UK Ulster University Postgraduate Certificate 2026
Description
Are you an academic or education support staff member at Ulster University looking to enhance your teaching credentials? The Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PG Cert HE Practice) at Ulster University is your gateway to professional recognition, educational excellence, and impactful learning transformation.
What is the PG Cert HE Practice at Ulster University?
The PG Cert in Higher Education Practice is an Advance HE accredited professional development programme tailored for Ulster staff engaged in teaching and supporting learning. Aligned with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) 2023, this qualification enables participants to critically reflect on and enhance their teaching, learning, and assessment practices within the dynamic context of higher education.
Whether you're pursuing the full Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) or aiming for Associate Fellowship (AFHEA), this programme is a stepping stone toward professional recognition across the UK and globally.
Degree Level
UK Ulster University Postgraduate Certificate 2026 is available to undertake Postgraduate, certification course level programs at Ulster University.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Teaching
Benefits
Why Choose the PG Cert HE Practice?
Advance HE Accreditation
The programme is aligned with PSF 2023 at Descriptor 1 (Module 1) and Descriptor 2 (Full Programme), ensuring that your qualification meets national and international professional teaching standards.
Enhance Teaching Practice
Through modules like Learning & Teaching in Higher Education, Using Evidence to Support Student Success, and Designing a Contemporary Curriculum, educators gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills tailored to Ulster’s educational strategy.
Earn Fellowship (FHEA) Status
Successful completion of all three modules leads to full Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) — a widely recognised teaching credential across the UK and beyond.
Flexible Entry Options
- Full PG Cert HE Practice: 3 modules over 18 months (Sept 2025–Jan 2027)
- Standalone Module (PHE705): Sept 2025–Jan 2026, leads to Associate Fellowship (AFHEA)
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to Ulster University staff who:
- Hold a substantive teaching and learning support role in higher education.
- Have at least 25 hours of teaching/learning support experience per module.
- Can commit to attending in-person sessions on Wednesdays during the semester.
Staff on fixed-term contracts are eligible if their contract extends to at least:
- February 2027 (for full programme)
- February 2026 (for standalone Module 1)
Application Procedure
Key Dates – PG Cert HE Practice 2025/26
Module 1 – PHE705 (Learning & Teaching in HE)
- Induction: Wednesday 3 September 2025
- Live Sessions: 10 September, 15 October, 29 October, 12 November, 26 November
Module 2 – PHE707 (Using Evidence to Support Student Success)
- 14 January, 18 February, 4 March, 18 March, 15 April 2026
Module 3 – PHE708 (Designing A Contemporary Curriculum)
- Delivered Semester 1, Year 2 (September to December 2026)
Application Deadline and Contact Information
Application Deadline: 5 PM, 12th August 2025
For further queries or guidance, email pgchep@ulster.ac.uk
Course Director for 2025 onwards: Dr Vicky Price
Additional Support and Requirements
- Attend the Orientation to Learning and Teaching at Ulster session before starting.
- Identify a PG Cert HE Practice Subject Adviser to support with required teaching observations.
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is available for Module 1 (PHE705) if you’ve already attained AFHEA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the PG Cert HE Practice open to staff on fixed-term contracts?
Yes. Staff with contracts extending until February 2027 are eligible for the full programme. Those with contracts lasting until at least February 2026 can apply for Module 1 (PHE705) as a standalone course.
2. What qualification will I receive after completing the full programme?
Upon successful completion of all three modules, you will be awarded the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), a prestigious professional recognition in higher education.
3. Can I apply if I already have Associate Fellowship (AFHEA)?
Yes, but you may be eligible for an exemption from Module 1. You’ll need to demonstrate your prior experience and alignment with the Professional Standards Framework (Descriptor 2). Contact pgchep@ulster.ac.uk for guidance on the exemption process.
The PG Cert in Higher Education Practice at Ulster University is more than just a qualification — it is an investment in your future as a higher education professional. Enhance your teaching impact and join a community committed to inclusive, evidence-informed learning.
Apply now and take the next step in your academic teaching journey.
