Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Online) PG Cert
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-08 | - |
Program Overview
Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (for third-level teachers) (Online)
Course Fact File
- Code: CTLHE
- Duration: 1 Year Part-time
- Teaching Mode: Part-Time
- Qualifications: PG Cert
- NFQ Level: Level 9
- EU Fees: Free for UCC Staff on the provision of Staff number.
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Course Delivery Method: Online
- Start Date: 8 September 2025
Course Outline
The aim of this Postgraduate Certificate programme is to provide staff in higher and further education with the opportunity to develop and professionalise their teaching practice to enhance learning, while gaining an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in Teaching and Learning. Our programme allows you to be part of an international and interdisciplinary community of practice, and attend live sessions led by the Centre for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning (CIRTL). The highly experienced teaching team of CIRTL will facilitate you to engage with quality materials on this fully online programme.
Students who have completed the PG Certificate and wish to further their professional development can progress to the PG Diploma and subsequently the MA Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, also coordinated by CIRTL.
Postgraduate Certificate
The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education showcases best practices in online teaching and acquaints participants with relevant theories and frameworks for designing curricula and assessments. The practical component of the programme enables participants to apply their learning in their own teaching context and share reflections with peers.
The 30-credit Postgraduate Certificate comprises three modules in total. Two core modules to the value of 25 credits are taken sequentially, typically in one academic year:
- TL6017 Theories of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (10 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6004 Practice Approaches to Teaching, Learning and Assessment (15 credits) - Semester 2
Students also choose one 5-credit module from the following electives to be taken in Semester 1:
- TL6009 Digital Education for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (5 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6010 Inclusive Academic Practice for Research Supervision (5 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6011 Making Thinking Visible: Visual Critiques and Methods for Teaching and Learning (5 credits) – Semester 1
On successful completion of 30 credits from the Postgraduate Certificate, there is an opportunity to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma. Contact for further information.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Diploma is a part-time, fully online course and runs for two semesters over the academic year. Participants complete 2 x 15-credit modules.
On successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, participants may progress to the MA Teaching & Learning in Higher Education.
Course Practicalities
The programme is fully online. Students will get access to the programme through Canvas, UCC’s Learning Management System. There will also be opportunities during the programme to engage with peers in webinars as part of a community of practice approach to learning enhancement.
Assessment
Participants will prepare a portfolio of professional teaching practice over the course of the academic year. The portfolio consists of six entries that emerge from participants’ own practice. Assignments are undertaken on a pass/fail basis, in keeping with the spirit of continuing professional development.
Who teaches this course?
Dr Owen Jump, Dr Sarah Thelen, Dr Katy Dineen and Teaching Fellows drawn from the four colleges of the University and related centres.
Why Choose This Course
This programme provides staff who teach in higher education with an ideal opportunity to develop their practice by researching their teaching to enhance learning. Such continuing professional development has the potential to enhance career opportunities.
Requirements
Applicants must have a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) and be teaching in the third level education sector and have an active teaching timetable. An active teaching timetable could include, supervision, placement work, lab-based work, in the field or in an online context. A minimum of 12 hours of teaching in both semesters 1 and 2, is required in order to fulfil the learning outcomes of the programme, i.e., a minimum of 24 teaching hours over the academic year.
In exceptional circumstances, and subject to review by the programme team, applicants with a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) may also be considered subject to meeting the teaching requirements.
PhD students who are not in a position to meet the minimum teaching hours required to successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate are not eligible to apply for the programme but are encouraged to apply for the Postgraduate Training Modules in teaching and learning. PhD students should also consider, along with their supervisors, the significant workload of this 30-credit programme and whether the 5-credit Postgraduate Training Modules are more appropriate given time demands.
PhD students should contact in the first instance to discuss.
CIRTL English Language Requirements
For applicants from non-native English speaking backgrounds, proof of English language certification is not required if currently employed in the third level education sector where the main language of instruction is English. Applicants who fall into this category are required to show proof of employment, e.g. a letter from your director of Human Resources, which is evidence of working in a third-level educational setting where the main language of instruction is English.
Fees and Costs
Irish/EU fee: €1,800 for 30 Credits to complete the Postgraduate Certificate (€900 per 15-credit module).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education is a part-time, fully online program designed for staff in higher and further education. The program aims to provide participants with the opportunity to develop and professionalize their teaching practice to enhance learning while gaining an internationally recognized postgraduate qualification in Teaching and Learning. The program allows participants to be part of an international and interdisciplinary community of practice and attend live sessions led by the Centre for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning (CIRTL). The highly experienced teaching team of CIRTL will facilitate participants to engage with quality materials on this fully online program. Students who have completed the PG Certificate and wish to further their professional development can progress to the PG Diploma and subsequently the MA Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, also coordinated by CIRTL.
Outline:
The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education is a 30-credit program comprising three modules in total. Two core modules to the value of 25 credits are taken sequentially, typically in one academic year:
- TL6017 Theories of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (10 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6004 Practice Approaches to Teaching, Learning and Assessment (15 credits) - Semester 2 Students also choose one 5-credit module from the following electives to be taken in Semester 1:
- TL6009 Digital Education for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (5 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6010 Inclusive Academic Practice for Research Supervision (5 credits) - Semester 1 The Postgraduate Diploma is a part-time, fully online course and runs for two semesters over the academic year. Participants complete 2 x 15-credit modules. On successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, participants may progress to the MA Teaching & Learning in Higher Education.
Assessment:
Participants will prepare a portfolio of professional teaching practice over the course of the academic year. The portfolio consists of six entries that emerge from participants’ own practice. Assignments are undertaken on a pass/fail basis, in keeping with the spirit of continuing professional development.
Teaching:
The program is fully online. Students will get access to the program through Canvas, UCC’s Learning Management System. There will also be opportunities during the program to engage with peers in webinars as part of a community of practice approach to learning enhancement. The teaching team includes Dr Owen Jump, Dr Sarah Thelen, Dr Katy Dineen, and Teaching Fellows drawn from the four colleges of the University and related centers.
Careers:
This program provides staff who teach in higher education with an ideal opportunity to develop their practice by researching their teaching to enhance learning.
Irish/EU fee: €1,800 for 30 Credits to complete the Postgraduate Certificate (€900 per 15-credit module).
University College Cork
Overview:
University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.Library:
The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Campus Life:
UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.Accommodation:
UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.International Office:
The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.Adult Continuing Education:
UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.Continuing Professional Development:
UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.Micro-credentials:
UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.Scholarships and Prizes:
UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.Transition-In Programme:
UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.Graduate Attributes:
UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Education:
UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.Strong Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.Vibrant Campus Life:
UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.Beautiful Location:
UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.International Reputation:
UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business and Law
- Engineering and Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Education
- Music
Other:
- UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
- UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
- UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
- UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must hold a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) and be currently teaching in the third-level education sector with an active teaching timetable. This includes supervision, placement work, lab-based work, in-field work, or online teaching. A minimum of 12 hours of teaching in both semesters 1 and 2 is required, totaling at least 24 teaching hours over the academic year.
- Exceptional Circumstances: In exceptional cases, applicants with a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) may be considered, subject to meeting the teaching requirements and review by the program team.
- PhD Students: PhD students who cannot meet the minimum teaching hours are not eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate but are encouraged to apply for the Postgraduate Training Modules in teaching and learning. They should also consider, along with their supervisors, the workload of the 30-credit program and whether the 5-credit Postgraduate Training Modules are more appropriate.
- International/Non-EU Applicants: Not all courses are open to international
on-EU applicants.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For applicants from non-native English speaking backgrounds: Proof of English language certification is not required if currently employed in the third-level education sector where the main language of instruction is English. Applicants in this category must provide proof of employment, such as a letter from their director of Human Resources, demonstrating their work in a third-level educational setting where English is the primary language of instruction.
