Programme Structure (December 2017-December 2022)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice programme structure, course options plus the full course handbook to download - for students who started their programme from December 2017 - December 2022.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice programme (version: Dec 2017 - Dec 2022) is in two main parts: a compulsory 40-credit course; and a selection of 10-credit courses. Includes full course handbook to download.

About the programme - video overview

An overview from the Programme Director Dr Hazel Christie.

Compulsory course:  Foundations of Academic Practice

Foundations of Academic Practice will begin from the premise that we should start from, and build on, colleagues’ own academic practice as they seek to develop the activities, core knowledge and professional values identified in the UK Professional Standards Framework.

More detailed information on the compulsory course is available from the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study (DRPS) website:

Foundations of Academic Practice

Optional Courses  (each 10 credits)

Either you will need to choose 2 out of the following options:

Researching your Teaching

Accessible and Inclusive Learning

Working with Postgraduate Students

Digital Education

Leadership in Higher Education

Or, if you are transferring in from Level 3, Clinical Educator Programme, you need to provide us with information so that we can ask Board of Examiner approval for the following option (20 credits).  Contact iad.pgcert@ed.ac.uk if this is relevant to you.

Clinical Education and Academic Practice

Programme handbook

Please find the current version of the handbook below - PDF and MS Word version.

Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Higher Education) Handbook  (version December 2022 – PDF)

Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Higher Education) Handbook  (version December 2022 - MS Word)

Assessment requirements

To qualify for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Higher Education), you must satisfactorily attend and complete assessments for the compulsory course (40 credits) and EITHER two 10-credit course options  OR (for Clinical Educators only) the 20 credit option ‘Clinical Education and Academic Practice.

Details are included in the individual course outlines.