The department supports the professional learning and development for innovative learning and teaching , for all staff who teach at GCU . Our workshops, courses, networks and online learning resources aim to help you to confidently perform your role in learning teaching and student support . We offer development activities for: teaching skills development, professional learning , digital learning and teaching , curriculum design, assessment design and professional recognition.
Our work centres around the university's Academic Development Framework (ADF) and is detailed in the 3 key areas below;
Orientation to Teaching
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We provide a range of support for new teaching staff.
Our online Orientation module provides an overview of, and key information about the University and our approaches to learning, teaching and quality. Access the module (NB you will need to create a username and password).
Professional Development and Recognition for staff supporting student learning The Post Experience Certificate in Student Engagement (PEC SE) is designed for staff who hold a student learning support role but whose major role does not involve teaching and assessment, for example learning technologists, programme administrators, librarians, academic development tutors and others. Successful completion leads to professional recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. The programme runs over 2 trimesters and staff interested in commencing the programme in Trimester A should contact Claire Murray (claire.murray@gcu.ac.uk ) .
PgCAP for New Teaching staff
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The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice ( PgCAP ) is a 60M credit bearing part-time programme designed for GCU staff new to teaching and supporting student learning . Successful completion of the PgCAP will lead to eligibility for professional recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
The programme runs over a 2 year period and is made up of four modules. One module is delivered per trimester as below.
Year 1 - Trimester A: Professional Learning in Academic Practice
Year 1 - Trimester B: Student Engagement
Year 2 - Trimester A: Curriculum Design and Development
Year 2 - Trimester B: Scholarship in Academic Practice
In each of the modules there are four learning units comprising a range of synchronous and asynchronous activities. Each synchronous tutorial is one hour in duration and staff are encouraged to attend these wherever possible. Asynchronous activities support the tutorials and are designed to provide a blended learning experience for participants.
The programme has one intake per year with the next intake of the PgCAP in September 2025.
To register your interest in applying for a place on the PgCAP , or to find out additional information about the programme, including the application process, contact the following staff:
Professional Recognition for experienced staff who teach and/or support student learning
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GCU offers ‘Accelerate’, an AdvanceHE accredited RPL pathway to professional recognition as an Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow (UKPSF), that recognises and works with your prior teaching experience. We can support you to develop a professional recognition portfolio for Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow categories through: an orientation workshop, peer-support, online resources, tutorial support, writing retreat space, and formative feedback. Overall, participants should expect the Accelerate route will help them take a flexible approach to their learning, and will support them to write their portfolio around their existing work commitments. Staff interested in joining the next Accelerate cohort should contact:
Dr Tom Cunningham (Accelerate Lead) Tom.Cunningham@gcu.ac.uk
Claire Murray (Accelerate Administrator) claire.murray@gcu.ac.uk
