Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
PGCert Academic Practice (PCAP) (Higher Apprenticeship)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | PGCert Academic Practice (PCAP) (Higher Apprenticeship) | Programme code | PAC2EDUEDU01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The Academic Professional programme is designed to support the development of your existing skills and knowledge to become more effective academics and educators in your departments, in the University and within national and international contexts. The programme addresses issues associated with teaching, research, academic citizenship/leadership and administration. It provides political, social and theoretical frameworks through which to understand these issues better, and the programme content is firmly grounded in the demands and practicalities faced by academic professionals engaged in teaching or supporting learning, and undertaking scholarship and/or research at the University of Exeter.
There are two pathways through the Academic Professional programme, based on an apprenticeship model and comprising two 30-credit modules and an End Point Assessment (EPA) module:
- The Standard pathway, which is funded by the Education Skills Funding Agency – for these participants, the EPA (module EFPM917) is conducted by an external assessor
- The Non-Standard pathway, which is funded by the University of Exeter – for these participants, the EPA (module EFPM917) is conducted by an internal assessor.
The rest of the programme is identical for both pathways.
Successful completion of the Academic Professional Programme leads to a Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice programme, which is awarded with recognition as both a University of Exeter EduExe Fellow and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). This is important for academic career development, and our individual and organisational reputation as perceived by students and the higher education community. It is run on behalf of the University, for its staff, by academic colleagues in the School of Education, in conjunction with key colleagues from the wider university. It may also be advised for other staff.
The Academic Professional programme:
- Enables you to analyse your contribution to the University of Exeter, within a context of institutional strategies, and a higher education sector that is changing rapidly
- Draws on theoretical and empirical evidence about effective academic practice
- Provides assessment tasks tailored to your professional interests and developmental needs
- Encourages you to engage in dialogue with colleagues both within your discipline and Faculty, but also across the University, in order to develop areas of practice particularly relevant to your role(s).
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The aims of the Academic Professional programme are:
- To provide an inclusive group environment and ethos, through peer dialogue and analysis of literature, which promotes analytical reflection on and enhancement of your academic practice
- To enable you to develop the organisational and transferable skills and confidence central to professional autonomy in a research-intensive university
- To enable you to engage critically with the areas of activity, knowledge and values detailed in the Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education (PSF 2023)
- To enable you to evidence the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours of the Academic Professional Apprenticeship standard
- To support your ability to define and evaluate complex issues, drawing on national and international perspectives, through appropriate literatures.
4. Programme Structure
The Academic Professional Programme is an 18-24 month part-time programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme comprises 1 stage.
Interim Awards
EduExe/HEA Fellowship is only awarded on successful completion of the entire programme (60 credits).
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
This programme is an 18-24 month part-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme comprises 1 stage.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:
Stage 1
Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional module
Please note: EFPM901DA and EFPM903DA are only available via accreditation of prior learning (APL). That is, you may have prior work/experience recognised and contribute to the credit value of the award, but this must be discussed with, and approved by, the Programme Lead. If approved, you would take one or both of these modules instead of one or both of EFPM900DA and EFPM902DA.
For more information on APL, see here: https://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/lts/apl
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFPM900DA | The Contemporary Academic in Context | 30 | Yes |
| EFPM902DA | Creating Effective Learning in Higher Education | 30 | Yes |
| EFPM901DA | The Contemporary Academic in Context | 15 | Yes |
| EFPM903DA | Creating Effective Learning in Higher Education | 15 | Yes |
| EFPM917 | APP End-Point Assessment | 0 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Analyse the wider context (policy, economic, societal, technological, legal, cultural and environmental) in which higher education operates, and recognise the implications for professional practice. |
|
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Analyse, synthesise and use critical thinking in the conduct of research and/or scholarship in academic practice. | 4. Lectures, peer discussions, readings and resources in ELE. 5. Lectures, group tasks, tutorials, readings and resources in ELE, and other directed activities in professional contexts. 6. Lectures, demonstrations in class, resources in ELE, and other directed activities for professional development. | 4. In-class poster presentation (formative); teaching context portfolio (summative); academic professional practice (EPA); and written submission (EPA). 5. In-class triad presentation and feedback to peers (formative); teaching portfolio (summative); professional conversation (EPA); and written submission (EPA). 6. OneFile tasks (formative); in-class presentation (formative); teaching portfolio (summative); academic professional practice (EPA); professional conversation (EPA); and written submission (EPA). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Implement the principles and methods of critically reflective practice and evidence-informed approaches to enhance your own professional development and academic practice. | 7. Lectures, individual tasks, group tasks, tutorials, readings and resources in ELE and OneFile. 8. Lectures, group tasks, readings and resources in ELE, and directed activities in professional contexts. 9. Lectures, individual tasks, group tasks, tutorials, readings and resources in ELE and OneFile. | 7. 3 OneFile tasks (formative); reflective journal in OneFile (formative); in-class poster presentation (formative); in-class presentation (formative); teaching context (summative); teaching portfolio (summative); academic professional practice (EPA); and professional conversation (EPA). 8. In-class poster presentation (formative); in-class presentation (formative); teaching portfolio; (summative); academic professional practice (EPA); professional conversation (EPA); and written submission (EPA). 9. OneFile tasks (formative); teaching context (summative); teaching portfolio (summative); professional conversation (EPA); and written submission (EPA). |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
The programme consists of 60 credits at NQF level 7.
The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.
Assessment and Awards
The marking criteria, UKPSF, and Academic Professional Apprenticeship standard are all made available on ELE and in the programme handbook. The programme team will work with you on these criteria in module assessment preparation sessions and tripartite review meetings. The UKPSF and Academic Professional Apprenticeship standard are also integrated into all taught sessions and formative assignments.
The two 30-credit modules’ summative assessments for the Academic Professional programme are marked on a passed/not yet passed basis.
The End Point Assessment (EPA) is marked as ‘Distinction/Pass/Fail’. There are three elements to the EPA:
- Academic Professional Practice (1 hour, usually a video)
- Written Submission (3000-word reflective piece, with 10-piece portfolio)
- Professional Conversation (1 hour)
In order to gain the PGCert with FHEA and to meet the probationary requirements at the University of Exeter, you must have passed Module 1 and Module 2 and you must have gone through EPA (module 3). To gain the Academic Professional standard certificate you must have achieved a pass or distinction in the EPA (module 3)
If you complete the Academic Professional programme and wish to undertake further modules in the Graduate School of Education, you can automatically progress to a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Arts in Education (MA in Education) via the Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning procedure without having to complete the usual application process or incur the usual costs. This exempts you from completing 60 credits of either programme.
Classification
The Academic Professional programme is marked on a passed/not yet passed basis. Percentage marks and award classifications are not used.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Programme team and Academic Lead support:
Each participant is allocated a Programme Mentor for termly progress review meetings to support your progress on the programme. These meetings are held between you, your Programme Mentor, and your Department Workplace Mentor. These meetings monitor progress on the programme and integrate your programme experience with your employment. You can contact your Programme Mentor outside of these meetings. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff and the programme director.
Department support:
Your progress on the programme is closely integrated with the University’s professional development policies and practices. In the case of early career academic staff this integration occurs though the Exeter Academic initiative.
OneFile ePortfolio:
For the duration of the programme, you will be allocated a OneFile ePortfolio account which comprises formative assignments, a journal for critically reflective practice, and action plans from tripartite review meetings (both the Programme Mentor and Department Workplace Mentor have access to these ePortfolios for review and formative feedback).
Library:
You are also able to access the library on campus or through the electronic library pages. The St Luke’s campus has a library specialising in education. You will be given advice about accessing further reading, relevant journals and databases during modules, and will be supported in this by the Academic Professional Programme team.
Programme pages on ELE: https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9643
‘Special Provision for Degree Apprenticeships’ in the TQA manual can be found online at: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/specialprovisionsfordegreeapprenticeships/.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
The Academic Professional is a part-time higher apprenticeship course, taken alongside your academic work in your discipline. It needs to be started as part of new Lecturer probation (E&S), or completed within an agreed fixed timeframe as part of new Lecturer probation (E&R). Normally, other Academic Professional programme participants are members of staff at the University of Exeter in other roles and job families, who have elected to join the programme and had this intention endorsed by their College, department and/or service.
Applicants will almost all hold a good first degree (and most are likely also to hold a PhD/DPhil). However, in the case of participants sponsored by their work unit and not in possession of a good first degree, admission to the programme is considered if there is sufficient evidence of experience of working in an academic or educational setting at an appropriate level.
Applicants must provide evidence of Level 2 Maths and English (or equivalent). If an applicant cannot provide this evidence, Level 2 Maths and English must be achieved whilst on the apprenticeship (the programme team will make arrangements for the necessary assessments).
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) procedures that meet national standards are also available; this is a process whereby applicants can be exempt from some parts of the programme by recognition of your learning from previous experiences and achievements (which can include the University of Exeter). APL can take the form of either submitting pre-existing credits (APCL) or details of relevant previous experience (APEL), which are taken into account before starting the programme in an initial needs assessment completed by the programme team. If APL is approved, you would be invited to complete either 50% or 75% of the programme rather than 100% (in accordance with ESFA funding regulations); this reduces the standard length of the programme from 18 to 15 months. Please note: the maximum number of credits that can used for APL towards this programme is 30 credits (at level 7), therefore the other elements of the programme will still need to be completed.
As with all taught programmes, you may be entitled to interrupt your programme, for example for medical treatment, parental or personal reasons.
Programme delivery is through taught sessions and termly tutorials on the university campuses, the OneFile ePortfolio system, ELE resources, and through independent study.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
71
18. Final Award
PGCert Academic Practice (PCAP) (Higher Apprenticeship)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 60 |
ECTS credits | 30 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 16/05/2018 |
Date of last revision | 20/08/2024 |
|---|
