PGCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Course details
Year of entry
Sept 2027
Duration
1YR (PT)
Institution Code
G53
Location
Wrexham
Why choose this course?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education is ideal for newly-appointed lecturers in higher education and researchers with teaching responsibilities.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education is designed for newly appointed lecturers, academic staff with teaching responsibilities, and researchers who contribute to learning and teaching within higher education.
The programme supports participants who are already teaching students at Level 4 and above. It develops effective and inclusive approaches to teaching, learning, assessment and evaluation, with a strong focus on applying theory to real classroom practice. Participants engage with a wide range of pedagogical frameworks and explore how to enhance the student learning experience in their own context.
Did you know?
By studying an Education degree at Wrexham University, you'll gain access to unique benefits designed to help you succeed...
Key course features
The programme is aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework, specifically the Advance HE 2023 framework. On successful completion, participants are eligible to gain Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA). Fellowship is a globally recognised teaching qualification that demonstrates professional expertise and a commitment to high quality academic practice.
In addition to teaching excellence, the programme also supports the wider scholarly role of academic staff. Participants strengthen their engagement with the scholarship of learning and teaching and develop confidence in research, evaluation, knowledge exchange and civic engagement. The course is also an ideal next step for FE lecturers teaching HE in colleges who are seeking to move into university-based roles, as it provides a solid grounding in the broader expectations of academic life in higher education.
The programme:
- Pivotal in supporting and encouraging newly appointed staff and existing staff in both their academic practices of learning, teaching, assessment and evaluation, and in the development of their research and publication profiles.
- Consolidates personal development and evidence of professional practice in your higher education career.
- Enables HE lecturers and others with substantial teaching roles to gain professional recognition with Advance HE and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) through the alignment of their practice with the UK Professional Standards Framework.
What you will study
The programme is delivered over the course of one academic year at Wrexham University. The two modules are aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) and enable participants to reflect upon their own practice, learn from sharing practice with others and develop a deep understanding of the educational models that support learning and teaching in higher education.
MODULES
- Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education (30 credits at level 7)
- Academic Practice in Higher Education (30 credits at level 7)
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Entry requirements & applying
Applicants will normally be expected to have an undergraduate degree in their own discipline and access to regular teaching in a higher educational institution.
Teaching & Assessment
Assessment is by 100 percent coursework. Participants must be employed within the higher education sector and hold a substantive teaching role. They must also have a level of control over the modules or sessions they teach. This includes the ability to design or adapt lesson plans, learning activities, assessments or elements of a module scheme. This ensures that participants can apply the programme content directly to their own practice.
Assessments include:
- An observation of the participant’s teaching in higher education.
- A VLE based workbook created by the participant to demonstrate their understanding and application of learning, teaching and assessment in their context.
- A reflective essay that critically evaluates the participant’s teaching practice and professional development.
- A critical study into an applied area of academic practice that enhances the participant’s own teaching approach and supports student learning.
Teaching & Learning
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential. We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.
Career prospects
Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.
Completion of the full award (PG Cert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education) enables participants to gain Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA). Fellowship is a widely recognised marker of teaching expertise and is often viewed as essential for securing substantive lecturing roles. For FE lecturers delivering HE, it can provide a strong platform for moving into full university positions. Graduates of the programme often use the award and Fellowship status to progress into more permanent HE roles, expand their responsibilities or pursue further postgraduate study.
Fees & funding
You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.
All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.
