Assessment

Assessment will be divided across the taught courses of the Masters programme along with a final written project.

Taught Courses

A range of assessments will be employed to reflect the diverse teaching methods employed. Peer and tutor review will form an integral part of assessment.

Assessments and exams

The Master of Family Medicine programme is made up of 7 x 20-credit courses and a 40-credit project. Each course has its own assessment pattern, based on the coursework and dictated by the courses learning outcomes. If the assessments are passed then the student gains the credits towards their Masters degree. There are no written or practical examinations within the programme.  

Assessments are designed to test knowledge and develop academic skills. For each 20-credit course there will be two or three assessments. Students are given clear instructions on what is being asked for and on the weighting of the assessment towards their final mark for the course. Within the coursework, there is preparation for the assessment. Examples of assessment formats include essay writing, blog writing and case study presentation. Some assessments are performed in groups. Assessments are marked according to the University of Edinburgh's common marking scheme. Feedback is given to students to help them develop and improve.  

The Final Year of Study

In the final year of study, students will complete their Masters level study by undertaking a research methods course and research project, there is no practical or written exam. You will work with your primary supervisor to agree a project, which will be likely to involve a critical analysis of a primary healthcare topic and a related quality improvement activity. You will incorporate learning from earlier in the programme, including reflective analysis on the practice of family medicine in relation to the topic you have chosen.

The aims of the research methods course are to ensure that you develop a deeper understanding of research methodology and acquire an understanding of the application of evidence-based family medicine within an agreed clinical topic area. You will also gain experience of carrying out research, including:

* defining own research questions

* experience of managing own project

* exploring an area in depth

* experiencing the process of producing knowledge

* demonstrating the ability to carry out independent research