The PgCert Element

About the PgCert:

The course has been designed for flexible study by practising professionals.

• You will learn through a blend of working with peers and working individually.

• You will also combine face-to-face interaction with online and work-based

• learning activity.

• You will be encouraged to focus on developing one of 3 areas of academic practice - education, academic leadership or researcher development - depending on your job role, stage of career and career trajectory.

All participants take 3 mandatory units. Every 20 credits is equal to 200 notional learning hours. This includes between 15 and 30 hours of taught time per unit, alongside independent, collaborative or work-based study. You will choose a regular day of your choice from Monday, Wednesday or Fridays to attend the PgCert workshops.

We require you to complete the PgCert (60 credits) within one year unless you are a GEMS member where we can discuss the option of a 2-year programme.

The PgCert includes the following units:

Unit 1: Theory, Practices and Policies - Jan to April 2023

Unit 2: Inclusive Practices - April to July 2023

Unit 3: Action Research Project - Sept 2023 to Jan 2024

More information about the PgCert can be found on UAL's Website.

Teaching Within’s Advice:

The advice from previous Teaching Within academics with regards to the PgCert includes:

• Only do this programme if you are hoping to be a teacher and/or are willing to put the time in.

• Remember that every teacher, lecturer, course director had to start somewhere. As soon as you join the programme remind yourself that all of these individuals are your peers.

• Although you are part of the Teaching Within programme you are joining the University of the Arts London as an Associate Lecturer.

• Remember why this programme was created, our experience and contribution are invaluable to the institutional transformation and not just visually but throughout the teaching and learning cycle.

• Try to allocate at least 10 hours per week for independent study.

• If you have ANY issues talk with other Teaching Within academics or the Shades of Noir lead Montana Williamson, this has proved to be really supportive and there is always a form of solution.

• If you experience any difficulties that may affect your participation and or engagement on the course, then, in the first instance please contact Shades of Noir as soon as possible.

• It’s really important to attend all sessions as you really do miss out if you are not present.

• Start reading blogs as soon as you can as you will be expected to write your own. Have a look at different forms of reflective writing as you will be asked to produce work that is of a reflective nature..

• Don’t suffer in silence, Montana is a fantastic support and advisor who has not only done the programme herself but also is there to help or point you in the right direction.

• If you have a disability don’t be afraid or worried to share this with the PgCert team and or Montana.