Program Overview

Higher Education, PGCert

The Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert HE) is tailored for professionals currently working in higher education who aim to earn a teaching qualification.

Overview

• The PGCert HE is ideal for those currently teaching at Level 4 or above in higher education or higher education within further education settings.
• This distance learning programme primarily supports University of Greenwich teaching staff.
• We also offer places for staff at collaborative partner institutions and clinical educators (individuals teaching and/or supporting HE learners within clinical/health profession settings, e.g. medical consultants, nurses, etc.).

Key Areas of Focus

• Higher education pedagogy
• Curriculum design
• Inclusive assessment and feedback
• Technology-enhanced learning
• Critical reflection on your teaching

Programme Outcomes

• Graduates of the programme will earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
• You can progress to the University of Greenwich's MA in Education to continue your academic journey.

Application Deadlines

• University of Greenwich applications: 1 September 2025
• All other applications (staff at collaborative partner institutions and clinical educators): 14 July 2025

Programme Structure

Year 1

• Students are required to study the following compulsory modules:
  • Learning, Teaching and Assessing (20 credits)
  • Reflective Practitioner Development in HE (20 credits)
• Students are required to choose 20 credits from this list of options:
  • Curriculum Design and Enhancement in Higher Education (20 credits)
  • Assessment and Feedback in HE (20 credits)
  • Digital Teaching and Technology Enhanced Learning in HE (20 credits)
  • Embedding Wellbeing in the HE Curriculum (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

UK Citizens and Permanent Residents

• An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above.

International Entry Requirements

• The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
• For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

Further Information about Entry

• The PGCert HE is ideal for anyone currently teaching at Level 4 or above in higher education or higher education within further education settings.
• Applicants with contractual obligations will be prioritised in admissions.
• You need to have guaranteed minimum of 60 hours teaching in higher education (Levels 4-7) during the registration period, with at least 10 hours in the first term.

Fees and Funding

Fees Information

• Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
  • Home | N/A | N/A | £1,900 per 30 credits
  • International | N/A | N/A | £2,996 per 30 credits

Scholarships and Bursaries

• We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.

Careers and Placements

Will I Have a Work Placement?

• If you are not employed in higher education, you will need to find and undertake an HE-level teaching placement or part-time hours which meet the admissions requirement for teaching hours.

What Sort of Careers Do Graduates Pursue?

• The course provides a postgraduate certificate and a recognised fellowship for those teaching in higher education.

Support and Advice

Academic Skills and Study Support

• We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your academic tutor, our subject librarians, and the Academic and Digital Skills Centre.

Support from the Department

• Throughout your time with us, you will be supported by the programme team as well as your peers. You will have an academic tutor and a workplace supporter who is normally from your own department or institution.