Academic Practice

The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP) is designed to support academic staff in developing the knowledge, skills, and values required for effective teaching and learning in higher education. Underpinned by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) PSF and QAA and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme aims to: 1. Develop Expertise in Teaching and Learning Equip participants with a critical understanding of key andragogical theories and practices, enabling them to design and teach creative curricula, whilst promoting equitable, and inclusive learning across diverse higher education contexts.

2. Enhance Professional Practice Foster reflective practice and professional development by encouraging participants to critically engage with their teaching roles and responsibilities, while aligning with institutional and national quality standards. 3.

Promote Institutional Awareness Provide participants with an understanding of the systems, processes, and governance structures at Queen’s University Belfast, including policies on assessment, feedback, and academic regulation. 4. Support the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Encourage the integration of educational research and evidence-based practice into teaching, enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to the growing body of knowledge in teaching and learning in higher education.

5. Advance Professional Recognition Prepare participants to meet the requirements of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for Fellowship of Advance HE, ensuring alignment with sector-wide benchmarks for teaching excellence. 6.

Promote the Use of Digital Technology Support participants in applying digital technologies including generative AI to enhance adult learning, foster professional reflection, and enable inclusive teaching practices within higher education. 7. Foster Collaborative Learning Create opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogue and peer collaboration, encouraging participants to share insights and experiences that enhance their academic practice