PGCAP Intended Learning Outcomes and Professional Values

The intended learning outcomes for the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) are presented below in terms of: (i) outcomes relating to knowledge and understanding; (ii) outcomes relating to subject-specific cognitive skills; (iii) outcomes relating to practical/transferable skills.

   

Knowledge and Understanding (KU) Outcomes

On successful completion of the PGCAP, you will be expected to be able to:

1. Critically evaluate different theoretical perspectives on, and approaches to, student learning and motivation within different educational contexts
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of curriculum content and design appropriate for the subject and the level of study
3. Evaluate student learning needs and formulate relevant and inclusive learning support and guidance strategies
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complex and changing HE environment and the implications for professional academic practice
5. Critically evaluate the principles, and alternative models, of curriculum design and development
6. Critically evaluate the key features of quality assurance, enhancement and evaluation within a Higher Education context
7. Evaluate scholarly activity, educational research and/or work-based learning to enhance academic practice
8. Act autonomously in the role and responsibilities of an HE professional practitioner within the wider social context

Subject-Specific Cognitive (SSC) Skills Outcomes

On successful completion of the PGCAP, you will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a range of effective teaching, learning and assessment practices
2. Critically apply learning technologies within relevant educational contexts based on an informed pedagogic rationale
3. Design inclusive learning environments for a diverse student population
4. Demonstrate a scholarly and ongoing professional approach to enhancing academic practice both within and beyond the institutional context

Practical Transferable Skills (PS) Outcomes

On successful completion of the PGCAP, you will have had the opportunity to: 

1. Employ effective management, communication, or facilitation skills in a variety of learning situations
2. Apply problem-solving skills in complex and unpredictable Higher Education practice settings
3. Develop group working and project management skills
4. Engage in systematic critical reflection of your own and others’ academic practice with a view to its continuing enhancement
5. Demonstrate strategies and actions for change and improvement with regard to your future professional development
6. Actively seek feedback and constructive appraisal from peers and provide supportive feedback to colleagues within and beyond your own discipline area
7. Advance innovative and creative approaches to teaching, support of learning and assessment practice, including in the potential uses of resources and technology enhanced learning, pertinent to the learning context
8. Develop strategies for improvement of your professional practice and for implementing and disseminating enhancement

9.4    Academic Professional Values

The PGCAP programme has also identified a number of important values for a professional approach to academic practice that it would seek to promote to you, through all aspects of the programme ie in its design, content, delivery and support mechanisms. These values fully align to the Professional Values of the UK PSF and concern:

·       The importance of professional practices which respect and enable the progression and empowerment of individual learners

·       The promotion and implementation of equal opportunity practices to facilitate full participation by all learners, students and colleagues

·       A commitment to incorporating the process and outcomes of relevant research, scholarship and/or professional practice

·       A commitment to engaging in and supporting communities of practice amongst learners or students and colleagues for mutual support and learning

·       A commitment to continuing professional development and evaluation of practice

The above Intended Learning Outcomes and Professional Values have been mapped against the Dimensions of Practice in the UK PSF and are presented in Appendix 4 of the PGCAP Handbook, alongside specific mappings for each of the PGCAP modules (LTHE and DRP) including in each of the modules’ assessments.