Richard Jugar – Academic Practice (PGCAP) 

Different perspectives from peers on my programme helped me consider new ideas and compare what I have learnt.

Richard Jugar

What did you enjoy the most about the Academic Practice (PGCAP) programme? 

Student support was the most valuable aspect of this fully online programme. The teaching and learning experiences were designed and delivered to ensure I received timely updates and a consistent positive experience. In addition to the virtual learning platform (VLE), a range of high-quality support services were available to assist me with anything I needed during my studies. 

Which aspects of your course do you think have been the most beneficial to your career development?  

The range of global higher education contexts I’ve learnt about has been the most beneficial area for my future career. Case studies and different perspectives from peers on the programme helped me consider new ideas – allowing me to align, adapt, and compare these learnings.  

Can you share an insight into your current role and if this was supported by your time at the University of Liverpool?   

Upon completing the PGCAP programme, I proposed the creation of an office at my home university. The office supports the academic workings of the university at different levels (course, programme, and institutional) through the development of policies, practices, and research. I am also responsible for faculty training and coordinating academic support services to ensure alignment with the wider university. 

What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the University of Liverpool? 

Research-connected teaching!  

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking of studying academic practice online? 

It is important to have a plan for what you are keen on pursuing, as well as what you will do during and on completion of the programme. In my experience, I found it helpful to map this out in advance, as it helped me to focus and tailor optional modules to suit my specific career interests. 

Hannah Shakir – Academic Practice (PGCAP) – FHEA Pathway

The programme has given me the confidence to own my teaching style, and to recognise that we all have different approaches. 

Why did you choose to study the Academic Practice (PGCAP) – FHEA Pathway?

Studying online with the University of Liverpool gave me the opportunity to balance my studies around a full-time job and family life. The added benefit was that I could progress through the programme quickly, so I managed to complete it in under a year. This was ideal for me professionally, as I needed to progress within my current teaching role. 

What did you enjoy the most about the programme?

I found all the modules to be very helpful, particularly those which supported assignment planning and assessment. Assessment is such a big part of an academic’s role, so developing my knowledge around how students learn has transformed how I design curriculum and assessment frameworks. Understanding the importance of student-centred learning has also enhanced my practice. 

How is your current role supported by what you learnt on the programme?

I have recently advanced from a senior lecturer position to BA Course Leader. This would not have been possible had I not undertaken the PGCAP qualification. Much of my role has been enhanced by the knowledge I gained throughout the programme and by doing this alongside the fellowship. The reflective practice element really helped me to continually adapt my academic practice. 

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking of studying academic practice online?

Do it! I felt like I was guessing at the job up until I enrolled on this programme. I have gained so much confidence and have banished imposter syndrome from my academic practice. I feel informed and in tune with student needs. It has given me the confidence to own my teaching style, and to recognise that we all have different approaches. 

Are there any other memories you would like to share from your time at the University of Liverpool?

I made friends with Mei, another student enrolled on the programme. She was a great support and lived close to me, so we were able to support each other throughout our studies. 

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Academic Practice (PGCAP) – FHEA Pathway – Learn more

Student Testimonials – Academic Practice (PGCAP)

In this series of testimonials, students from the Transformative Academic Practice for Higher Education in the Philippines (TAPHEP) project speak about their experiences on the online PGCAP programme. 

Academic Practice Students

About the TAPHEP project

The TAPHEP Project was launched in 2021 and aims to support related capacity building of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and other selected higher education institutions in the country, via postgraduate education and certification from the University of Liverpool and Advance HE (the UK’s foremost agency for driving excellence and developing leadership in higher education).  

The University of Liverpool’s global online and part-time Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice was launched in January 2021. Accredited by Advance HE, it enabled successful participants of the programme to achieve Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

All videos are also available to watch in the following playlist on our YouTube channel.

Assoc. Prof. Mark Oliver S. Llangco – University of the Philippines Los Baños 

Asst. Prof. Kathleen M. Morales – Xavier University 

Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli L. Crisanto – University of the Philippines Open University 

Prof. Alvin A. Sario – University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi 

Prof. Cenie V. Malabanan – Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology 

Prof. Richard R. Jugar – University of San Carlos 

People working together

Academic Practice – PGCAP – Learn more