| Code | PCPLHE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | TBC |
| Start Date | TBC |
Course Outline
The Centre for the Integration of Teaching, Research and Learning (CITRL) at University College Cork is pleased to offer this new part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice and Leadership in Higher Education as a flexible learning opportunity for professionals working in an administrative or academic role in Higher Education.
This is an ideal programme for those of you looking to formalise your experience, develop your leadership potential, and enhance your skillset and professional competencies in the Higher Education (HE) sector.
With a unique focus on leadership in higher education, participants in this part-time programme will explore the higher education landscape and operations. You will discover the latest insights into the development of policy and practice and connect with peers across the HE sector via a virtual and in-person learning environment. This course allows you to engage in peer learning, gain a professional qualification, and grow your network, both nationally and internationally.
Modules
This part-time programme is delivered over one academic year, using a blended learning model with online and face-to-face instruction. The programme consists of four modules, worth 30 credits in total:
| Module | Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG6104 | Understanding, Navigating, and Implementing Change | 5 | 1 |
| TL6101 | Higher Education Landscape | 10 | 1 |
| TL6102 | Innovative Practices in Higher Education | 5 | 2 |
| TL6013 | Reflective Leadership Practices | 10 | 2 |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:
- Examine the key features or challenges in your professional practice as relates to your institutional setting and the wider higher education landscape and policy context.
- Investigate opportunities within your professional practice identifying options to effect innovation and change and the potential for sustainable societal impact.
- Reflect on professional identity and professional culture and how these manifest in the higher education context.
- Critique professional practice and leadership and the implications for future innovative practice as a community of learners committed to inter-professionalism.
- Demonstrate engagement in interprofessional exchange, collaboration, and peer learning.
Assessment
| Module | Title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| MG6104 | Understanding, Navigating, and Implementing Change | Group case study (60 marks) and an individual reflection (40 marks) |
| TL6101 | Higher Education Landscape | Group seminar presentation (20 marks), 1,000-word reflective essay (70 marks), and a 2,000-word professional plan (110 marks) |
| TL6102 | Innovative Practices in Higher Education | 1,000-word reflective assignment (50 marks) and an individual presentation (50 marks) |
| TL6013 | Reflective Leadership Practices | Podcast or similar output (180 marks) and attendance and participation (20 marks) |
- See the University Calendar for more information.
- Please note that there are limited places on this programme to ensure a balance of staff across the University and from external institutions.
Course Practicalities
The Postgraduate Certificate is a one-year blended offering with access via Canvas, UCC’s Learning Management System. There will be on-campus participation through three on-campus blocks each semester (see Campus Days 2023-2024 below).
There will be online participation through weekly synchronous lectures (2-4pm) held online every Wednesday. Please note your ability to commit to on-campus and synchronous online engagement as part of the application process in your motivation statement.
This approach to delivery will encourage course participants to develop a community of practice anchored through peer exchange and collaborative learning partnerships. In addition, we facilitate three campus-based sessions in Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Campus Days 2023-2024
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
|
25-26 September 23-24 October 20-21 November |
29-30 January 26-27 February 8-10 April |
Why Choose This Course
We provide HE staff with an opportunity to do a deep dive into the policy landscape and key operations of the HE sector while facilitating their potential to impact and shape professional practice.
The growth of universities as complex educational ecosystems has led to differentiation and professionalisation of key functions and roles, and the emergence of HE professionals who play key roles in this new ecosystem. Consequently, there is a demand for professionals who are responsible for the implementation of policies and practices in support of institutional, national, and international strategies, and who shape and respond to the core research, teaching, and learning activities of the university. In this respect, the postgraduate certificate will facilitate your professional development and enhance your career opportunities across the sector.
Faculty
We will connect you to an experienced team of academics and professional services staff in higher education including:
- Patrice Cooper, Lecturer, Management & Marketing
- Katy Dineen, Lecturer, Teaching & Learning Enhancement
- Anne Gannon, HR Wellbeing & Development Officer
- Thomas Garavan, Professor, Leadership Practice
- Michelle Nelson, Service Improvement & Change Manager
- Elizabeth Noonan, Director of the Quality Enhancement Unit
- Catherine O’Mahony, Director of CIRTL
Requirements
The minimum academic entry requirement is Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8). Applicants who do not hold a degree at Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) may also be accepted under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), following a review of their qualifications, relevant industry experience and interview with the programme team, and subject to final approval by the CIRTL Academic Programmes Board. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
As the course assignments are based on authentic professional scenarios, applicants must be in employment or be able to gain access to an organisation upon which to base assignments. You will need to provide evidence of permission from the organisation to use their data during your course. Applicants must supply written permission to access employer data for acceptance onto the programme.
Applicants must outline in their motivational statement their reasons for applying for the programme. Please see important notes on the application process: PCPLHE Important Notes
Please note that applications will be reviewed after the closing date.
English Language Requirements
We require an IELTS score of 6.5 with minimum individual sections of 5.5. See the Postgraduate English Language Entry Requirements page for more information and other English language test 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.
Fees and Costs
The tuition fee for this programme is €3,000*
UCC staff have a discounted fee of €1,000 and may be eligible for the staff fee concession scheme.
*The application fee of €50 is additional to this cost.
How To Apply
You can apply online via our online application portal before the course closing date. There is a €50 application fee for all courses.
Questions on how to apply? Use our web inquiry form to contact us.
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