PgCert Professional Academic Practice

Program Overview

The PgCert Professional Academic Practice is a postgraduate certificate designed to enhance teaching skills and methodologies in UK higher education. It supports reflective practice, inclusivity, and the use of emerging technologies. Assessment is portfolio-based, and teaching is delivered online with webinars and various tools. The course prepares professionals for career advancement and further studies in higher education research and analysis.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This PgCert Professional Academic Practice is a postgraduate certificate in higher education designed to enhance teaching skills, techniques, and methodologies in UK higher education settings. It is suitable for both new and established teaching professionals working in universities, on courses validated by a university, or for practice educators in the NHS.

Objectives:

• Support the development of reflective practitioners whose teaching is inclusive and underpinned by scholarship.
• Provide a safe learning environment for critiquing current issues and agendas within higher education.
• Enhance academic practice and support the ongoing professional development plan, including the use of emerging technologies.

Assessment:

Assessment is conducted through a portfolio submitted through the UWL virtual learning environment, Blackboard. The portfolio may include:

• A reflective account of the educator's own practice, aligned with the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework 2023 of the HEA.

Teaching:

• The course is delivered online with a combination of independent online guided study, activities (individual and group), and production of work.
• Each week, a 90-minute webinar is held on Friday from 12.45–14.15.
• Teaching methods include online lectures, presentations, group work, discussions, video, simulation, and social media.
• Tools used include Blackboard, Collaborate, AI, and Poll Everywhere.
• Students will have access to a personal tutor and a mentor at work who provide support and guidance.

Careers:

• The PgCert can enhance teaching practice in a current role or prepare for career advancement or promotion.
• Participants may be UWL staff or staff from other institutions.
• Participants have access to life-long advice and support from the UWL Careers Team.
• Completion of the PgCert may lead to further studies, such as a doctorate, to specialize and develop research and analysis skills.

Other:

• The course emphasizes developing reflective practice, inclusive teaching, and the application of emerging technologies.
• The course includes a focus on quality assurance, enhancement, and policy within higher education.
• Participants are expected to manage their time effectively and engage in collaborative approaches to enhance their practice.
• The course is delivered at Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI), Digital Technology and AI, and Evidence-Based Practice are integrated throughout the course.
• Students are required to engage in at least 60 hours of teaching or supporting student learning during the academic year.

|:---|:---|:---| | UK Students | £3,000 | GBP | | International Students | £4,000 | GBP |