At AHEP we pride ourselves on providing new opportunities for the development of higher education professionals and after taking a close look at how we deliver qualifications and engaging with our community, we’ve decided to retire our beloved PgCert programme. But don’t worry—we’ve got something even better lined up. Starting in January 2025, we’ll be rolling out a brand-new MSc in Higher Education Management and Leadership, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University’s Business School (NBS).
This strategic shift stems from several key factors. While AHEP has successfully delivered the PgCert programme for many years, we acknowledge that universities may be better suited to managing academic initiatives. Challenges related to limited access to student finance, which has historically impacted students’ ability to progress from PgCert to higher-level qualifications such as the PgDip and MSc, have also contributed to the decision. Furthermore, the existing PgCert programme has been unable to accommodate international students, despite growing interest from overseas professionals.
The new MSc programme, designed by NBS and aligned with AHEP’s Professional Framework, will be a more accessible and flexible option for students. One of the most notable improvements is the introduction of interim awards, allowing learners to achieve a PgCert or PgDip as they progress through the course, even if they choose not to complete the full Master’s degree.
This structure will provide greater flexibility, helping to remove financial barriers by offering access to government funding – something that was previously unavailable for AHEP’s standalone PgCert. Additionally, the programme will now be open to international students, significantly broadening its reach and the impact of the learning on offer.
Nottingham Trent University’s reputation for innovative education delivery made it a natural partner for this new offering. The MSc will blend theoretical insights with practical experience, equipping graduates with the leadership and management skills needed to excel in higher education.
AHEP’s decision to transition away from delivering academic qualifications reflects a broader shift in its mission. Our core strength lies in providing professional development and support to higher education professionals, rather than acting as a direct academic provider. By partnering with NTU, we can focus on our primary goal of supporting the career development of members and the wider higher education community.
The existing PgCert cohorts will be the last under the current structure, with all workshops and assessments continuing as planned until completion. For those interested in the new MSc, applications are now open, with the inaugural cohort beginning in January 2025: https://ahep.ac.uk/higher-education-management-and-leadership-msc/
This transition represents a significant step forward for AHEP as it continues to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of professional development while collaborating with leading academic institutions.
