Clinicians are trained in the skills for direct patient care while service managers are often expected to focus on maintaining activity levels. The skills and knowledge to sustainably improve services and to increase safety and reliability are rarely developed in a systematic way. 

This course fills the gap. Two core modules cover Human Factors and Quality Improvement principles and methods, enabling you to design safer, better systems of care. Extending your learning, you choose a third elective module from three options: 

• Leadership and management in healthcare 
• Innovation and technology in healthcare 
• Being an effective clinical educator 

The University of Oxford has a strong research base in patient safety. This course draws upon the growing evidence base that quality improvement and human factors-based projects in healthcare have real impact on clinical outcomes for patients.  

You will learn in the historic setting of the City of Oxford, with class sizes kept small to support you in exchanging ideas and building connections with our world class faculty and your fellow students.  

The course curriculum and faculty are provided by the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, with administrative support in the 2025-26 academic year provided by Oxford Lifelong Learning.

The PGCert is a part time course designed to be completed in one or two years by those in full-time work.  It offers flexible, modular study which enables you to study alongside work commitments.