Higher Education, PGCert
The Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert HE) is tailored for professionals currently working in higher education who aim to earn a teaching qualification.
This distance learning programme primarily supports University of Greenwich teaching staff. We also offer places for colleagues from other universities in the UK and internationally. The PGCert HE is ideal for anyone currently teaching at Level 4 or above in higher education or higher education within further education settings.
Key areas of focus include higher education pedagogy, curriculum design, inclusive assessment and feedback, and technology-enhanced learning, all underpinned by critical reflection on your teaching.
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.
Application deadlines:
University of Greenwich applications: 1 September 2025
All other applications, including international applications: 14 July 2025
Applications after the deadlines will not be considered.
Our Award of Institutional Credit in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education offers a potential two-year route through this programme and is suitable for those with limited higher education teaching hours. Contact the programme leader, Dr Rachel George, r.george@gre.ac.uk) for more information.
School
Duration
1 years distance learning
Start month
October
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
About the course team
Welcome to our PGCert in Higher Education. You will be taught by an experienced and highly qualified team of lecturers with diverse expertise and backgrounds.
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.
Further information about entry
The PGCert HE is ideal for anyone currently teaching at Level 4 or above in higher education or higher education within further education settings. Applicants with contractual obligations will be prioritised in admissions.
We will not consider applications without a personal statement.
You need to have guaranteed minimum of 60 hours teaching in higher education (Levels 4-7) during the registration period, with at least 10 hours in the first term. This may include lecturing, tutoring, leading seminars, and similar.
We will request a reference to confirm the 60 hours of teaching in higher education. This reference should be provided by someone credible in your institution, such as your workplace mentor, line manager or Head of School.
The PG Cert HE is not open to postgraduate research students at the University of Greenwich unless they hold a teaching contract at the University (minimum of 60 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. For more information, contact us via email at ltheprog@greenwich.ac.uk
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
You can apply for exemption from one module via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applicants should apply for the course and then contact the programme leader for guidance about the RPL process during registration.
Recognition of prior learning applications made after the programme starts will not be considered, as this is part of the admissions and registration process.
Examples for RPL:
- If you hold a qualification in higher education teaching and learning from another higher education institution or if you have completed a module/course in the same subject area.
- If you already have Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, you are eligible to apply for RPL.
How you will learn
Learning experience
This is a distance learning programme, but you will have plenty of opportunities to study as part of a learning community. Our curriculum includes a range of learning resources, synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, and ample opportunities for feedback and peer-to-peer connections. Additionally, we organise programme-level activities and CPD workshops to support you in your learning.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 80-100. 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.
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 | £1,900 per 30 credits |
| International | N/A | N/A | £2,996 per 30 credits |
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
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?
If you are not employed in higher education, you will need to find and undertake an HE-level teaching placement or part-time hours which meet the admissions requirement for teaching hours.
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.....
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Visit our education studies degrees page.
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Robert Morgan, Programme Leader talks us through the programme.
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