Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

 The programme offers a suite of professional development opportunities which can result in Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MA.  A model of academic practice will be followed, integrating research, enterprise and teaching, where research can be pedagogic-related and/or subject-specific.  The Programme will align with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education in order to meet professional recognition criteria for Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.   

By the end of the programme participants will be equipped to:

• plan, deliver and evalsuate their teaching, learning, assessment, feedback and student support strategies appropriate to their role and discipline;
• consider ways of integrating research and enterprise into their subject-specific teaching and learning activities;
• engage in critical reflection, evidence-based innovative teaching practice and continuing professional development in relation to discipline;
• contribute to learning communities that value professional attitudes, diversity and equality of opportunity, inclusivity and ethical practice.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for teaching and supporting learning in higher education (2011) Descriptors 1,2,3
• Reaccreditation documents for professional recognition by the Higher Education Academy
• QAA: Master's degree characteristics (2010)
• QAA: The Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.(2008)
• QAA: UK Quality Code for Higher Education (2011)
• QAA: Academic Credit in Higher Education in England (2006)
• 麻豆視頻_麻豆直播_麻豆传媒官网 Learning and Teaching Strategy
• 麻豆視頻_麻豆直播_麻豆传媒官网 Strategy 2013-2023:Building Excellence (2013)

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme participants should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas: 

K1       Demonstrate the core elements of academic practice in a higher education and subject-specific context including teaching, research and enterprise, and the interconnections between them;

K2       Critically assess theoretical underpinnings of learning and teaching, in general and in specific subject areas;

K3       evalsuate the professional values inherent in effective academic practice, including respect for individual learners, sound equality and diversity practices, ethical principles in research, widening participation;

K4       Analyse the national and international context in which universities operate and the implications for academic and professional practice.

In addition, for the Diploma and Masters:

K5       Critically evalsuate different models of academic leadership in relation to the individual’s role in the institution.

K6       Compare, contrast and critically reflect upon a range of research paradigms and research methods and apply these to enhancing an aspect of academic practice to improve student learning.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

C1       Communicate subject specific knowledge at an academic level appropriate to the teaching carried out;

C2       Critically appraise teaching methods, assessment and feedback in their subject area and at different levels in academic programmes;

C3       Critically discuss how the norms of a subject discipline impact on student learning;

C4       Make informed choices concerning the use and value of learning technologies within their academic programmes;

C5       Appraise the implications of quality assurance and quality enhancement for academic and professional practice.

In addition for the Diploma and Masters:

C6       Critically reflect upon the role of academic leaders as agents of change

C7       Apply initiative and originality in problem solving to aid decision making in complex and unpredictable situations.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

P1       Design, plan and evalsuate learning activities and programmes of study appropriate to discipline, level of study and student cohort;

P2       Teach and support student learning effectively in their subject area, incorporating appropriate learning technologies;

P3       Design and conduct fair and valid assessments and provide effective feedback;

P4       Apply appropriate methods to evalsuate the effectiveness of their teaching, and to devise and implement measures to enhance their practice;

P5       Ensure that teaching, research and enterprise are integrated beneficially within their academic practice.

In addition for the Diploma and Masters:

P6       Critically evalsuate their own strengths and weaknesses with regard to academic leadership and plan effective ways to continually develop their practice;

P7       Design and deliver specific time-limited projects which apply knowledge and understanding gained throughout the programme.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:

T1        Interact with colleagues on academic matters, offering and receiving feedback in a professional and respectful manner,

T2        Enhance their practice through reflection on experience, using evidence-informed approaches and the outcomes from research, scholarship and continuing professional development;

T3        Display effective interpersonal skills including effective oral and written communication, listening, and networking skills;

T4        Incorporate new ideas and try different strategies, applying critical thinking and creativity to resolve problems and enhance practice.

4. Programme structure

The programme is a flexible part-time course of study taught mainly as full-day and half-day seminars and workshops, plus individual projects for the Diploma and Masters. The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) is split into two parts: Part A (TCP001 and TCP002) will also constitute the Associate Teaching Programme.  The PGCAP will have two enrolment dates in the academic year, coinciding with the beginning of semester 1 and semester 2.  The summative Teaching Observation in TCP004 must be passed in order to complete the Certificate.   

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MA, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XXI.  To be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, participants must achieve a module mark of not less than 50% for every module and a grade of at least Satisfactory in the summative teaching observation in module TCP004.  This ensures compliance for those on academic probation.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

n/a