PgCert Mentoring

What is PgCert mentoring?

The AUA PgCert programme is a challenging, self-directed, distance and work based learning programme.  To support students in their independent learning they are each assigned a mentor.

As a mentor your role is to: 

• Help your student to plan and review their progress
• Assist them in identifying opportunities for professional development
• Challenge them to reflect critically on their professional practice and development
• Encourage them to explore difference approaches to assessments

The mentor relationship allows students to broaden their perspectives and to challenge thinking beyond their immediate professional context. 

More information about the PgCert programme, its structure and assessment can be found here.

Supporting a student through the PgCert programme you share your professional experience, make a real contribution to their career development, and ultimately give something back to the sector.

“Being a mentor gives you an enormous sense of satisfaction, particularly when you watch them cross the stage at a graduation. The relationships I have formed have been mutually supportive.  I have gained as much from them as they have from me.  The opportunity has given me insight into the workings of a wide range of institutions, something which I would not have happened if I had not become a mentor.”

Nick Allen, Executive Officer in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Northampton

Expectations of the role

The duration of the programme is 12 months so you will be required to commit to the role for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of three years to see the mentoring relationship through. The mentoring relationship is conducted virtually via online meetings such as Zoom or Teams. You should expect to ‘meet’ with your student for a minimum of three times throughout the programme. 

Mentors tell us that the experience of supporting someone’s professional development is very rewarding.  You can expect to develop your own skills and become more reflective about your own role.  You will deepen your understanding of the sector as you read and discuss written assignments on areas of higher education that you may have limited knowledge about. You will also extend your professional network by getting to know new people, students and other mentors, at institutions other than your own.

“Being a mentor benefits my own work and development by encouraging me to reflect on my practices as I encourage and support my mentee.”

Sue Beech, Programme Manager, Warwick Business School

Support while you are a mentor

All new mentors receive free initial training where the details of the programme will be explained and mentoring skills will be explored. You will also have the option of attending further refresher events free of charge. These are currently being delivered as online sessions. 

Mentors will receive a Mentor Handbook, which contains all the specific information about the programme as well as information about mentoring. Mentors are given access to the online workspace ‘NOW’ where there is a separate area for mentors to view further guidance on the programme content and a dedicated AUA Microsoft Teams area for PgCert mentors.

The AUA’s Teaching and Learning Manager and the Professional Development Coordinator are on hand to answer any queries you may have about the programme. There is also a Lead Mentor in place to provide guidance and support on mentoring as well as a Mentor Representative on the Board of Studies who can offer advice.

Requirements and how to apply

We are currently accepting applications for new mentors to support our next intake of students in April 2023.

Mentors usually:

• Have a UK or Republic of Ireland (or equivalent) postgraduate qualification
• Are eligible for AUA membership, i.e. employment in a UK or Republic of Ireland higher education institution or related body

If you do not hold a postgraduate qualification may be selected if you can demonstrate:

• Substantial relevant work experience, in mentoring, coaching or developing other members of staff (this experience does not necessarily have to have been acquired in the workplace) and/or
• Comparable professional or other qualifications

Your professional experience

You will not be expected to know about everything, but it helps if you have a broad understanding of the main issues that face HE. What is important is that you are able to advise on how gaps can be filled and to make suggestions on how students can use what’s available either within their own institution or the sector.

You do not have to hold a senior position but it is likely that you will have some years’ experience of working in HE or have come to it more recently with experience that means you will be a good mentor – perhaps experience of mentoring or coaching in another sector. A commitment to continuing professional development and an appreciation of reflective practice are as important as knowledge and experience. You will need to be able to talk with your student about their work experiences and how this can be used in the context of their learning and to make suggestions on how they might develop their skills and knowledge. An understanding of the AUA CPD Framework will also be beneficial to the role.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form and the PgCert team will be get back to you. If your application is successful, you will be required to book on to a training session.

Next PgCert mentor training

We are currently recruiting for new mentors for our next intake of students starting in April 2023. You can apply to become a PgCert mentor via the application form. 

Next training date planned for: 9.30 – 12.00 on Friday, 24 March 2023

Any queries, just get in touch with the PgCert team on pgcert@aua.ac.uk.