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MPC (Master of Primary Care)

Student comments

The following quotations are taken from end of degree evaluations submitted by graduates of the Master of Primary Care programme.

Why did you undertake the degree?

  • To increase my understanding of the "bigger picture" of primary care and public health.
  • To gain a more enlightened understanding of issues around primary care organisation, and to develop more effective solutions to many of the challenges facing general practice at a local level.
  • To increase my understanding of primary care, multidisciplinary working and research.
  • At the time of starting, I was new to primary care, having worked in acute for over 20 years. The course helped me gain confidence and theoretical knowledge for my post.
  • For interest, and to broaden my horizons on the job front.
  • To generate a culture shift within the service.

How well did it meet your expectations?

  • What I gained from the MPC course far exceeded my original expectations.
  • The choice of courses was very comprehensive and diverse.
  • The degree gave me theoretical information but, more importantly, it provided the opportunity to discuss real live issues with colleagues from a range of backgrounds - fantastic!
  • Experienced a very wide view of primary care, and met and interacted with many different NHS colleagues.
  • Enjoyed the opportunity to listen, reflect, learn and be inspired.
  • Each course achieved its aims and objectives. The department was supportive in every way and my research supervisor was exceptional.

How relevant did you find it to your professional/educational needs?

  • Extremely so as I have worked in a number of different primary care roles and have moved into a non-clinical role since starting the course.
  • It helped me to achieve my main objective - to gain knowledge to allow me to address in a more constructive and positive manner many of the day to day challenges facing me in practice.
  • The range and depth of subjects has equipped me with skills and ideas to develop within my own practice.
  • For me, it was like walking the job and being able to share experiences when dealing with real issues.
  • Having the MPC has helped reinforce my CV and has been noted in interviews.
  • Courses were related to current thinking and practice within the NHS in Scotland.
  • Assignments allowed me to explore different aspects of my job/profession.
  • Undertaking this degree has enabled me to move on within my career, which would not have been possible without it.
  • Enjoyed the emphasis on applying theory/research findings to the workplace. The research project in particular allows students to explore their own interests in more detail.
  • It addressed broader themes than I would otherwise have the opportunity to study in such depth. Fitted very well with my current PDP.
  • I enjoyed the emphasis on applying theory/research findings to the workplace. 

In what ways do you consider that your employer has benefited from your undertaking the MPC?

  • Improved application of theory to practice, especially in population health and inequalities.
  • Better abilities to influence decision-making, ensuring better decisions at local and board level.
  • Gained the confidence and competence to pursue a career in academic medicine, including medical education and research. Refined generic skills in critical appraisal, presentation and writing.
  • Increased confidence. Improved ability to critically appraise all manner of things and greater awareness of factors influencing my professional arena.
  • Increased esteem held by colleagues. Hadn't appreciated what an achievement people consider a masters to be.
  • Skills gained have been utilised in carrying out job as prescribing advisor and in teaching of students and GPs.
  • I can offer more "academic" solutions/contributions to organisational challenges. 
  • Having masters-level education is gold standard in NHS! I think this should be mandatory for primary care staff involved in strategic decision-making!

In what ways has the MPC changed the way you approach your practice?

  • I now approach patient care, and encourage staff to do so, from a much broader perspective.
  • Time management and workload management skills improved. Use of communication skills and negotiating abilities to influence and achieve aims more smoothly!
  • I now take a more considered approach to problem solving. I more readily seek evidence to support practice because I can rapidly search for and appraise available evidence.
  • Much more likely to look at latest research around the relevant area of work, and feel confident about processing various strands of evidence and from various disciplines. 
  • The MPC has influenced the way I consult with patients, the way I address problems in practice organisation and the way I now look at the wider organsiation of health care delivery. I now have a better, broader understanding of what determines the health of my patients, especially relevant when working in a deprived area. I am personally more satisfied now with my consulting.
  • Better understanding of other professions' roles.
  • I am inclined to refer to the evidence base, and guide others to do the same.
  • I am more prepared to be reflective towards the work I am involved in.
  • Improved consideration of inequalities and addressing widening gap when reviewing and redesigning services.
  • Through listening to other points of view - in particular, to other professions standpoints on certain issues, I came to realise that I needed to be less fixed in my thinking.
  • Gained a broader perspective. Helped with communication with colleagues and patients. Completing the research project has improved my skills in report writing.
  • Able to consider the true holistic needs of patients and families, and the wider requirements from a social and health care perspective.
  • It has put ethical issues to the forefront of all thoughts.
  • Now I know I'm on the right path.

What did you like best about the MPC?

  • Access to brilliant thinkers and the opportunity not just to be taught, but to engage with them and discuss issues in a non-threatening environment.
  • The chance to step back and reflect on practice.
  • The fantastic sense of achievement when successfully completed, and the great feeling that I am now much more knowledgeable in many areas of practice relevant to my day to day work.
  • I enjoyed the project, and had excellent supervision.
  • It has given me confidence in my own academic and personal abilities.
  • Mixing with a variety of people, all doing different jobs, and at varying levels.
  • Networking and time out from work to reflect.
  • Different teaching methods held my interest and standards of teaching very high.
  • The reading, the learning, the sharing...all of it!

What about the organisation/administration of the programme?

  • Most impressed by the support and warmth of the "team".
  • Overall, the organisation, adminstration and communication with students was excellent. Very much appreciated!
  • Well organised with excellent online support making participation for part-time students as accessible as possible.
  • Very well organised. Responded to calls for help positively - I was never left in a situation of not knowing what was happening.
  • I have nothing but praise for the organisation, helpfulness and patience of the staff.
  • Engendered a very supportive environment.
  • MPC administrator and colleagues provide very high quality support. Small number of students so it feels very comfortable compared to some other courses.
  • The availability of resources within the department [and electronically] has been invaluable, particularly as studying part-time.
  • Very well organised. Requests were always dealt with promptly, good information given, and extremely supportive.
  • Efficient, approachable and helpful. My personal tutor was also fantastic and a great help. All questions asked were well explained and responses were fast when using e-mail/phone.
  • It was brilliant!

In what ways may the MPC help to further your career?

  • Promotion on the back of masters work.
  • It has given me the confidence to pursue further career opportunities.
  • There are many posts [for which] masters level education as essential.
  • I gained a promotion whilst undertaking the programme and I am sure the fact that I was undertaking the masters helped.
  • Would like this to lead into a further higher degree.
  • Now looking for a new post. May even consider a research post, which I would never have done before. May consider a PhD.
  • Has clarified my passions, and put me on a steady and defined course for career progression.

What was your overall experience/impression of the MPC?

  • It is a well-designed course with a broad scope and provided by experts.
  • The knowledge of the academic staff was exceptional and overall the culture within the department was open, friendly, and approachable.
  • The range of subjects, the standard of teaching, the resources and online support, and the supportive environment have all contributed to an excellent experience of higher education.
  • A well-balanced programme with a good choice of course and taste of doing some original research.
  • Excellent - without doubt the most exciting and challenging course I have ever undertaken.

Have you recommended/would you recommend the MPC to colleagues?

  • Yes, and frequently do!
  • All the time!
  • Have recommended to several colleagues.
  • Several staff I line manage have undertaken courses.
  • As a manager, I would recommend the MPC to anyone who has a true interest in primary care and personal development.