Course Structure

Students will enroll part time on a 1 year basis from January. Students will complete 1 module per semester.

Foundations in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in HE (30 credits)

Introduces core concepts in teaching, learning, and assessment in higher education.
Explores andragogical theory and scholarly debates on curriculum design, assessment, and inclusive practice.
Encourages debate and critical engagement with key frameworks: UDL, SDGs, QAA 2025, and PSF 2023.
Emphasises student voice, diversity, and supportive learning environments.
Integrates digital and AI-enhanced teaching approaches, including blended learning.
Includes a live teaching session for peer and tutor feedback.
Features input from senior academics across all faculties to support disciplinary relevance.
Develops participants’ ability to reflect, apply theory, and design engaging, inclusive curricula.

Advancing your Education Practice: Reflect, Research, Transform (30 credits)

This module builds on theoretical and practical foundations from Module 1.
The module aims to develop a reflective, evidence-informed teaching identity.
It prompts critical reflection on findings in relation to:
• Higher education literature
• Disciplinary practice
• Institutional context (e.g. Queen’s Strategy 2030)
• Professional frameworks (e.g. PSF 2023, UDL)
Includes formal teaching, structured peer support, and mentorship.
Encourages application of student-centred and inclusive teaching in real settings.

The PG Certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete both modules (60 CATS)

Module Information

Foundations in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in HE (30 credits)

Introduces core concepts in teaching, learning, and assessment in higher education.
Explores andragogical theory and scholarly debates on curriculum design, assessment, and inclusive practice.
Encourages debate and critical engagement with key frameworks: UDL, SDGs, QAA 2025, and PSF 2023.
Emphasises student voice, diversity, and supportive learning environments.
Integrates digital and AI-enhanced teaching approaches, including blended learning.
Includes a live teaching session for peer and tutor feedback.
Features input from senior academics across all faculties to support disciplinary relevance.
Develops participants’ ability to reflect, apply theory, and design engaging, inclusive curricula.

Advancing your Education Practice: Reflect, Research, Transform (30 credits)

This module builds on theoretical and practical foundations from Module 1.
The module aims to develop a reflective, evidence-informed teaching identity.
It prompts critical reflection on findings in relation to:
• Higher education literature
• Disciplinary practice
• Institutional context (e.g. Queen’s Strategy 2030)
• Professional frameworks (e.g. PSF 2023, UDL)
Includes formal teaching, structured peer support, and mentorship.
Encourages application of student-centred and inclusive teaching in real settings.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Module 1

Explain key learning theories, andragogical approaches, and assessment principles in higher education. Demonstrate knowledge of the context of Higher Education and curriculum design

Module 2

Demonstrate knowledge of practice based research and reflective methodologies in higher education by drawing on the theoretical and andragogical frameworks introduced in Module 1

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• There are no examinations. Assessment is by written assignment. Module 1 is a 6,500 word portfolio. Module 2 is a 6,500 word academic journal article or portfolio.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.
Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/PJeiF24bjxE

Modules

Career Prospects

Professional Opportunities

Academic staff employed by QUB and are on probation and for whom the programme is a condition of confirmation in post;

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£2,434
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£2,434
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£3,083
EU Other 3	£7,166
International	£7,166

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus