Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PG Cert)

Welcome

Welcome to the academic programme for potential and existing GP trainers developed in association between the KSS Deanery Department of General Practice Education, and Kent Health at Kent University.

The Department of Postgraduate General Practice Education is part of the KSS Postgraduate Medical & Dental Education Deanery, which is accountable to the NHS South East Coast (NHSSEC) Strategic Health Authority. The KSS GP Department covers the suburban and rural coastal areas of Kent, Surrey and Sussex. It is responsible for the health of 3,200,000 people.

The main activity of the KSS GP Department is the recruitment of doctors to GP Specialty training and the quality assurance of that training both in hospital rotations and general practice placements.

Kent Health at Kent University delivers relevant postgraduate education & training courses across Kent and north Thames Gateway. The Centre is based in the MedwayBuilding at the Chatham Maritime campus and works in partnership with other Higher Education providers across the region. The centre has expertise in supporting professionals whilst they continue to work in their own field of expertise by providing work-related programmes on which individuals can acquire post-graduate level skills and gain qualifications which further enhance professional development.

 The introduction of a post graduate qualification relevant to GP educators is timely given:

• The General Medical Council (the GMC) and the Royal College of General Practitioner (RCGP) have laid down standards for medical educators and this includes a move to increased professionalisation of the teaching role with the gaining of an academic award;
• Evaluation of the KSS GP educator pathway has shown those who previously took up the PG certificate found their work as a trainer was significantly enhanced;
• Revalidation processes will require enhanced reflection on our work in all spheres and the work undertaken in preparing for your PG cert and the gaining of the award will support you in this process.

This programme of study is designed to be flexible and related to the work you will either need to do to become accredited as a trainer or will enhance the work you do to be re-accredited as a trainer. The programme has been designed to be portfolio based learning which takes account of the existing work you undertake as a clinician.

 The initial award is for a Postgraduate certificate but further study can lead to a Diploma and onwards to a Masters Degree.

 We hope you will find this programme of study rewarding and that it will enhance your activities as a GP educator in KSS.

 Professor A Tavabie

Postgraduate Dean ~ Kent Surrey and Sussex Deanery