Foundational Approaches to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Aimed at those with limited experience, this online short course will elevate your teaching and learning approaches in a global higher education context.
This dedicated online short course introduces the theory and methods of teaching, planning, and designing learning activities – as well as inclusive practice, effective communication, and supportive learning.
As you progress through the standalone module you will develop the skills to support academic excellence and enhance your career development. Your knowledge will extend to using reflective practice and evidence-based approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and supporting learning in higher education.
By the end, you will be able to engage with theories of effective academic practice and appreciate new global perspectives. The online learning environment will give you access to a larger, worldwide community, broadening your overall experience.
This online short course is your gateway to a full master’s degree and upon successful completion, you will be eligible to progress on to our postgraduate Academic Practice Programme.
This standalone module consists of the following topics. You are required to complete 15 credits to achieve an award.
Syllabus:
- Introduction to the theory and practice of teaching and supporting learning in HE in a global context
- Planning inclusive, accessible learning activities
- Creating lesson plans
- Micro-teaching
- Giving and receiving feedback about teaching and supporting learning in HE
- Introduction to the use of reflective practice and evidence-based approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and supporting learning in HE
- Introduction to the use of appropriate questioning techniques to engage students in a global context
- Introduction to the benefits of continual professional development to enhance practice
Our online short courses are the ideal gateway to a master’s degree if you do not meet the standard entry criteria for the full postgraduate programme.
As such, you do not require any previous qualifications or work experience to study one of our online short courses.
You must provide evidence that you have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.
If you do not have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. You do not need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.
Fees for the academic year 2025/26
£1,447
These fees* are fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits.
*All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed.
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.
Teaching methods
Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes:
- innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content
- a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals
- forums for you to discuss programme content with peers
- support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team
Assessments
Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting.
We are committed to:
- providing frequent and transparent feedback
- ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear
- making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform
- delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules
- ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours
- providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues
Online learning experience
We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform.
Typically, your learning experience will include the following:
- directed learning – including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours
- self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding
- assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment
On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per week.
Study duration
This dedicated teaching and learning online short course has an approximate study duration of 10 weeks, studied online and part-time.
Academic staff
We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.
They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.
All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool.
Quality and assurance
As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards.
The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.
Apply for this course by completing a simple online form.
You will also need to provide evidence of your English language ability, equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.
If you do not have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. Please note, you do not need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.
You must also submit an official form of photo ID with your application (e.g. your passport, driving licence or government ID).
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform us, so that you receive appropriate support.
Deadlines
We have start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. As an applicant, you are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if you have special needs.
A background in education is useful for a wide range of careers, particularly for roles in communication, digital literacy, teaching, and research.
After successful completion of the online short course, you can progress onto our postgraduate Academic Practice Programme.
Academic Development is part of The Leadership, Organisational, Professional & Academic Development Academy (The Academy) at the University of Liverpool. The Academy supports higher education professionals to develop their academic practice in relation to teaching and learning, as well as enhance their skills in research, leadership and management within the sector.
By studying online with Liverpool, you can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university. We are also a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.
The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.
