PgCert in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership

The programme is self-directed and delivered as blended learning via an online workspace, webinars and/or contact days, known as intro week or study day sessions*.

*Please note there has been a change to the format of delivery – October 2022 will be online only.

The structure

The programme is delivered over 12 months. During this time you will study two modules with study day sessions staged throughout the programme alongside the assessments. You are supported by four mandatory intro/study day sessions and an online workspace. For the October cohort, the study day sessions are delivered online via as series of webinars and online activities/tasks. You will be assigned an AUA mentor who is a HE professional and works at a UK HE institution or within the sector.

The modules

There are two compulsory level 7 modules that make up the 60 credit PgCert award. These are masters level credits that can be used towards a final MSc award through Nottingham Trent University. These two modules run concurrently over the 12 month period. You must successfully complete both in order to achieve the full award, but credits are awarded for any successful module completion.

The assessment formats are as follows:

Higher Education in Context module (30 credits)
Formative assessment to aid development
2 x 1000 word/or equiv tasks (in a choice of formats that may include presentations, posters, blogs)
3,500 word knowledge based assessment with a choice of formats and topic areas

Professional Practice in Higher Education module (30 credits)
Formative assessment to aid development
2,000 word management and leadership reflective assessment
3,500 word professional development and progression assessment
*assessments may be subject to change

More information on the programme structure, expectations of study and the content is available in our prospectus.

There are two intakes per academic year in October and April.

Our October cohort will be online delivery.

October 2022: Cohort PGC69 – applications closing soon!

Provisional online study days/weeks* as follows:

Intro week 1 – w/c 17 October 2022 (Mon – Thurs)
Study sessions 2 – 10 and 12 January 2023
Study sessions 3 – 27 and 29 March 2023
Study sessions 4 – 20 and 22 June 2023

*Formats vary from a series of two hour webinar sessions over Intro Week, to morning or afternoon sessions over two days.

Programme fee for 2022/23 academic year

£3,065 (includes membership of the AUA for two years, existing members will have their membership extended by two years)

Payment

We offer payment and instalment options for both you and your employer. See our AUA payment terms and conditions for more information.

The full programme fee (or first payment instalment) will be invoiced 30 days before the first day of Intro Week 1 (date of registration).

Where applicants are self-funding fees can be paid in instalments but 25% of the fee must be paid before the first day of Intro Week 1.

Fee arrangements must be confirmed at the point of accepting your offer of a place. Please refer to the AUA payment terms and conditions. Invoices can be raised to you, your employer or a third party.

If you would like your fees to be invoiced earlier than the 30 days or need any more information about payment options, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Due to the nature of the study and assessment for the programme, in order to be eligible for admission to the programme applicants will usually:

a) hold a UK or Republic of Ireland first degree (or equivalent) and
b) have at least 6 months’ experience of working in the higher education sector, preferably at a higher education institution, in an administrative or managerial capacity; and
c) hold a current position within the UK or Republic of Ireland HE sector in an administrative or managerial capacity.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree

Applicants who do not hold a first degree may be admitted to the programme if they can demonstrate their ability to succeed at level 7 study by:

a) holding a current position within the UK or Republic of Ireland HE sector in an administrative or managerial capacity; and
b) having at least 12 months’ experience of working in the HE sector in an administrative or managerial capacity; and/or
c) holding comparable professional qualifications

If English is not your first language

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 (EAP) course provided by Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the programme. A range of language courses are available.

All applications are considered on an individual basis.  Your personal statement, supporting professional reference, qualifications and experience are all taken into account.

The entry requirements are in place to help ensure that you have the experience and background knowledge of the sector to enable you to succeed on the programme. If you are unsure of your suitability, please contact the PgCert team.

If you are not based in the UK or ROI

The programme is based on the UK higher education sector and therefore only eligible for applicants who live and work in the UK or ROI.  Unfortunately it is not possible for anyone outside the UK or ROI to apply. It is a requirement to be a member of the AUA throughout your registration on the programme.  Applications are open to non-members. Please note, the fee includes two years’ AUA membership so membership will be automatically applied at the point of registration.

You will need:

• A completed application which includes a 250 – 500 word personal statement on why you’re applying.
• A reference from someone who can comment on your suitability for the programme – this is likely to be from your current line manager and should be submitted on letter headed paper at the point of applying.
• Submit your application form and reference via the PgCert application page.

We recommend that you read the prospectus before you start your application so you understand what the programme entails and the expectations of a self-directed, independent learner.  We also bring your attention to our payment terms and conditions.

Application process

We consider and accept applications in the order that we receive them.  Applications will close six weeks before Intro Week 1 or when the cohort is full.  You will need confirmation of funding at the point of accepting your offer of a place on the programme. We are unable to consider applications until a full application has been received which includes a reference. If you have any queries regarding this process please contact the PgCert Team.
Provided that all required documents are included the outcome of your application will normally be confirmed within 10 working days of receipt.  If your application is successful, we’ll send you an offer and payment schedule form.

As the programme is run collaboratively with Nottingham Trent University, you will be enrolled as a student with NTU and are able to obtain a student ID card.

The AUA is committed to providing equal opportunities for all members. Please contact the PgCert Teaching and Learning Manager to discuss any specific needs or queries relating to disability support.

For further information on the PgCert programme please contact us.

Tel: Please email to request a phone call. Email: pgcert@aua.ac.uk