Designing, Delivering and Debriefing Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare
Everything you need to know
- Format: Two-day, face-to-face short course
- Dates: April 2027 or July 2027
- Venue: Collegiate Campus, Sheffield Hallam University
- Module leader: Dr Nick White, Doctor of Education, MSc Medical and Healthcare Simulation
Introduction
This practical two-day short course develops the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to design, deliver and debrief high-quality simulation-based education in healthcare.
Participants explore the educational principles that underpin effective simulation, then apply them in a supportive learning environment. The course moves from scenario design and preparation on day one to live delivery, facilitated debriefing and constructive feedback on day two.
Who is this course/module for?
The course is open to healthcare practitioners from all professional backgrounds who are interested in using simulation to support teaching, learning and professional development.
It is particularly relevant to healthcare educators, clinical practitioners, simulation facilitators and those who are new to, or looking to develop, their simulation practice.
No particular clinical specialty or professional group is required.
What you’ll learn
You will explore how to plan simulation-based learning around clear educational objectives, create appropriate and realistic scenarios, prepare learners through effective pre-briefing, facilitate simulated activities and use structured, learner-centred debriefing to support reflection and learning.
The emphasis throughout is on connecting educational theory with the practical decisions involved in running high-quality simulation sessions.
Skills you’ll gain
Day 1: Designing and preparing simulation
- Identify learning needs and translate them into clear, achievable simulation objectives.
- Explore principles of simulation design, including scenario structure, realism, psychological safety and pre-briefing.
- Work collaboratively to write a simulation scenario, including cues, learner actions and an approach to debriefing.
- Plan the practical requirements and facilitation roles for delivering a simulation session.
Day 2: Delivery, debriefing and feedback
- Put the scenarios developed on day one into practice in small teams.
- Practise briefing, facilitating and managing a simulation activity.
- Lead or contribute to a structured debrief that promotes reflection and links experience to learning objectives.
- Receive formative feedback on scenario delivery and debriefing, identify strengths and agree areas for further development.
How you’ll learn
Learning takes place over two interactive, face-to-face days, combining focused teaching, discussion, demonstrations, collaborative scenario writing and hands-on practice. Participants work in teams to create scenarios on day one, then deliver those scenarios and facilitate debriefs on day two.
Peer discussion, tutor guidance and formative feedback are used throughout to check understanding, build confidence and help participants bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: Part 1 £340, Part 2 £340, Part 1 & 2 booked together £615 EU / International students: Part 1 £340, Part 2 £340, Part 1 & 2 booked together £615 |
|---|---|
| How to apply |
You can book this course through our online store. Choose your preferred dates below to begin your booking. |
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Entry requirements
No formal entry requirements. Participants should have an interest in teaching, learning or professional development through healthcare simulation. Prior experience of designing or delivering simulation is not essential.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Taught on Collegiate Campus. All teaching, learning activities and assessments take place on Collegiate Campus. All students with a non-British or non-Irish nationality studying at the University must have their original immigration documentation checked in person before they can enrol on their course. As a UKVI Sponsor Licence holder, the University is required to carry out this check for all non-British and non-Irish students, regardless of visa type. The check must be completed within two weeks of the published course start date. Students who do not complete the check will not be able to enrol. You may therefore be required to travel to Sheffield prior to the commencement of in-person teaching to satisfy this requirement.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
- Course 1: Day 1, Thursday 8 and Day 2, Thursday 15 April 2027
- Course 2: Day 1, Friday 9 and Day 2, Friday 16 July 2027
Both sets of dates cover the same two-day course. Attendance on both days is recommended, as the practical activities on day two build on the scenarios developed on day one.
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Assessment
There is no proposed formal summative assessment.
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Dr Nick White - n.white@shu.ac.uk