January 2021
Distance learning
£42 per credit (INT) *
We’re planning to teach through a flexible combination of online and face to face learning for the first few months of the new academic year. If you’re thinking about starting with us in autumn 2020 or spring 2021, check back for more detail on arrangements for this course in July and August, and see our current plans for teaching and learning.
Overview
You can choose to start this course in September 2020 and in January 2021. This is because we've changed some of our teaching arrangements in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Whenever you start, you'll get the same great learning experience with lots of support to do your best.
Studying the PGCert Higher Education provides an important grounding in teaching techniques and practices, as well as providing support mechanisms for the continuing development of your teaching practice. The programme is fully accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Why study PGCert Higher Education at Middlesex University?
The PGCert Higher Education is a vital developmental qualification for both new members of academic staff who are just embarking on a career in Higher Education, as well as those who may have been teaching for a while but have had no formal guidance in learning and teaching strategies.
It is mandatory for all new members of academic staff 0.5 FTE and above who join the University, and should be undertaken within the first two years of service. You will not need to undertake the programme if you have achieved a similar, recognised qualification at another institution.
Successful completion of the full programme confers Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) status on members of staff.
Course highlights
- The course is designed to enhance your existing teaching practice through your day-to-day work, allowing you to reflect on day-to-day experiences
- Following completion of the PGCert, students will receive 60 credits at Masters level and be eligible to go on to complete an MA in Higher Education
- As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module
Find out more
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Course content
What will you study on the PGCert Higher Education?
The programme comprises four modules, 15 credits each, that allow students to develop their practice at an appropriate level and pace.
The programme offers an important grounding in teaching techniques and practices as well as providing support mechanisms for the continuing development of teaching practice beyond the confines of the programme itself. The programme is fully accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
This programme is taught through two modes:
- Face-to-face with study days throughout the year and engaging in reflection on practice
- Distance learning, delivered entirely online with dedicated tutor support.
The PGCert HE will have two starting dates in the next academic year: September 2020 and January 2021.
September 2020 Start Cohort
The September 2020 cohort will undertake LED4010, LED4011, and LED4012 online/ by distance learning (no attendance on campus required). The modules will be taught via a combination of carefully curated online content and asynchronous discussion boards on My Learning (Moodle). In addition, virtual live sessions will be held on Wednesdays conducted via Zoom. LED4013 will be offered in two modes: face-to-face on campus (if circumstances permit it by then) and online.
Timetable
LED4011 - 7 September - 7 December 2020
LED4010 - 30 November 2020 - 22 February 2021
LED4012 - 24 February - 30 April 2021
LED4013 - 12 May – 15 July 2021
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Modules
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Pedagogy in Higher Education (15 credits) - Compulsory
This module focuses on your development as a teacher. It offers a range of practical techniques and methods, underpinned by scholarship, which supports your work with students and allows you to grow in confidence. The core topics of the module will introduce the key learning theories and approaches, and identify the needs of a diverse group of learners. You will learn to structure and plan learning experiences, learning materials and effective teaching techniques to engage students. You will explore assessment strategies and the theories that underpin such approaches as well as effective feedback practices and theories. You will ensure that your curriculum design promotes learning.
Assessment
The module will be assessed by:
- Maintenance of a reflective learning blog (formative)
- Teaching observations (two formatives and one summative)
- Reflective narrative accompanied by of evidence of practice (summative)
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Philosophy and Policy of Higher Education (15 credits) - Compulsory
This module focuses on the study of higher education from different philosophical perspectives and explores key debates in national and international higher education policy. The core topics of the module will explore the purpose and aims of higher education as well as the notion of education flourishing and what it is to be human. You will look at higher education policy and current developments, and focus on diversity in higher education and the marketisation of higher education.
Assessment
The module will be assessed by:
- Maintenance of a reflective learning blog (formative)
- Two written pieces of coursework (summative)
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Pedagogy and Practice in Higher Education (15 credits) - Compulsory
This module focuses on the key aspects of module and programme design, including the importance of classroom methodologies and assessment systems in promoting and supporting learning. The core topics of the module will explore strategies to engage students in a variety of contexts and disciplines as well as assessment strategies and the theories that underpin such approaches. You will learn effective feedback practices and theories, and curriculum design to promote inclusive learning.
AssessmentThe module will be assessed by:
- Maintenance of a reflective learning blog (formative)
- Teaching observations (one formative and one summative)
- Reflective report (summative)
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Psychology of Learning in Higher Education (15 credits) - Compulsory
This module focuses on promoting student engagement and learning through the study of various psychological theories and practical applications relevant to enhancing the experience of higher education. The core topics of the module will focus on psychological perspectives and research on thinking and learning. You will explore motivation and agentic engagement with feedback as well as positive psychology, emotional intelligence, resilience and development of self-identity
and self-efficacy. You will understand organisational change management and evaluation approaches for implementing
developments in higher education.Assessment
The module will be assessed by:
- Maintenance of a reflective learning blog (formative)
- Presentation (summative)
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You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are not offered on every course. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
Timetable
Please see the course timetable for details of the course dates and times.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Contact us
Contact us
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