The Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Academic Practice is a professional qualification for those who have a teaching role within UWS. It has been refocused as a professional development qualification for academic staff here at UWS and will not be receiving applications from those outside UWS from Academic Session 2023-24 onwards.
It is a flexible, modular open-learning programme. Most modules are taught as blended learning with face-to-face sessions in Paisley, with some options for the third module taught fully online.
The PgCert is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Participants who meet the requirements can apply for Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in line with the UK Professional Standards Framework: Descriptor 2. Those successfully completing Module 1 can apply for Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), aligned to UK Professional Standards Framework: Descriptor 1.
Graduates in the fields of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting may qualify to apply for a recordable teaching qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) providing they have met NMC requirements in terms of assessed teaching activity in both academic and practice settings, with students on NMC-approved programmes.
The PgCert comprises three 20 credit, Masters-level modules. Modules are completed in sequence i.e. participants undertake one module per term.
There are two pathways for progression through the PgCert. The two pathways commence by your selection of foundation module:
Regardless of the pathway you select, you will be required to complete the following core module:
Module 2: Assessment for Learning
You will finally select an optional module (subject to availability, viable numbers and requirement to achieve a recordable teaching qualification with the NMC):
Some modules are available as blended with face-to-face learning at Paisley Campus, others are taught fully online. All modules require require around 200 notional hours of study, regardless of the delivery mode.
This entry route is aimed at UWS Lecturers and academic related staff e.g. Practice Education Facilitators. The module provides an introduction to learning and teaching in Higher Education and aims to enhance participants’ professional competence as a teacher and reflective practitioner. This module is offered in blended mode.
This alternative entry module is offered to Practice Teachers in health and social care. It aims to provide a learning environment in which participants research and critique contemporary teaching practices in higher education and other settings. This module is offered in online mode.
All participants complete this core module. The principles and practices of assessment are a central component of this module. This module is offered in blended mode.
Following the successful completion of module 1A or 1B and module 2, participants can achieve Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
This module aims to provide a learning environment in which participants research and critique current theory and models of learning in higher education or equivalent contexts, with a focus on interdisciplinary and interprofessional approaches to curriculum design. This module is offered in blended mode. Those seeking a recordable teaching qualification with the NMC complete this module.
This module is to support new staff in developing a sustainable portfolio of research. Activities covered in this module are designed to support participants to take a strategic view of their research. Participants are introduced to approaches for developing, managing and improving a portfolio of research activity and effective supervision of doctoral students. This module is offered in blended mode.
This module is offered to a diverse range of practitioners both within the United Kingdom (UK) and internationally. This module is part of a Masters Suite provided by the School of Education. It is aimed at mid-senior academics/professional staff, who are relatively new to, or seeking, a leadership role within higher education. The aim of this module is to provide participants with opportunities to critically reflect on leadership knowledge and skills and to plan how to enhance leadership practice.
This module is designed for practitioners who teach, or aim to teach, in culturally and/or linguistically diverse higher education settings. This module is part of a Masters Suite provided by the School of Education. Participants will have opportunities to develop and strengthen their understandings of the diverse and changing nature of higher education as a consequence of internationalisation, and the implications of these changes for their teaching practices. This module is offered as a blended or online option.
This module and is designed to have relevance for practitioners working in a range of disciplinary areas within contemporary HE. This module is part of a Masters Suite provided by the School of Education. It introduces and critiques current and emerging issues and contexts in which HE is developing, both nationally and globally.
To be eligible for a recordable teaching qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), participants must:
NB: All nurses and midwives seeking a recordable teaching qualification with the NMC must complete Modules 1A or 1B, 2 and 3A.
If you are a Doctoral student at UWS who also has teaching responsibilities, you may be eligible to undertake the first module of the PgCert in Academic Practice. Upon completion of Module 1A or 1B, you will then be able to apply to become an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. You should ensure that your Dean of School is prepared to fund you to undertake Module 1A or 1B.
As a Doctoral student, you must have sufficient teaching responsibilities to meet the programme’s admissions criteria. This means that you must have a minimum of 33 hours of teaching (at least half of which must be spent in direct teaching contact time) during the term in which you undertake Module 1. You will be required to provide written confirmation from your Dean of School (or other line manager) that you meet these criteria.
If you do not have sufficient teaching responsibilities to undertake Module 1A or 1B, you can complete the Postgraduates Who Teach course. Please contact UWS Academy for more information.
Each module is assessed through both formative and summative assessments. These include written assignments, teaching observation and the development of a reflective teaching portfolio.
If you are a new member of UWS academic staff who does not already hold an equivalent qualification then completion of the PgCert is compulsory and your fees will be met by the University. Other UWS academic staff and Doctoral students should check with your Head of School to ensure that they are willing to fund your studies.
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£2,000 per module (20 credits)
All students should apply directly to the University through our online application system. Before you apply, you should check that you meet our entry requirements and you should have all your supporting documents ready.
The first stage of the process is to create a profile; you don't have to complete the application in one session - you can complete it in stages by saving each section and return to complete it at a later date.
You will need to upload documents with your applications, which may include transcripts and degree certificates.
Most courses don't have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment. There may also be funding deadlines that apply to you.
Before you begin your application, it is important to read the Postgraduate & Post-Experience application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
We will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.