| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-13 | - |
Program Overview
Higher Education PGCE
Overview
This PGCE Higher Education is aimed at academic staff working in Higher Education and covers contemporary approaches to both teaching and student learning. You'll be introduced to academic practice, with an overview of learning theories, practical classroom teaching and learning approaches, and will cover a range of pedagogical approaches. You'll explore key theories in learning and teaching in the context of your own academic practice and you'll engage in technology-enhanced learning, both in use and pedagogy.
Why us?
- The course aims to transform teaching practice by introducing a range of tools and techniques which promote student engagement and success
- Visiting guest speakers from a range of backgrounds will share their experiences of working in the field
- You will be taught in state-of-the-art facilities and through the use of virtual, augmented and immersive equipment and environments
- On successful completion of the course, you may apply for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, providing you with recognition of your practice (subject to approval)
Course structure
You'll be taught via a mix of lectures, group-based seminars and interactive workshop activities during the PGCE Higher Education.
You'll be assessed via multiple methods which reflect the underpinning principles of universal design for learning including essay format, a spoken individual presentation, a written module document, and verbal defence.
The course is taught on a part-time basis, every Thursday from 9am-3pm.
Course modules
Core module:
Learning and Teaching: Applying Theory to Practice (30 credits)
Explore academic practice and gain an overview of learning theories, practical classroom teaching and learning approaches, while also covering a range of pedagogical approaches. Identify both why you are taking an approach as well as having the ability to implement, adapt and evaluate contemporary approaches to health professions education.
Route module:
Designing Learning and Assessment in Higher Education (30 credits)
Use evidence informed teaching practices, signature pedagogies and approaches to learning and teaching such as Gamification, Object Based Learning. Gain an insight into the theory behind these approaches while developing skills and confidence in delivering learning.
Facilities
You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.
Entry requirements
We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .
You're expected to have a substantial teaching workload which should equate to more than 100 hours of direct student contact each year. You must undertake a full range of academic practice in line with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) in order to complete the course.
The majority of students undertaking the course will be academics on a teaching and research contract, although the course is open to research assistants and associates who also contribute to teaching, provided they're able to meet all of the dimensions of the UKPSF.
University of Sunderland staff will apply via the HR staff qualifications policy, agreeing workload remission and support with their line manager.
We advise all potential applicants to have an informal phone or Skype call with the course leader before applying to ensure that the course learning outcomes can be achieved and that the route is suitable for you. Please email to arrange this.
Fees and finance
Fees are £2,833.
Please note, part-time courses aren't available to international applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK.
Career ready
On completion of the PGCE Higher Education course, you may look to find employment at Higher Education institutions, teaching across a range of year groups.
The course is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as a teaching professional and as such, will ensure that you are able to offer student-centred teaching and learning experiences. Your career prospects are enhanced through your ability to reflect on your own teaching practice and to engage in scholarship of learning and teaching as it relates to your own profession.
Further study
On successful completion of this PGCE Higher Education degree, you can use it as advanced standing if you wish to continue your studies and enrol onto the Master of Education (Higher Education) course. This master's course offers students the ability to study a wide range of topics relevant to educating academic staff working within Higher Education. It provides initial teacher preparation for staff new to education, with modules covering both teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum design.
You would enter year 2 of this course and graduate ready to work in Higher Education institutions, teaching across a range of year groups.
Meet the team — PGCE Higher Education
Kim Gilligan
Principal Lecturer in Teaching and Learning
View Kim Gilligan profile
View all staff for PGCE Higher Education
Related courses
- Master of Education (Higher Education)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Learning outcomes:
- You will learn to apply pedagogical theory in the context of diverse classroom settings,
- design and deliver engaging learning and teaching experiences,
- use assessment techniques which promote student success,
- and reflect critically on your own teaching practice in order to continually improve.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Delivery: Evening classes and independent study. ## Outline: This program will enable you to achieve the Master of Education title that allows you to teach across various age groups. Upon completion, you'd be able to successfully apply to a range of educator functions within a Higher Education context:
- Professional Development:
- The first year focuses on exploring topics in adult learning,
- professional learning and development,
- and technology-enhanced learning,
- with students completing an individual research project in line with areas of interest to them.
- Specialization:
- The second year allows for further specializing to suit individual career aspirations (e.g., working with adults in Higher Education Settings such as colleges or universities for teaching or training across the lifespan) or
- specializing in another pathway offered in the School of Education with the potential for professional development and engagement.
- Course Modules:
- The second year comprises the 30 credit Research Project (ED7652) and a choice of 30-credit taught modules (ED7645, ED7653, or ED7654) on topics such as:
- Professional Development,
- Professional Practice for Adults and Adult Education, Higher education policy and research in higher education. ## Assessment:
This approach helps to foster deeper engagement with course material while providing you with opportunities to apply your learning in practical contexts as they arise within your career.
Teaching:
- Instructors: Professionals working in the field of education at the University of Sunderland.
- Teaching methods:
- Engaging lectures,
- thought-provoking seminars,
- practical workshops,
- and one-on-one mentorship opportunities to provide you with the necessary guidance and support. ## Careers: Upon completing the Master of Education qualification at the University of Sunderland, you can look forward to fulfilling and rewarding roles as instructors, course designers, educational consultants, or pursue postgraduate research. The diverse pathways offered within this program provide the skills and knowledge to confidently step into teaching positions within various educational environments. Graduates will have the qualifications and experience needed to pursue various teaching or training opportunities across the age spectrum in educational contexts. It is expected that graduates will be eligible to apply for QTS or teach using other relevant licenses depending on their pathway choice. ## Other:
You'll also gain valuable insight from guest speakers who will share firsthand experiences from the field. This well-rounded academic and social environment provides a holistic learning experience that prepares you for success in your future career. If you have any uncertainties or require further clarification about the program, I recommend scheduling a consultation session with the university. This allows you to have an open discussion and receive comprehensive guidance from experienced professionals about the program, ensuring that it aligns with your objectives and interests.
The tuition fee for this course is £2,500. Please note, part-time courses aren't available to international applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK.
