Academic Practice PgCert

Program Overview

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Academic Practice PgCert

Course Overview

This course has been designed to support your development as a lecturer new to teaching across the Higher Education spectrum. It provides an opportunity to reflect critically upon your emerging role as part of your institution, to deconstruct challenges to effective learning and teaching and to draw on theory as well as feedback from others – including your students. The design of the course ensures that it is both challenging and enjoyable in equal measures and relevant to your developing professional needs and interests.

Course Options

• Part Time (18 months)

Course Details

• Study type: Part Time
• Course length: 18 Months
• Campus: City Campus, Gloucester
• UCAS Code: N/A

Course Modules

• Critical Reflections: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PD7026)
  • This module will focus on what practice looks like and feels like for someone new to teaching in HE. It will explore key features of a successful learning and teaching episode and factors that can inhibit this.
  • Assessment: 2 formally assessed observations, 3500-word critical reflective piece
• Enhancing Approaches to Practice: Learning and teaching in Higher Education (PD7027)
  • This module aims to support the learner in developing a deeper understanding of their developing role as an academic.
  • Assessment: 25-minute Professional Discussion
• Transforming Professional Practice: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PD7028)
  • This module will build on module PD7026 and PD7027 as the learner now considers their wider professional role.
  • Assessment: 2500-word equivalent collation of evidence with brief justifications

Entry Requirements

• Honours degree or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience in a role that has responsibility for teaching and/or student learning in Higher Education
• Suitability declaration
• English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent)

Fees and Costs

• For students employed by institutions other than the University of Gloucestershire, an additional fee, levied by Advance HE, will be charged for the award of Fellowship.
• Start date | Location | Course code | Fee (UK) | Total fee | Fee (international) | Total fee
  • Jan 2026 | City Campus, Gloucester | — | £2,830 | £5,980
  • Jan 2027 | City Campus, Gloucester | — | TBC | TBC

Teaching Staff

• Debbie Reel, Academic Course Leader for Academic Practice

School of Education and Science

• Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.

Program Outline

Academic Practice PgCert: A Detailed Exploration

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Degree Overview

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Program Objectives:

• Enhance your understanding of learning and teaching principles in HE.
• Develop research-informed academic practices to enrich student learning experiences.
• Master curriculum design, development, and assessment techniques.
• Refine your ability to foster effective learning environments across various disciplines.
• Cultivate critical reflection and plan your continuous professional development.

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Program Description:

This intensive 18-month part-time program caters to lecturers and educators new to the HE field. Delivered by experienced teaching fellows across University departments, it equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your academic role.

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Outline:

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Program Format:

• Three-day teaching blocks held twice yearly at the Cheltenham campus (in January and September).
• Combination of workshops, independent study, and coursework assignments.
• Culminates in the presentation of a 3,500-word critical reflection and a 25-minute professional discussion.

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Modules:

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Module 1: Critical Reflections: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PD7026)

• Explores key features of a successful teaching episode within the HE context.
• Focuses on factors that may impede or optimize effective teaching and learning strategies.
• Requires two formally assessed teaching observations:
• Feedback provided on first observation to inform and improve teaching practice before final observation for grading.
• Observations include self-reflection based on chosen models (3,500-word assignment), action plan for further development.

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Module 2: Enhancing Approaches to Practice: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PD7027)

• Deepens understanding of the academic role, aligning teaching/learning practices with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF).
• Encourages critical discussions on enhancing pedagogic practices in relation to the PSF.
• Assessed through a 25-minute individual presentation reflecting on practice, drawing connections to the PSF, potential contributions.

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Module 3: Transforming Professional Practice: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PD7028)

• Expands on Modules 1 and 2 by exploring broader issues affecting teaching and learning for HE staff and students.
• Examines wider ramifications impacting personal and student learning development.
• Culmination in a 2,500-word equivalent portfolio comprising personal evidence demonstrating development from new to experienced lecturer.

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Assessment:

• 100% coursework-based assessment for all modules.
• Focus on formative (Module 1) and summative (Modules 2 and 3) feedback for continual learning and improvement.

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Teaching:

• Instruction led by experienced HE lecturers holding Advance HE fellowships or equivalent accolades.
• Strong emphasis on active learning, including workshops, peer observations, and self-guided learning activities.
• Encourages reflective practice, development of teaching philosophies, and individualization of teaching methodologies.

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Careers:

• This program prepares graduates for various careers in academic settings, including lecturing, fellowship programs, and leadership roles in education initiatives.
• Develops transferable skills applicable to diverse educational sectors like curriculum design, assessment, student learning support, and higher education research.
• Prepares participants for fellowship accreditation within Advance HE.

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Other:

• This program offers flexibility for working professionals through its part-time format and twice-yearly start dates.
• Encourages participants to actively participate in the University's teaching and professional development opportunities, like University Teaching Fellowship projects and the Festival of Learning.
• Supports graduates seeking further advancement through additional professional certifications, such as Fellowship in Higher Education offered by Advance HE.

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Fees:

• UK students (Part-time, 18 months): £2,690 (full program);
• UK students (Part-time, 18 months, excluding Advance HE Fellowship fee): £5,700 (full program)
• International students (fees to be confirmed).

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Additional Notes:

• Students who complete both PD7026 and PD7027 also attain Advanced HE Associate Fellowship status.
• Successful program completion typically takes one year, with modules designed to be completed in sequence for optimal learning progression.

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Overall Assessment:

This rigorous, comprehensive, and supportive PG Certificate equips participants with invaluable insight and practice for becoming successful educators within contemporary learning environments. Combining theory with real-world implementation, it fosters confident engagement in the academic field of Higher Education.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

For students employed by institutions other than the University of Gloucestershire, an additional fee, levied by Advance HE, will be charged for the award of Fellowship. The fee is dependent upon your institution's affiliation with Advance HE. Please email admissions for further detail.

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Start date

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Location

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Course code

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Fee (UK)

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Total fee

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Fee (international)

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Total fee

Jan 2025 Park, Cheltenham — £2,690 £5,700 Jan 2026 Park, Cheltenham — TBC TBC