Program Overview

The SPARK program is a non-graduating route for Strathclyde Staff who are required to engage with the PgCert Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE) as part of the Academic Career Development Framework (ACDF) but who do not intend to complete a full PGCert.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Accreditation: classes within the programme are accredited by the Advance HE to lead to professional recognition at Associate Fellowship of the HEA (AFHEA) and Fellowship of the HEA (FHEA)
• Application deadline: applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis
• Study mode and duration: Part-time, face-to-face and online learning with some independent study

Why this Course

This is a flexible academic development programme ideal for university staff seeking to engage with the Academic Career Development Framework and/or to enhance their understanding and skills relating to learning and teaching in higher education.

What you'll Study

Applicants can register to attend classes upon acceptance into the programme. If you are required to engage with this programme through the Academic Career Development Framework (ACDF), you must gain 30 credits from the SPARK programme, including the 20 credit module Teaching, Learning & Assessment within the Disciplines.

Course Content

To engage with this non-graduating route you can complete any classes from the SPARK programme.

• Modules
  • Becoming an Effective Learning and Teaching Practitioner in HE
  • Developing a Portfolio of Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Learning & Teaching

All classes are taught using experiential and reflective techniques to ensure learning outcomes are applicable, useful and based in authentic activity. Classes are flexible, allowing you to make choices based on your personal interests.

Assessment

Assessment types differ from class-to-class and align constructively with teaching and learning aims. Essays, presentations, individual projects and other methods are commonly used.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: An Honours degree or an equivalent qualification.

Fees & Funding

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

• Annual revision of fees: Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
• Fees for 2025/26:
  • Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
  • University of Strathclyde applicants:
    • Staff with contracts totalling 12 months or longer: free of charge
    • Staff employed for less than 12 months at Strathclyde: £861 per 20 credit module
  • External applicants: Bespoke training can be designed for external clients on request for an additional fee.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation