PG Cert Academic Practice in Higher Education

Program Overview

This part-time program provides early career and experienced academic staff with a recognized qualification in higher education practices. Through a flipped learning approach, it enhances classroom practice, develops employability in higher education fields, and offers a pathway to professional status with the Higher Education Academy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Ideal for:

Early career academic and support staff or experienced staff looking to update their practice.

This program:

• Provides the primary source for continuing professional development at the University of Wolverhampton.
• Places learning, teaching, and assessment into focus, mindful of practical working needs in teaching and supporting roles.
• Develops your classroom practice, including e-learning, within a framework of current andragogical theory.
• Enhances your employability in Higher Education fields.

Delivery:

• Flipped learning approach.
• Dynamic face-to-face peer and tutor-led activities.
• Rich online learning environment.
• Individual reflection, reading, and scholarship.

Outcome:

• Valid, recognised qualification in higher education practices.
• Pathway for recognition at either Associate/Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
• Professional status with the national body for higher education practitioners.

Outline:

Course length:

Part-time (1 year)

Modules:

Term 1:

• Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education (20 credits):
• Explores the wider context of teaching and supporting learning.
• Considers challenges and opportunities that may affect student's future learning.
• Utilizes diverse guest speakers, stakeholders, and peers for dynamic debate.
• Culminates in an academic poster to be shared with peers.
• Collaborates in a mock validation exercise to consider future learning, teaching, and assessment.
• Contemporary Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education (20 credits):
• Develops academic practice.
• Analyzes and implements key concepts, strategies, and techniques for learning, teaching, and assessment for adult learners in higher education.
• Engages with the literature on andragogy, constructive alignment, and related academic literature.
• Showcases different approaches to learning, teaching, and assessment.
• Requires 24 teaching hours (as teacher and observer) for peer observation.
• Available as a stand-alone CPD module with accreditation by Advance HE for Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
• Inclusive Curriculum by Design in Higher Education (20 credits):
• Makes learning, teaching, and assessment inclusive by design.
• Utilizes current research and advanced scholarship.
• Reviews models and theories of learning.
• Focuses on scenarios to evaluate and address teaching large groups, studio/workshop/laboratory learning, online learning, work-based learning, and transitions into and/or through UK higher education.
• Utilizes thematic groups for critical reflection on own academic practice.
• Applies inclusive curriculum design to own setting.
• Emphasizes current equality and diversity policy and practice.
• Available as a stand-alone CPD module with accreditation by AdvanceHE for Associate Fellowship of the HEA.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:

• Individual assignments
• Group work
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Reflective practice
• Peer assessment
Assessments are designed to test your understanding of the module content and your ability to apply your learning to real-world scenarios.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Guest lectures
• Online learning activities
• Independent study
The program utilizes a flipped learning approach, where you are expected to do some independent study in advance of attending class. This allows for more time to be spent on in-class discussions and activities. The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and practitioners who are experts in their field. All faculty members are committed to providing you with a high-quality learning experience.

Careers:

This program can lead to a variety of careers in higher education, including:

• Lecturer
• Teacher
• Academic advisor
• Learning and development manager
• Researcher
• Curriculum developer
The program also provides valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to a variety of other careers in education and training.

Other:

• The program can be studied by external candidates practicing in either higher or professional education environments.
• Completion of the course will result in a valid, recognised qualification in higher education practices.
• You can get 20% discount on a taught postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.
• Fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January, and April.
• Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs.
• You can explore the possibility of funding from charitable trusts.
• The program takes place at the University’s Telford Campus.