The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice in HE (PgCAPHE) is a course designed to provide an opportunity for academic practitioners working in the Higher Education (HE) context to engage in initial and continuing professional development in teaching and supporting learning in HE. Successful completion of the course also leads to professional recognition with Advance HE.
The course explores issues that HE practitioners are likely to encounter in their academic practice including (but not limited to) HE learning, teaching and assessment practices, academic leadership, quality assurance and curriculum development with a view to enhance the learning and teaching experience for both the diverse community of students and staff here at CU and internationally. A range of learning, teaching and assessment approaches are employed and modelled by the course team as a way to introduce an authentic learning and teaching experience.
The course is accredited by Advance HE, which means that Associate Fellowship/ Fellowship (professional recognition) can be awarded on successful completion, along with the PgCAPHE qualification.
Who is the course for?
Coventry University Group requires all academic staff to hold a recognised, accredited Higher Education teaching qualification. This is a requirement to support the institutional commitment to delivering a high quality student learning experience, by investing in our staff. It must also be recognised that the numbers of staff with a teaching qualification is an important metric used in league tables.
For new staff joining the University Group with less than five years full time teaching experience in Higher Education, if they do not already hold a PGCAPHE equivalent, they will be required to complete the PGCAPHE.
The course is for academic staff with substantial teaching, learning and assessment responsibilities in a higher education context (For example those with module and course leadership). To join the course you are required to have a current and ongoing teaching responsibility at HE level.
Academic staff with several years of teaching experience (e.g. 5 years or more full time within HE) maybe able to claim credit (APEL) for part of the course. Please contact aepd@coventry.ac.uk for more information at least 6 weeks before the course commences.
How long will the course take?
The course is available only through a part-time mode of study and can be completed within 12 months.
Entry requirements
- Applicants need to hold a first degree, or equivalent, and being able to undertake postgraduate study alongside their academic/teaching job role.
- Applicants need to be have a substantial role in supporting students in teaching, learning and assessment in Higher Education as the learning experience involves exploring and applying the learning in their own practice.
- Applicants that have successfully completed the Introduction to Teaching and Learning in HE (7010CRB, previously M01ODL) module, maybe able to apply and join the course. Evidence of substantial involvement in supporting students in teaching, learning and assessment in Higher Education is required in the application in order to be considered for credit (APEL) for part of the full PgCAPHE.
When is the next intake?
To be confirmed.
What is the course structure?
The course consists of three x 20 credits modules, each delivered over 13-15 weeks.
The three modules are:
7000CRB* - Developing and Enhancing Teaching Practice in HE
7001CRB* - Developing and Enhancing Assessment and Feedback in HE
7006CRB* - Designing Curriculum in a HE Context
The course has a blended delivery, combining online study blocks through the FutureLearn platform with some face to face workshops and support sessions.
*The module descriptors are available via the Module Information Directory: https://share.coventry.ac.uk/staff/Pages/MID.aspx
How do I apply?
If you are interested in the course, please e-mail aepd@coventry.ac.uk and we will be in touch when we are accepting new applications.
If you have any other questions about the course, please email aepd@coventry.ac.uk