There are at least three options for gaining professional teaching qualifications for staff who are already working in UK higher education. These include formal postgraduate courses, third-party Lifelong Learning Sector certification, and Fellowship of the HEA. What is the difference between them, and which is right for you?
Postgraduate certificate: the traditional route.
When universities tell academics that they want them to pursue a teaching credential for HE, usually what they have in mind is a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE, sometimes also called the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, or Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice.) A PGCHE may be earned through part-time study on your own campus, or you may need to attend elsewhere. Some UK universities offer a blended-learning option.
The PGCHE has several advantages and one major drawback. If taught by your own university, the cost is almost always covered—and there is the convenience factor. Some universities that don’t offer their own PGCHE have agreements that cover the cost of doing such a course elsewhere.
The PGCHE is also recognised as equivalent to similar postgraduate qualifications abroad, an important factor for academics who may be thinking of working elsewhere in future.
The workload is significant, but most universities offer time as well as funding to encourage staff to pursue a PGCHE. The certificate is comprised of 60 credits, which can later be combined with further study to earn a postgraduate diploma or Masters in Education.
Lifelong Learning Sector qualifications.
For academics who work primarily in Further Education, on access courses, or with non-traditional adult learning programmes, the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) framework offers alternative qualifications that may be a better fit.
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) is a Level 3 qualification for new entrants to the field, and can be followed by the Certificate and Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS and DTLLS). These courses are offered by many FE colleges and some private providers, such as community organisations. They are geared to the needs of educators working with older adults, people with disabilities and other non-traditional learners. These qualifications can be combined with further study to earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
The QCF framework also includes options from Level 3 to Level 8 for academics who specialise in working in disability support and workplace assessment.
Important notes: as of 2015, the QCF is in the process of replacing the PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS with a new set of qualifications, the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Education and Training, at Levels 3,4 and 5. And although QCF qualifications are recognised within the European Qualifications Framework, and therefore portable, Scottish academics should look instead to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, within which a number if similar courses can be found.
Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
If you can’t find funding or time to pursue a formal qualification, the HEA offers an alternative route based on your experience as an academic and peer observation (most PGCHE courses automatically qualify you for Fellowship of the HEA [FHEA] status).
The HEA places FHEA status as equivalent to a PGCHE, but not all universities see it that way—and few overseas universities would accept it as equivalent to their own required courses. However, for academics who have already worked in HE for many years and are concerned mainly with satisfying a requirement from management, achieving FHEA status can be a lifeline.
For further teaching tips see:
- Balancing Academic Research and Teaching
- How To Improve Your Zoom Teaching Game
- Discussion as a Teaching Method
- Planning a Teaching and Learning Session
This article has been really informative. Thank you. How do Level 5 Diplomas measure up alongside Level 7 PGCerts in HE when coupled with FHEA membership? In other words, would universities deem a Level 5 Diploma an appropriate qualification?
a level 5 is equivalent to a HND, or second year of an undergraduate degree. A level 7 PGCHE cert is at Masters level. I would choose (and have done) the level 7, especially if you are thinking of travelling and working abroad.
Hi,
I am looking for Universities conducting PGCHE in London but can not find any. Can you please send me list of those Universities who are offering PGCHE in London so that I may enter in the session starting in SEPT. 2020.
Hi sorry its late to reply as I just saw this, I can recommend the online PGCHE at Falmouth University which takes about 9 months and is a very reasonable £3100. Have a look at it online if you still require info
Hi..
I have a masters degree in human resource which is lever 7 here. I am a British citizen now but I haven’t got any work experience.
How can I get in teaching in this similar field? Or what are the options to gain the teaching experience and degree either in life long learning sector, or further education or any thing relevant.
Kindly help
Thanks Prasanna
Hi. I am considering Falmouth University for PGCHE. Can you pls tell me if you know it leads to am FHEA? Thanks.
Hi, you need to apply for the FHEA after you gain the PGCHE award, its like constructing a record of proof of your practice. You can google examples of FHEA applications to give you an idea of what to do.
I have a Masters and have achieved Senior Fellowship with the HEA/ Advance HE. Is it still worth me doing a PGCHE if I want to teach in HE in the UK. Do you know how many universities see the Fellowship as an equivalent to the qualification?
I have a City and Guild Diploma in Education and want to achieve the PGCHE. Can you advice me?
Hello, I have many years of experience teaching overseas and I have two master’s degrees; one in business (MBA), and a master’s in international education from Framingham State University in the USA. I taught English as an instructor in a Thai government university for five years. How do I qualify to teach in UK universities or colleges? I am getting fairly old (59) so don’t wish to do much more in the way of more formal study. However, I guess if it’s an option i may consider it. Hope you may have some ideas / leads
Are there any scholarships of these programs and can candidates outside of UK are eligible to apply and study in UK?
I have 2 years of experience working in higher education in the UK. I am interested in doing the PGCHE in London. I am happy to do it part-time or full-time. Is there any scholarship available or a reasonable tuition fee if self-funding? I would like to start in January if possible as I am planning to start my doctorate in October 2023 hopefully.
Hi, I have a BA in Teaching English to students of other languages and 2 years completed of an unfinished Masters, both overseas from a long time ago. I have been teaching for 15 years in mainstrwam education, but mainly in FE/third sector or functional English. I am considering another Masters to be able to pursue career in HE as I have no experience in it yet. Is there a way to teach HE whilst on Masters course with no experience? Would any uni accept that or shall I get the Masters and then try for jobs in HE? Thanks, Dot.
Hello, I am an assistant lecturer from my home country (Nigeria) for 7 years before starting my PhD in Scotland last year, I have completed the graduate teaching assistantship here and about to enter my year 2. Which of these do I qualify for PGDE/PGCTHE and FHEA?