| Code | CTLHE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| EU Fees | Free for UCC Staff on the provision of Staff number. See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 31 July 2025 |
| Course Delivery Method | Online |
| Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
The aim of this Postgraduate Certificate programme is to provide staff in higher and further education with the opportunity to develop and professionalise their teaching practice to enhance learning, while gaining an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in Teaching and Learning. Our programme allows you to be part of an international and interdisciplinary community of practice, and attend live sessions led by the Centre for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning (CIRTL). The highly experienced teaching team of CIRTL will facilitate you to engage with quality materials on this fully online programme.
Students who have completed the PG Certificate and wish to further their professional development can progress to the PG Diploma and subsequently the MA Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, also coordinated by CIRTL.
Postgraduate Certificate
The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education showcases best practices in online teaching and acquaints participants with relevant theories and frameworks for designing curricula and assessments. The practical component of the programme enables participants to apply their learning in their own teaching context and share reflections with peers.
The 30-credit Postgraduate Certificate comprises three modules in total. Two core modules to the value of 25 credits are taken sequentially, typically in one academic year:
- TL6017 Theories of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (10 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6004 Practice Approaches to Teaching, Learning and Assessment (15 credits) - Semester 2
Students also choose one 5-credit module from the following electives to be taken in Semester 1:
- TL6009 Digital Education for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (5 credits) - Semester 1 or
- TL6010 Inclusive Academic Practice for Research Supervision (5 credits) - Semester 1
- TL6011 Making Thinking Visible: Visual Critiques and Methods for Teaching and Learning (5 credits) – Semester 1
On successful completion of 30 credits from the Postgraduate Certificate, there is an opportunity to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma. Contact cirtl@ucc.ie for further information.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Diploma is a part-time, fully online course and runs for two semesters over the academic year. Participants complete 2 x 15-credit modules.
On successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, participants may progress to the MA Teaching & Learning in Higher Education.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
The programme is fully online. Students will get access to the programme through Canvas, UCC’s Learning Management System. There will also be opportunities during the programme to engage with peers in webinars as part of a community of practice approach to learning enhancement.
Assessment
Participants will prepare a portfolio of professional teaching practice over the course of the academic year. The portfolio consists of six entries that emerge from participants’ own practice. Assignments are undertaken on a pass /fail basis, in keeping with the spirit of continuing professional development.
Who teaches this course?
Dr Owen Jump, Dr Sarah Thelen, Dr Katy Dineen and Teaching Fellows drawn from the four colleges of the University and related centres.
Why Choose This Course
This programme provides staff who teach in higher education with an ideal opportunity to develop their practice by researching their teaching to enhance learning. Such continuing professional development has the potential to enhance career opportunities.
Requirements
Applicants must have a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) and be teaching in the third level education sector and have an active teaching timetable. An active teaching timetable could include, supervision, placement work, lab-based work, in the field or in an online context. A minimum of 12 hours of teaching in both semesters 1 and 2, is required in order to fulfil the learning outcomes of the programme, i.e., a minimum of 24 teaching hours over the academic year.
In exceptional circumstances, and subject to review by the programme team, applicants with a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) may also be considered subject to meeting the teaching requirements.
PhD students who are not in a position to meet the minimum teaching hours required to successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate are not eligible to apply for the programme but are encouraged to apply for the Postgraduate Training Modules in teaching and learning. PhD students should also consider, along with their supervisors, the significant workload of this 30-credit programme and whether the 5-credit Postgraduate Training Modules are more appropriate given time demands.
PhD students should contact cirtl@ucc.ie in the first instance to discuss.
CIRTL English Language Requirements
For applicants from non-native English speaking backgrounds, proof of English language certification is not required if currently employed in the third level education sector where the main language of instruction is English. Applicants who fall into this category are required to show proof of employment, e.g. a letter from your director of Human Resources, which is evidence of working in a third-level educational setting where the main language of instruction is English.
Take a look at the CTLHE Important Notes on the Application Process for more detailed information.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
Fees and Costs
Irish/EU fee: €1,800 for 30 Credits to complete the Postgraduate Certificate (€900 per 15-credit module).
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Questions on how to apply?
Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:
- You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
- In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
- Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- What is your current occupation/specialty?
Take a look at the CTLHE Important Notes on the Application Process for more detailed information.
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