Contact us

Academic Development Centre
Kingston University
Millennium House
21 Eden Street
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey KT1 1LB
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 6327

PgCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE)

The PGCLETHE is for staff who are involved in teaching or supporting learning at the University and have less than three years' experience of teaching/supporting learning in HE.

Completion of the PGCLTHE, together with a successful completion of the requirements for the Practice Portfolio, enables nurses and midwives to apply for NMC recorded teacher status.

 

How long will it take?

The course is usually achieved within one academic year but it may take longer to assemble evidence to meet all learning outcomes, depending on your teaching load/commitments.

What is the course structure?

There are four modules on the course:

  • LT3111 (Level 6): Introduction to Learning and Teaching in HE
  • LTM111 (Level 7): Developing Teaching Practice and Supporting students in HE
  • LTM112 (Level 7): Assessment and Feedback in HE
  • LTM113 (Level 7): Curriculum Development and Evaluation of Practice in HE

Each module is worth 15 credits.

How is the course delivered?

The course begins with workshops for LT3111, delivered over 1.5 days, designed to develop a community of practice in teaching and learning. Teaching then continues in weekly workshop sessions.

LT3111 consists of a further four weeks of teaching; the other three modules consist of eight weeks of teaching.

Staff who have a role in supporting learning but are not fully involved in all aspects of teaching, are eligible to apply to undertake the first module of the course (LT3111). On completion of this module, participants are eligible to apply for Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

When and where does the teaching take place?

At present, there are two cohorts of weekly teaching:

  • Tuesdays: 9.00am–11.00am

Teaching usually takes place in Millennium House but may sometimes take place in different locations around the University.

Is there any additional support?

The weekly teaching is supported by online materials accessed via StudySpace and tutorial support from the course team.

What are the assessment requirements?

LT3111: Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

  • Teaching observation reports (two)
  • Reflection (blog)
  • Written reflection on one of the UK PSF(UK Professional Standards Framework) values

LTM111: Developing Teaching Practice and Supporting Students in Higher Education

  • Reflection (blog)
  • Briefing paper
  • Online assessment task

LTM112: Assessment and Feedback in Higher Education

  • Blog – focus on assessment activities
  • Peer-assessed poster presentation
  • Written reflection on role of peer assessment

LTM113: Curriculum Development and Evaluation of Practice in Higher Education

  • Peer assessment of contribution to group exercise
  • Essay
  • Reflective piece of writing

NMC candidates only

  • Practice Portfolio (to include eight observation reports – four summative, four formative – and associated lesson plans and resources)

When is the assessed work due in?

View the 2010/11 assessment calendar (PDF).

Is it possible to APL/APEL in previous credit?

  • APL – you will need to present actual certificate(s) and complete a mapping exercise to compare the learning outcomes of both programmes.
  • APEL – if you have not had your teaching accredited, you will be required to demonstrate how the learning outcomes have been achieved in your practice. This may include a range of evidence and a statement to show how the evidence meets the learning outcomes. You will have guidance from an AP(E)L mentor about the level and length that is required.

What qualification do I receive?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.

Is there an awards ceremony?

We hold an annual awards ceremony to distribute certificates and transcripts and to celebrate the participants' success.

Are there any other benefits from taking the course?

The successful achievement of the PgCert will enable you to apply for Fellowship of the HE Academy.

What have others said about the course? 

"Doing the PgCert encouraged me to start thinking about the importance of learning, teaching, assessment and support issues within the HE environment. It gave me strategies for dealing with larger teaching groups and utilising the potential of Blackboard [now StudySpace]. Following the PgCert I have gone on to do an MA in Education and have taken on the role of learning and teaching coordinator with the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture."

"The three-day intensive course (LT3111) was a useful way to become aware of the importance of the University's learning and teaching strategy – and to become acclimatised to the University's organisational culture. The sessions on the fundamentals of adult learning and teaching theory were especially useful, as were the practical sessions that allowed those attending to experiment with and consolidate their learning. The course was also a wonderful opportunity to meet people from across the University. Not to be missed!"

How do I apply to take the PgCert?

You need to be a permanent member of staff at the University and must be supported by your Head of School or equivalent. Please contact Sue Rowlands for an application form.

Nurses and midwives seeking NMC recognition must meet the requirements of the NMC for recorded teacher status prior to application.

Can I take the PgCert if I am not employed by Kingston University or one of its partners?

Currently, this is not an option.

Is there any cost for the course?

There is no cost to the individual for staff members.

Who can I ask for further information?

For further information please contact Sue Rowlands, senior course administrator or Stephanie Aiken, course director.