Application and entry requirements
The PGCert in Higher Education is aimed at academic staff at all levels and Professional Services (PS) colleagues and those working at the University’s library and cultural assets.
Eligibility for non-academic staff depends on grade and relevance of role to the units available. All applications are assessed on an individual basis.
Unfortunately, Graduate Teaching Assistants are not eligible for this programme.
Colleagues with a fixed term contract are eligible to apply providing their contract extends beyond the end of August in the academic year they are applying, or there is a strong indication that it will.
Participants should discuss the programme with their line managers before applying.
How to apply
Please apply via the online application form. The closing date for applications is Friday 27 June 2025.
Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
From September 2025 entry, evidence to support an APL request includes Fellowship of ‘Advance UK’ (formerly the HEA) and the number of credits awarded towards the programme are as follows:
- Fellowship HEA – 15 credits
- Senior Fellowship HEA – 30 credits
- Principal Fellowship HEA – 30 credits
The programme does not accept Associate Fellowship HEA for APL purposes.
All APL requests will be assessed on an individual basis by mid-September of the incoming year.
As a PS member of staff, I thought it was excellent that the course was open to both PS and academics but was a bit apprehensive about whether there would be a noticeable distinction between the two groups in class.
Siobhan Cartwright / Teaching and Learning Manager and Lead for Social Responsibility, Manchester Medical School
This has not been the case. I am thoroughly enjoying the programme as it provides a space to learn and understand theories around higher education as well as current debates and, more importantly, to relate these back to my own job.
A key issue in making this such a positive experience has been that the members of the programme team are extremely enthusiastic, supportive and approachable – they want you to succeed.