PGCE Higher Education Part-time

The PGCE Higher Education degree is designed for academic staff in higher education, focusing on contemporary methods of teaching and student learning. You’ll explore key learning theories, teaching strategies, and a variety of pedagogical approaches – including gamification, object-based learning, and more traditional methods like lectures and seminars. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with technology-enhanced learning tools, including virtual, augmented, and immersive environments. Throughout the course, you’ll apply theory to your own teaching practice, building confidence and developing effective, engaging learning experiences. Guest speakers from diverse academic backgrounds will share real-world insights to enhance your understanding. On successful completion of the PGCE, you’ll be qualified to teach in higher education institutions across a range of year groups, or you may choose to progress to Year 2 of the Master of Education (Higher Education).

You're expected to have a substantial teaching workload which should equate to more than 100 hours of direct student contact each year. You must undertake a full range of academic practice in line with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) in order to complete the course.

The majority of students undertaking the course will be academics on a teaching and research contract, although the course is open to research assistants and associates who also contribute to teaching, provided they're able to meet all the dimensions of the UKPSF.

University staff will apply via the HR staff qualifications policy, agreeing workload remission and support with their line manager.

We advise all potential applicants to have an informal phone call with the course leader before applying to ensure that the course learning outcomes can be achieved and that the route is suitable for you. Please email kim.gilligan@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) to arrange this.

IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) — standard University of Sunderland requirement (source: sunderland.ac.uk/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)

International students: £19,000 per year

UK students: £9,250 per year

UK/Home: £9,250 per year

International: £19,000 per year

October 2026 Part-time

No fixed deadline — apply at least 6 months before your start date via the University's direct application portal.

• On campus, United Kingdom