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PGCert Practice Education

  • Study Mode: Part Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: September 2024

This course will help you to develop the essential skills to successfully support learning and teaching in contemporary professional contexts. You'll have the opportunity to tailor learning to your individual environment and graduate with a recognised postgraduate qualification that allows for further study or professional recognition.

While studying with us, you'll have opportunities to reflect on and showcase your practice in the workplace. This ‘real life’ aspect of the programme ensures that your studies support your continued professional development in a way that's relevant to your role and professional aspirations.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

This course is unique in its outward facing approach and engages with contemporary issues in practice education. BNU can draw on the significant experience of its team to deliver professional education and up to date skills, working alongside key local healthcare trusts.

Collaboration between fellow students and lecturers plays a big part in the learning and teaching strategy of this course. This way, we showcase how best to develop professional relationships and give a broader perspective on critical issues.

Professional conversations in the form of supervisory meetings with an appropriately qualified and experienced member of the course team, will also be scheduled throughout the programme. These discussions will provide you with opportunities to tailor your studies to meet your requirements and interests.

In addition to the unique benefits this course at BNU brings you, there are other benefits to studying at BNU too, such as our prime location 30 minutes from London, our apps anywhere service that allows you to work at home, and the big deal which offers you free events, trips and societies.

Colleagues who completed the course recommended it to me, so I choose to do it myself. I feel very supported by my tutors and have access to the resources I need. We have stimulating discussions during class and I would really recommend this course because of the flexibility it allows me.
Rex Lamban
Rex Lamban

Why study this subject?

Our PGCert Practice Education provides a valuable qualification for those who have education and/or training responsibilities in the practice setting. Its so important to those working in this field to keep on top of current methods and practices. It’s important you’re the best you can be. Choosing to undertake higher study in practice education is a great step towards meeting your key responsibilities and advancing your skillset to the appropriate level.

The programme content is focused on learning and teaching in professional environments and is particularly suited to nursing educators, community practice supervisors and assessors. It may also benefit those in adjacent fields, including social work or allied healthcare education.

I chose BNU because it's a great location for me and has a good reputation with local organisations in Buckinghamshire. They really practice what they teach on this course and it provides an authentic experience which has helped me in my role already.
Jade Carrick
Jade Carrick

How will I be taught and assessed?

A range of assessment approaches are used, and these are designed to test your knowledge of the learning objectives. Assessments are designed to provide opportunities to show off your professional development against the relevant sector frameworks.

The focus of your engagement with the assessment process will be negotiated with a member of the course team. This will ensure that assessed work both meets your interests as well as evidencing the programme learning objectives.

Some of the ways you will be assessed include

  • practical and oral assessment, such as observed teaching sessions
  • presentations
  • professional conversations with a course team member
Lecturers are always willing to help, they are authentic, approachable and very welcoming. I've had very positive feedback from my learners utilising insights I've gained on this course.
Tracy Willis

What will I study?

The Postgraduate Certificate Practice Education is aimed at you if you are working in education and taking on training responsibilities in the practice setting. Our programme is focused on learning and teaching in professional environments and may also suit you if you work in adjacent fields, including social work or allied health care education. 

The course provides you with a sound understanding of the fundamental elements of learning and teaching: designing and planning learning, teaching and supporting learning, and assessment and feedback.

Important topics are explored which link directly to your current work. We explore many contemporary issues, such as mental health and wellbeing in education, and the impact the digital world has had on our practice. Inclusivity is a central theme to the programme, and you will actively consider both your responsibilities in promoting an inclusive environment and the impact of your approaches on minority and discriminated groups.  As an academic qualification, the Postgraduate Certificate Practice

Education is a valued and recognised certificate for professional development. You will be encouraged, through your assignments, to show your own professional development and its impact on learners and your organisation. Our teaching process is designed to support you and to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Postgraduate Certificate Practice Education Programme Specification

When I was looking at courses, I really liked the blended learning and assessment methods at BNU. The course is highly rated and includes lots of student support. I studied so much more beyond teaching and I've been able to cultivate a culture of education which has been a really positive experience for me.
Katherine Box

What facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. Or, if you’d rather work off campus, e-Journals and resources are only a few clicks away using our Virtual Learning Environment.

The best thing about this course is its flexibility and the approachable lecturers. The admissions department is very thorough.
Steffy Surg

What are the course entry requirements?

Individuals with an undergraduate degree, typically 2.1 or higher, with an interest in developing a career in practice education or relevant adjacent field.

Individuals without an undergraduate degree but significant experience within an appropriate profession and evidence of being prepared for L7 study will be considered. This may include, for example, qualified nurses who entered the profession prior to the degree requirement being introduced.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £2,880

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

A postgraduate certificate is a recognised qualification that will provide you with opportunities for further study and career development. Once you complete the PGCert Practice Education you might choose to go on to study our MA Education.

This course will prepare you for a wider range of responsibility in your current role and is really designed to push you to the next level of practice. Should you choose to pursue a different career later in your life, you will find the academic process of study and the transferable skills you gain here at BNU useful to you.

You may also use the programme as a framework to support your progression to further leadership roles within your organisation or another organisation.

Rebecca Rochon staff profile photo
Rebecca Rochon
  • Associate Professor
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A headshot of Postgraduate Senior Lecturer Barbara Nicolls
Barbara Nicolls
  • Senior Lecturer - Postgraduate Education
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