Assessing the Impact of an Integrated Curriculum on Medical Student Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study of RCSI’s new THEP Curriculum

This fully funded PhD opportunity at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) invites applications for a longitudinal study evaluating the newly implemented THEP 2 (Transforming Health Education Programme) curriculum. The project aims to rigorously assess the effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term impact of the integrated curriculum on medical student outcomes, supporting RCSI’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in health education. Research objectives include evaluating the THEP curriculum’s influence on knowledge retention, clinical skills, and professional identity formation, as well as its impact on academic performance and clinical competence over time. The study will also examine the effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) in fostering critical thinking and clinical reasoning, and analyze the role of the Personal Tutor Programme and Learning Communities in promoting student well-being and a sense of belonging. Additional aims are to explore professional identity development across different stages of medical education and assess how programmatic assessment and real-time feedback systems (such as Kaizen) affect student engagement, feedback utilization, and self-directed learning behaviors. The research will employ a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative data (GPA trends, OSCE scores, progress testing, clinical placement evaluations) with qualitative insights from focus groups, interviews, and thematic analysis of feedback reports. The longitudinal design will track cohorts over the five-year program, with comparative analysis of pre- and post-implementation data to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement in the curriculum. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, contributing to the broader academic community and supporting RCSI’s strategic goals for global recognition. Applicants should hold at least an Upper Second Class (2.1) honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with experience in qualitative research considered desirable. English language proficiency is required as per RCSI guidelines. The position is funded via the RCSI DVCAA office, covering tuition and stipend. The application process involves completing the online form in full by February 26, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in March, and successful applicants will be required to submit supporting documents and references. The anticipated start date is April 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in medical education research, curriculum evaluation, and contributing to the advancement of health education standards at a leading institution.