Academic Professional Apprenticeship (APA) and Postgraduate Certification of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCert)
As part of developing our colleagues in continuing to provide excellent and high-quality teaching, NTU offers the Academic Professional Apprenticeship (APA), Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in HE (PGLTHE).
What is the APA?
The APA is an Apprenticeship programme available for early-career academics at NTU, specified to those who do have not have full Fellowship recognition of the Higher Education Academy or a UK teaching qualification in higher education. The APA aims to support colleagues’ development, contributing to institutional excellence in learning and teaching, as well as enhancing long-term career aspirations.
Our Academic Practice Team has developed a new, socially responsible curriculum. This curriculum connects academics from all backgrounds into a diverse and inclusive community of practice to enhance the learning of our students and ensuring our commitment to NTU’s new strategic University, reimagined vision.
An individual who undertakes an APA will gain two formal qualifications in teaching in higher education (Certificate of Academic Professional Apprenticeship and Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice) and recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
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Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in HE (PGLTHE)
The APA is the primary qualification route for our early-career academics; for those ineligible to undertake the APA, they will be offered a place on our Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in HE (PGLTHE). The PGLTHE is similar to our previous PGCAP (Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice) offer but has been modified and updated to give individuals greater experience and development to benefit both academics and students.
Successful completion of the PGLTHE provides a formally recognised qualification—a Postgraduate Certificate—and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Please email the team if you wish to undertake the PGCert on a voluntary basis.
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FAQs
How do I sign up for the APA/PGCert/TILT PRS?
On joining the University you will automatically be allocated to one of these pathways and be contacted directly.
When do the courses start?
There are three cohorts per year; September, January and April. All academics on the APA/PGCert are expected to complete the course within 15 months.
Applications for January 2022 entry close on 26 November 2021.
Can I do the APA as an established academic?
Unfortunately, not. However, you can contact our NTU TILT Professional Recognition Scheme who will support you with your application for any level of Fellowship to the HEA or discuss with your line manager about attending the PGCAP.
Why can I not do the APA?
As the APA funding comes from NTU’s Apprenticeship Levy, a Government-backed scheme, only certain colleagues are eligible. There are also instances outlined by NTU Policy. For both situations, these are as follows:
Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules
- Clientship or residency status: non-EEA citizens who have not lived in the UK for the past three years
- Colleagues on fixed-term contracts that finish before the end date of the APA.
NTU policy
- Part-time colleagues on a 0.5FTE or below.