International Learning and Teaching in Higher Education PGCert
About this course
In today’s interconnected world, higher education professionals must be equipped to navigate diverse cultural, pedagogical, and technological landscapes. Nottingham Trent University’s PGCert in International Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (IPGCLTHE) offers a forward-thinking approach to developing your skills as an academic practitioner in global and multidisciplinary contexts. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to innovate their teaching, enhance student engagement, and address the challenges shaping higher education worldwide.
The programme combines reflective practice, pedagogical research, and interactive online workshops to empower you to design and deliver inclusive, student-centred learning experiences. Key areas include active collaboration, technology-enhanced learning, curriculum design, and innovative assessment methods, all situated within a global framework. You’ll explore strategies to create inclusive learning environments, foster cross-cultural communication, and critically evaluate international educational models and policies.
Guided by recognised experts and supported by the Trent Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT®), you’ll engage in a collaborative learning community that prioritises innovation and professional growth. The course aligns with the UK Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023), providing a pathway to Associate Fellowship and Fellowship of Advance HE. Successful completion awards 60 Level 7 credits and a globally relevant qualification to advance your career in higher education.
What you’ll study
Each module asks you to reflect, contribute and draw on your experiences with current students in your own context as well as learning through multi-disciplinary online interactive workshops. We will cover a wide range of topics, including active collaborative approaches to learning, technology-enhanced learning, innovative assessment and feedback practices, inclusive practice, curriculum design and development, enabling you to reflect on your practice in your own context whilst situating it in a global context.
Academic Practice in Context (20 credit points)
On this module the primary requirement is to meet the dimensions for Associate Fellowship, while you may gather evidence for other criteria.
- You will reflect critically on your academic practice within the local, national, and international higher education landscape. Evaluate effectiveness and identify future development needs using evidence-based approaches, including pedagogic and subject-specific literature.
- Analyse challenges and growth opportunities in your specialist area, aligned with institutional goals and the wider policy, economic, societal, technological, legal, cultural, and environmental contexts. Demonstrate commitment to CPD and integrate relevant technologies to enhance teaching and learning in a global setting.
Supporting and Enhancing Student Learning (20 credit points)
This module requires a higher level of depth and differentiation.
- You will critically evaluate and apply effective learning, teaching, assessment, and feedback strategies, incorporating digital practices to design inclusive and contextually relevant learning experiences within your discipline.
- Plan, deliver, and assess learning activities that respect diversity and enhance the curriculum, aligning with institutional, national, and international quality assurance standards.
Global HE Policy and Practice (20 credit points)
- You'll develop a critical understanding of global HE trends, educational methodologies, and policy approaches, evaluating their impact on your national context and discipline-specific practice.
- Apply research methods to explore your academic practice and student learning, collaborate effectively, and disseminate findings while shaping your CPD in a dynamic HE landscape.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
The course uses a flexible, online delivery model, combining asynchronous and synchronous methods. Asynchronous learning includes pre-recorded lectures, interactive tasks, quizzes, and discussion forums, allowing learners to study at their own pace. Synchronous sessions include live webinars, tutorials, and 1-1 meetings for further support. Collaborative learning is central, with opportunities to engage in group work and share diverse perspectives. The course is personalised to each learner’s practice, context, and discipline. Tools for monitoring progress ensure tailored support, and weekly drop-in tutorials provide additional guidance. All content is accessible across devices.
Entry requirements
UK students
All applications are considered on an individual basis. Your personal statement, qualifications and experience are all taken into account.
You will be expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject from a HE institution recognised by NTU, though relevant professional experience may also be considered.
Applicants should be currently working in Higher Education in roles such as teacher, tutor, lecturer, or academic support.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience (PG)
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
All applications are considered on an individual basis. Your personal statement, qualifications and experience are all taken into account.
You will be expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject from a HE institution recognised by NTU, though relevant professional experience may also be considered.
Applicants should be currently working in Higher Education in roles such as teacher, tutor, lecturer, or academic support.
Additional requirements for international students
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must be competent in written and spoken English up to the following standard: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in reading and writing) or TOEFL iBT 83 with at least: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17. More information available here on NTU’s English language requirements and Language Centre. If applicants do not meet the language entry requirements, they will be directed to the English for Academic Purposes course provided by Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the programme. A range of language courses are available.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience (PG)
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
