Course units

The PgCert and MA Academic Practice are made up of both mandatory and elective units. Most of the elective units are shared by both courses.

All the elective units can also be taken on a stand-alone basis by those wishing to develop a discrete aspect of their academic practice for their continuing professional development.

In particular, the Supervising Research Degrees unit is linked to the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) Professional Development Award in Supervising Postgraduate Research.

Please refer to the Study Pathways Diagram (PDF 279KB) for an overview of PgCert and MA units, and how they fit together.

All units are subject to UAL Academic Regulations.

Possible routes through the PgCert

Education

Teaching and Learning alongside an optional unit in:

• Curriculum Design
• Inclusive Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
• Technology Enhanced Learning, or
• Learning for Sustainability.

Followed by the Self-initiated project to develop a particular educational theme.

Academic leadership

Teaching and Learning alongside either:

• Curriculum Design or
• Academic Leadership

Followed by the Self-initiated project to develop a particular academic leadership theme.

Researcher development

Teaching and Learning alongside:

• Introduction to Practice as Research
• Academic Leadership (if leading or interested in leading research teams), or
• Supervising Research Degrees (if supervising PhD students).

Followed by the Self-initiated project to develop a particular researcher development theme.

Possible routes through the MA

You will take either Research through Practice or Research Methods for Arts Higher Education, plus one elective from the following list:

• Learning for Sustainability
• Inclusive Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
• Curriculum Design
• Academic Leadership
• Supervising Research Degrees
• Technology Enhanced Learning
• Introduction to Practice as Research
• Writing for Publication

The MA Academic Practice culminates in the completion of an independent study in the form of a dissertation.

Equal opportunities

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, class, sexuality, or religion. We seek to recruit participants from a wide range of backgrounds.

More information

If you are a member of UAL staff you should contact your college coordinators if you want to discuss enrolment onto the PgCert, MA Academic Practice or the standalone units in more detail.

If you are an external applicant, please email the Teaching and Learning team academicpractice@arts.ac.uk.