As a medical student, my MSc allowed me to understand the difficulties faced in medical education

“I chose to study the MSc in Human Anatomy with Education during my intercalation year because of my previous experience of studying anatomy in Sheffield as a medical student. I wanted to study anatomy again but in more detail and with more freedom to explore my own interests within the subject. I knew that I enjoyed teaching so the ability to teach on a weekly basis was attractive, but I never considered the extent to which my ability to teach would develop. As well as this, I saw the benefit of returning to a core subject of Medicine and had some interest in surgery which has developed throughout the Masters.

“My research project looked into the factors that affect teaching and learning at Sheffield Medical School. It involved interviewing medical educators and running focus groups with students to find out their views on teaching and learning here at Sheffield, this gave me an opportunity to explore an area of education that I am part of as a student and will be part of as a clinician in the future. I gained numerous insights into this field that facilitated my own personal development as well as the development of valuable research into medical education specific to Sheffield.

"It was useful as a medical student to experience qualitative research and gain many skills that I otherwise wouldn't have developed. It has proved valuable upon my return to medicine as I now understand the difficulties faced in medical education more extensively. I can appreciate how to make the most of learning experiences and recognise learning opportunities whilst on placement. All of these skills are reflected in securing FHEA status, which gives you recognition of your extensive efforts and developing expertise in teaching and learning.

Teaching the anatomy on a weekly basis is an entirely new experience which I found enjoyable and beneficial in many ways. It's a great feeling to know that you are helping students to better understand a subject which you are passionate about at the same time as furthering your own learning.

Louis Goulder

MSc Human Anatomy with Education

“I enjoyed the course in many ways, most importantly spending lots of time in the dissection room. The course is designed in a way that allows you to take ownership of your own learning, by exploring the anatomy at your own pace and level of detail. The small cohort size enabled a more relaxed and productive learning environment, as you could find others who learn in similar ways and develop new approaches to learning. I think the aspect of this course that I will miss the most is a genuine allowance to delve into the depths of a particular aspect of anatomy that I found interesting, as so often there are other barriers to learning for interest and curiosity. Teaching the anatomy on a weekly basis is an entirely new experience which I found enjoyable and beneficial in many ways. It's a great feeling to know that you are helping students to better understand a subject which you are passionate about at the same time as furthering your own learning."