The Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE) for GTAs is a tailored course working for those working as GTAs at LSE. The course is taken part time and is designed to be combined with study at the doctoral level. It is accredited by the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA), which offers national and international recognition for the award.
The purpose of the PGCertHE for GTAs is to develop participants’ confidence in delivering seminar teaching and feedback on student work, and to prepare GTAs for taking on responsibilities as lecturers and course convenors in their future careers. The course is built around the following:
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a series of workshops where educational research is discussed and experience of teaching shared;
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practical assignments on participants’ disciplinary teaching;
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two teaching observations.
The intention of the PGCertHE for GTAs is that all graduates leave the course as confident and thoughtful teachers in their discipline. To achieve this, the course combines scholarly and practical approaches to disciplinary teaching, learning and assessment. This enables graduates to adapt to different higher education environments and respond to novel teaching and learning challenges as their career progresses. It is also a valuable addition to an academic CV, as it demonstrates extensive professional development as an academic teacher in a given social scientific discipline.
PGCertHE for GTAs Year 1, Associate Level
In the first year of the course, participants work towards the Associate Level and complete modules on:
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small group teaching;
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evaluating teaching;
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student learning.
Upon completion successful participants are eligible for HEA accreditation at the Associate Fellow level.
PGCertHE for GTAs Year 2, Full Level
The second year of the course leads to the Full Level PGCertHE and requires completion of modules on:
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assessment and feedback;
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course design.
Upon completion successful participants are eligible for HEA accreditation at the Fellow level.
Briefings for both the Associate and Full levels of the PGCertHE for GTAs are held at the beginning of October of each academic year and those wishing to enrol complete an initial task. To qualify for the programme, a participant must be teaching a minimum of 20 contact hours at LSE during the academic year of enrolment.
How can I find out more?
Please contact Dr Colleen McKenna, Programme Director (c.mckenna4@lse.ac.uk) or Nicole Nathan, Senior Administrator (n.a.nathan@lse.ac.uk) in the Teaching and Learning Centre for further information.
Is there a PGCertHE programme for faculty?
Yes, LSE also runs a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Career Track, at both Associate and Full levels. Find out more at our Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Career Track page.