Higher Education, PGCert
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.
School
Duration
1 years distance learning
Start month
September
Fees information
For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below
What you should know about this course
What you will study
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.
About the course team
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.
Entry requirements
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.
If you are from outside the UK
Further information about entry
- Guaranteed minimum of 50 hours of teaching in higher education (Levels 4-7) during the registration period, with at least 25 hours in the first term. Teaching may include lecturing, facilitating seminars or workshops, tutorials, supervision, and similar.
- Prior experience in higher education or higher education within further education settings (Levels 4-7) within the last three years in all Areas of Activity based on the Advance HE Professional Standards Framework 2023 at D2 (Fellowship). Please use the Fellowship Category Tool 2023 to self-determine if you are suitable to study on the programme for a D2 fellowship.
- You must be able to complete a mandatory observation of teaching, which involves a video recording.
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.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
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
How you will learn
Learning experience
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.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 70-80. Webinars are normally attended by 30 to 40 and group tutorials by 5-10.
Independent learning
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.
Overall workload
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.
Assessment
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.
Feedback summary
Formative assignments provide ongoing feedback and may include group assignments. Summative assignments are individual and are marked on a pass/fail basis.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please contact ltheprog@greenwich.ac.uk
Fees and funding
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 |
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
International Scholarship Award
International students who hold an offer to study at the University of Greenwich could receive a tuition fee discount worth up to £2,500 in their first year, for students from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria or Ghana.
International Scholarship Award
Greenwich Progression Bursary
£3,000 bursary for home fee paying University of Greenwich final year undergraduate students and Alumni.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
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.
Further costs may include:
- Resources: You may choose to purchase books for your studies. However, there are considerable resources freely available online. You may need to purchase earphones or a headset to participate in webinars.
- Memberships: For non-Greenwich staff, there is a fee payable to Advance HE for the award of Fellowship (FHEA) in addition to the course fee. See details.
- Field trips: There are no field trips for this programme.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
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).
How long is my placement?
The hours of higher education level teaching required for admission must be from September up until the final coursework deadline the following year.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
The course provides a postgraduate certificate and a recognised fellowship for those teaching in higher education.
Do you provide employability services?
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.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
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.
Support from the department
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.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Education studies at the University of Greenwich
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.
Become an educational practitioner
Robert Morgan, Programme Leader talks us through the programme.
Education studies degrees
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