Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

(PGCert)

The PGCert is a postgraduate degree programme that awards 60 credits at level 7 and is offered at no cost to Aston employees only. It is accredited by Advance HE and graduates will also gain professional recognition as Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). It is primarily intended for early-career academic staff who wish to develop their understanding of learning and teaching but is also open to professional staff who teach and/or support students. It provides an introduction to teaching in UK higher education and at Aston specifically, with special consideration of our institutional strategies and student demographic.

There are two cohorts per year, starting in September and January. This part-time postgraduate programme requires around one day of effort each week for six months, so the support of your line manager is essential. The weekly taught sessions are mainly online and will give you a real experience of blended learning from a student perspective. The learning design centres on you as members of a community of inquiry, working together in action learning sets and developing your understanding through guided peer review.

This document provides a more detailed overview of the PGCert and its four modules.

PGCert Entry requirements

To join the programme, you should be able to meet the following criteria:

  • To be employed by Aston University in a role that involves teaching and/or supporting student learning throughout the programme.
  • To typically have between one- and three years of full-time experience teaching and/or supporting learning in UK higher education. If you have less experience, for example as a postgraduate teaching assistant, please see our ILTP programme. If you have more than two years' experience in UK higher education, you should also consider our RITE scheme.
  • To have regular opportunities to teach and/or support students during the programme, equivalent to an average of at least six hours per week. Again, if you only have limited opportunities to do this the ILTP is usually a more appropriate choice.
  • To have a first degree from a recognised University or Institute of Higher Education, or a qualification deemed by the University to be at least of equivalent standing.
  • Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be possible for elements of the PGCert.

If you wish to apply for a place on the PGCert, would like further information or talk with the programme director, or for any other inquiry, please contact the Education Team Programmes Administration Officer.