The Principal, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, congratulated staff from across the University who recently completed one of the Professional Taught Programmes delivered by the Centre for Academic Development.
The event took place at the University on Wednesday 7th December. Professor Diamond said “It's a great pleasure to celebrate the success and achievements of our staff. I am completely committed to this Programme. It is important in supporting staff to make links between their teaching and their research, which lies at the heart of teaching excellence at our university.”
Staff were awarded one of the following qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning & Teaching, Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice or Postgraduate Certificate in eLearning. All are 60 credit, Master’s level programmes, delivered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of staff from the educational development team within the Centre for Academic Development and academic staff from across the University. The Programmes adopt a blended learning approach with supported workshops and structured online learning which provide staff with opportunities to reflect upon their own educational practice. Successful completion also entitles staff to receive UK-wide recognition as Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Next academic year the Centre will be offering part-time Postgraduate Certificate programmes in Higher Education-related topics (PG Certificates in Academic Practice and in Higher Education Learning & Teaching). These Programmes are aligned explicitly with the UK Professional Standards Framework for Learning & Teaching in Higher Education, and are fully accredited by the HEA. Dr Darren Comber, the Programme Co-ordinator, said: “These programmes provide an excellent opportunity for staff to engage in continuing professional development in teaching, and gain University and external recognition for their achievements.”
We are currently registering interest in the Postgraduate Certificate Programmes for the academic year 2017-18. Staff who are interested in finding out more about the range of programmes available are encouraged to contact Dr Joy Perkins, Educational & Employability Development Adviser at the Centre for Academic Development (j.perkins@abdn.ac.uk) in the first instance. The Programmes are open to all staff who currently teach or support learning at the University of Aberdeen.