Master of Science in Health Professions Education
About This Programme
MBRU's Master of Science in Health Professions Education is a two-year, blended programme that aims to make faculty members and clinicians system-level change agents in healthcare education. In the first year participants master the foundations of health professions education, including teaching, learning, assessment strategies and curriculum planning; the second year concentrates on research, advanced concepts and academic writing, and culminates in a thesis and scholarly projects. The programme is designed around the schedules of practising clinicians and educators. Courses combine short, intensive on-campus blocks with a limited number of two-hour live online sessions, and each course publishes a calendar of campus dates, online sessions and deadlines in advance; HPE700 and HPE707 each require a full week on campus at the start. The first year is modular, the second begins with an eight-week research methodology course, and the pace of thesis writing is agreed between each participant and their supervisor. MBRU describes the MSc as ideal for healthcare practitioners and health sciences professionals who want to formalise their teaching roles at undergraduate and postgraduate level in healthcare institutions and universities, particularly those involved in strategic planning, quality improvement or continuous professional development, and says those engaged in curriculum design and course development will also benefit.
Course Highlights
- Two-year, full-time blended MSc designed for working healthcare professionals
- 34 credit hours: six 4-credit courses in Year 1, then research methodology and a 6-credit master's thesis
- Short intensive on-campus blocks combined with live online sessions
- Courses in learning design, facilitation, assessment, simulation-based education and educational leadership
- Students who complete all first-year courses but not the second year can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma
What You'll Study
The MSc is offered full time over two years and requires 34 credit hours. Learners must complete all coursework, seminars and a master's-level research project, culminating in a scientific thesis approved by the Board of Examiners and an oral defence before internal and external examiners, and must pass every course with a GPA of at least 3.0.
Year 1, Semester 1
Blended courses of four, six and six weeks.
- HPE700 Introduction to Health Professions Education and Study Skills4 credits
- HPE701 Design and Planning of Learning4 credits
- HPE702 Facilitating Learning Experiences in Multiple Settings4 credits
Year 1, Semester 2
Blended courses of six, four and six weeks.
- HPE703 Assessment of Learning4 credits
- HPE707 Introduction to Simulation-based Education4 credits
- HPE704 Leadership and Management in Education4 credits
Year 2, Semesters 3 and 4
Educational Scholarship and Research Methodology runs for eight weeks in Semester 3; the thesis starts in Semester 3 and continues through the 16 weeks of Semester 4.
- HPE705 Educational Scholarship and Research Methodology4 credits
- HPE800 Master's Thesis6 credits
What You'll Learn
Knowledge
- Discuss current trends and issues in health professions education in a global context
- Critique the effectiveness of a variety of educational approaches in different social, cultural and professional contexts
- Critique and propose improvements to their own education practice by applying evidence-based literature and theories
Skills
- Generate innovative, practical solutions to complex challenges in medical education by collaborating with others and creatively combining educational theory and entrepreneurial skills
- Use appropriate sources of information or analytical techniques in investigations that lead to conclusions and solutions to problems in health professions education
- Plan and independently conduct a novel research project using acquired knowledge and a practical understanding of research methods
Competence
- Function with considerable autonomy in professional activities related to health professions education, including analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation
- Use leadership, sustainability and problem-solving skills to determine and achieve educational outcomes
- Contribute to the advancement and scholarship of health professions education individually and within a local team, unit, department or faculty
- Demonstrate self-directed learning strategies, including self-assessment, self-evaluation, reflective practice, critical thinking and information management
Entry Requirements
Applicants write a motivation letter of 300 words or fewer on their learning and professional journey, why they are interested in the programme and how it will support their professional advancement, and shortlisted applicants are invited to a personal interview. Degrees from outside the UAE need an ECE General with Grade Average evaluation.
Careers
MBRU says the MSc positions graduates for influential roles in academia and healthcare leadership, and makes them highly competitive for positions such as programme directors, curriculum developers and senior educational consultants.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Commission for Academic Accreditation, whose register lists the degree as Active; MBRU's catalog dates the accreditation to November 2023, with the first cohort introduced in March 2024.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MScHPE)
Start Date
August (the 2026-27 programme start date was 17 August 2026)
Typical Offer
Bachelor's degree in a health discipline with a cGPA of 3.00, a motivation letter and interview
Duration
2 years, full time (blended)
Qualification
MSc
Subject Area
Education
Campus
Dubai Healthcare City
Study Pattern
Full-time
Delivery Format
Blended
Tuition Fee
AED 85,000/yr
MBRU's page shows the 2026-27 timeline, when applications closed on 7 April 2026 and the programme started on 17 August 2026. Tuition is AED 85,000 for the whole programme, made up of AED 80,000 tuition and the AED 5,000 seat reservation fee. The application fee is AED 1,000 plus AED 50 VAT, and the non-refundable AED 5,000 seat reservation fee, due on accepting a conditional offer, is deducted from the first-semester instalment for students who enrol.