with other academic departments around the University. Courses are offered in the following areas:
All postgraduate students on the department's courses are members of its Graduate School. The department's Graduate School aims to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for learning and research. It also supports intellectual and social interaction between graduates of different disciplines and professions from the UK and around the globe. Interdisciplinary research seminars, training opportunities and other events are offered by the Graduate School in support of this goal.
The department's Graduate School will help you make the most of the wealth of resources and opportunities available, paying particular regard to the support and guidance needed if you are following a part-time graduate programme. The department’s graduate community comprises over 600 members following taught programmes and more than 70 undertaking doctoral research.
The department is located in a block of attractive Victorian houses in Wellington Square in central Oxford close to some of the University's major libraries and museums and to the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. The city's historic sites, colleges, shops and restaurants are only a few minutes' walk away. The modernised and extended site has its own fully equipped seminar rooms, library, reading room, student computing facility, graduate school study/social room, dining-room, common- room, garden seating areas and short-term student accommodation. Depending on the programme you are taking with the department, you may require accommodation at some point in your student career. The department has 35 en-suite study bedrooms, all with high quality amenities, including internet access.
The Rewley House dining room has seating for up to 132 people. A full meal service is available daily. The department operates a Common Room with bar for students.
All masters' and DPhil applicants are considered for Clarendon Scholarships. The department is committed to seeking scholarship support for other students wherever possible.
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
The University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences has been one of the world's most important primary care centres for over 20 years.
The department is a world-class leader in research and training, aiming to rethink the way healthcare is delivered in general practice and other primary care settings, both across the UK and globally. Integrating evidence and innovation, its main research focus is on the prevention, early diagnosis and management of common illness, health services research and digital health.
Research is led by internationally renowned scientists; many of whom are practising GPs, but Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences also has academics from a range of non-medical disciplines including the social sciences and humanities.
Research and teaching in the department cover a range of health issues you would typically see your GP for, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, infectious illnesses, childhood conditions, diet and nutrition, smoking cessation, and cancer care. However, its work extends beyond this.
Key areas of focus include understanding and enhancing patient experiences, leveraging big data for insights, developing innovative digital health solutions, and collaborating on international healthcare initiatives. By combining medical expertise with cutting-edge research, the department focuses on understanding and improving the experiences of patients, utilising big data, developing digital health interventions and working internationally.
The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences has methodological expertise in clinical decision making and diagnostics, clinical epidemiology, medical statistics, modelling, qualitative research and the wider application of social science theory and methods to address practical and theoretical challenges in health and care settings. The department also has a dedicated in-house Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit.
The department is home to 14 of the National Institute for Health Research's 200 most prestigious and prominent researchers. These NIHR Senior Investigators contribute significantly to the health sciences as senior leaders, demonstrate research excellence and lead in training of the NIHR's people.
The department teaches elements of the undergraduate programme in medicine including arranging placements for medical students in GP practices. It also provide a highly supportive environment for postgraduates whether they are registered for a DPhil, enrolled on one of its short courses, or the Evidence Based Health Care programme (administered by the Department for Continuing Education). You will also have access to the Medical Sciences Graduate School. The department welcomes domestic and international students to join its experienced and enthusiastic teachers, mentors and supervisors in aspirational study and research.
Funding
For this course, we recommend that you visit our dedicated funding pages which include details of a range of external funding, loan schemes for postgraduate study. Some scholarships may also be available through our fees, funding and scholarship search tool. You should review the information carefully, including the eligibility criteria and application deadlines, noting that not all funding opportunities are available for postgraduate diploma and postgraduate certificate courses.
Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.
Costs
Modular course fees
The fees for this course are charged on a modular basis. You will pay an annual course fee and an additional fee for each module studied. A minimum of one annual course fee is payable for this course. If this course includes a dissertation, three module fees will be charged for the dissertation.
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year
Fee status | Annual Course Fee | Fee per module | Total estimated fees |
| Home | £9,020 | £2,740 | Please see the department’s website for further details |
| Overseas | £9,020 | £2,740 |
Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.
Information about course fees
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges.
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.
Where can I find further information about fees?
The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees, including information about fee status and eligibility and your length of fee liability.
Additional information
This course has residential sessions in Oxford so you will need to meet any travel and accommodation costs you may incur in attending these sessions.
Living costs
In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
Living costs for part-time study
Your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you will still need to cover your cost of living on a full-time basis for the duration of your course, even if you will not be based in Oxford throughout your studies. While the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student living in Oxford is between £1,425 and £2,035 per month, living costs outside Oxford may be different.
Part-time students who are not based in Oxford will need to calculate travel and accommodation costs carefully. Depending on your circumstances and study plans, this may include the cost of a visitor visa to attend for short blocks of time (assuming that visitor visa eligibility criteria are met).
Further information about living costs
The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs, which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.
College preference
Matriculation confers membership of the University on students. Students who enrol on this course will not be matriculated and will not become a member of an Oxford college. Although not formally members of the University, non-matriculated students are expected to observe the same rules and regulations as matriculated students. Further information about matriculation is available on the Oxford Students website.
Before you apply
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance. Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.
Application fee waivers
An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:
- applicants from low-income countries;
- refugees and displaced persons;
- UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and
- applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.
You are encouraged to check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver before you apply.
Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?
You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.
Completing your application
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application.
If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.
Referees:
Three overall, academic and/or professional
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
It is acceptable to submit professional references but personal references cannot be accepted. Your references will support academic potential and suitability to study for your intended course.
Official transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
Personal statement:
A maximum of 500 words
Your statement should outline your objectives in attending the course and your reasons for seeking to register. There is no specific word limit, and there are no restrictions on font size or line spacing, although the document should be clearly legible and written in English.
If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
You will be expected to demonstrate an approach to your study which includes demonstrable skills of critical analysis, wide contextual knowledge and the ability to manage your own time.
This will be assessed for:
- a demonstrable interest in evidence-based health care, as evidenced by your prior experience, qualifications, work experience, and/or ongoing teaching and learning in evidence-based health care;
- the motivation and capacity to complete the course;
- a clear and well-argued understanding of the benefits of the course to the candidate’s current employment situation and future prospects; and
- prior academic achievement in a health-related discipline at undergraduate or master’s level, or successful completion of a professional training course or professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field.
Start or continue your application
You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please refer to the requirements above and consult our Application Guide for advice.
After you've submitted your application
Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can find out more about our shortlisting and selection process in our detailed guide to what happens next.
Find out how to manage your application after submission, using our Applicant Self-Service tool.