How we approve postgraduate specialty curricula
Read our guidance for royal colleges and faculties on the approval and quality assurance processes we undertake to make sure our standards are being met.
Approving education and training
We work to make sure that education outcomes prepare doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) to deliver good, safe patient care across the UK. We carry out approval and quality assurance activities across undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, and PA and AA education. We also approve GP trainers and have a scheme in place for the recognition of specialty, foundation and undergraduate trainers.
How we approve PA and AA curricula
Read our guidance for royal colleges and faculties on the approval and quality assurance processes we undertake to make sure PA and AA curricula meet our standards.
Approving education and training
We oversee the approval and quality assurance of medical education, physician associate (PA) and anaesthesia associate (AA) courses, managing the list of approved programmes that lead to medical degree, PA or AA qualifications. Our role makes sure that education and training in the UK meet high standards, including for undergraduate programs, by providing approval and conducting quality assurance for both existing and new courses.
Postgraduate programme and site approval
New programmes and sites must meet our standards. For a new programme, we also ask for a letter of support from the appropriate royal college or faculty.
Institutions awarding UK medical degrees
We decide which organisations can award UK primary medical qualifications. As well as approving and quality assuring postgraduate training, we also have a responsibility to make sure undergraduate education meets our standards.
Approved courses that lead to the award of UK PA and AA qualifications
We decide which organisations can award UK PA and AA qualifications.
New PA and AA course provider process
Any additions or changes to our list of bodies able to award UK PA and AA qualifications are subject to a range of quality assurance activities.
Approvals of trainers
We approve and publish a list of GP trainers. We also have a process for recognition of specialty, Foundation and undergraduate trainers.
Approval of trainers
The process involves deaneries, local offices and medical schools making sure trainers meet the required criteria.
How we update the register
Read about how our records of trainers are maintained and kept up to date.
