This is a distance learning programme designed to support staff in developing a critical, inquiry-based understanding of contemporary higher education pedagogy.
This distance learning programme is designed for teaching staff at the University of Greenwich and collaborative partner institutions. It supports you in developing your teaching practice in flexible ways that fit around your professional commitments.
The programme explores learning theory and design alongside key University of Greenwich pedagogic priorities, policies, and strategy. Throughout, you will be encouraged to critically reflect on your teaching, helping you make meaningful connections between theory and practice.
Learning is collaborative and interdisciplinary, offering opportunities to learn with colleagues across different disciplines. Through shared problem‑solving, dialogue, and creative practice, the programme supports you to build confidence and enhance your impact as an educator.
Graduates of the programme will earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Additionally, you can progress to the University of Greenwich's MA in Education to continue your academic journey.
8 months distance learning
September
For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below
This course is being refreshed for 2026/7 building-in employability, real-world problem solving skills, and wellbeing initiatives for a future-focused learning experience. Modules shown are indicative topics and will be updated in Spring 2026.
This course is being refreshed for 2026/7 to offer a more inclusive, impactful and future-focused learning experience. Modules shown are indicative topics and will be updated in Spring 2026.
The PGCert HE is delivered by a highly experienced teaching team with expertise across learning and curriculum design, the learning sciences, critical reflective practice, inclusive education, educational technologies, educational policy and leadership. All staff are active researchers and scholars, contributing to national and international pedagogic scholarship. The team holds Fellowships of Advance HE, ranging from Fellow to Principal Fellow, and brings extensive experience in teaching.
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Applications without a personal statement demonstrating how the eligibility requirements are met will not be considered.
The PGCert HE is not open to postgraduate research students at the University of Greenwich unless they hold a teaching contract at the University (minimum of 50 hours). Each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The programme is also not open to international students currently in the UK holding a student visa due to government visa regulations.
Yes
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be granted only in exceptional circumstances.
All applications for RPL must be made before the programme starts. Applications submitted after the programme has commenced will not be considered.
If you are considering applying for RPL, please contact the programme team before submitting your application for guidance at ltheprog@gre.ac.uk.
This is a distance learning programme designed to fit around busy schedules and diverse teaching backgrounds. You will study as part of a learning community using Moodle and Microsoft Teams, with a mix of self-paced resources, timetabled webinars and regular opportunities for peer feedback and engagement. We also offer programme-level activities and CPD workshops throughout. Outside of timetabled sessions, independent study will be required to support your coursework, with full access to library and online resources.
The typical student intake per year averages 70-80. Webinars are normally attended by 30 to 40 and group tutorials by 5-10.
Outside of webinars you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for coursework. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research.
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc), independent learning, and assessments. You should anticipate four to six hours of work per week, although this may intensify during assessment periods.
We use authentic and inclusive assessment methods. You will be assessed through individual and group assignments, including a reflective journal, portfolio of your professional development, along with observations of teaching.
Assessment and feedback across the programme are designed to consolidate and deepen your learning. Both modules use reflective, practice-based assessment that will enable you to apply pedagogical concepts directly to your professional context.
Formative assignments provide ongoing feedback and may include group assignments. Summative assignments are individual and are marked on a pass/fail basis.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please contact ltheprog@greenwich.ac.uk
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | N/A | N/A | TBC |
| International | N/A | N/A | TBC |
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
International students can apply for the International Scholarship Award, which is a single year tuition fee discount up to £3,000 if they hold an offer to study at the University of Greenwich for September 2026.
International Scholarship Award
£3,000 bursary for home fee paying University of Greenwich final year undergraduate students and Alumni.
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
PGCert HE is free for all eligible staff at the University of Greenwich.
Further costs may include:
The programme is offered to those already employed in a teaching role in higher education or higher education within further education settings (Levels 4-7). The required 50 hours of teaching must be completed between the beginning of Term 1 and the end of Term 2 (September–April).
The hours of higher education level teaching required for admission must be from September up until the final coursework deadline the following year.
The course provides a postgraduate certificate and a recognised fellowship for those teaching in higher education.
Our services are designed to help you improve your skills and knowledge in the area of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support including CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your academic tutor, our subject librarians, and the Academic and Digital Skills Centre.
Throughout your time with us, you will be supported by the programme team as well as your peers. You will have an academic tutor and a workplace supporter who is normally from your own department or institution.
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Are you passionate about education? Whether you’re working in the field or looking to start your career, our award-winning lecturers will help you get the best from your studies.
Visit our education studies degrees page.
Robert Morgan, Programme Leader talks us through the programme.
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