Academic practice programmes provide postgraduate teaching qualifications that can enhance the careers of those who teach or support learning in higher education settings. By completing an online Academic Practice programme with the University of Liverpool, you will consider a range of global perspectives, as well as different theories, while reflecting on your academic practice. In this blog post, we highlight the benefits of the programme and how it can enhance your career.
Who is the Academic Practice programme best suited to?
Academic Practice students come from diverse backgrounds, roles, and career stages. The online Academic Practice Master of Arts programme is designed to accommodate a range of backgrounds and experience levels. Our accredited pathway is designed for those with relevant current experience teaching and/or supporting learning in higher education. On completion of the accredited PGCAP you can continue your studies in Academic Practice or exit with a 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Our standard pathway is designed for those who are interested in teaching and/or supporting learning in higher education, but who do not currently have sufficient relevant experience doing so. On completion of the standard pathway you can continue your studies in Academic Practice or exit with a 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate. Both our accredited and standard pathways enable students to continue their studies in Academic Practice to complete the full 180-credit Master of Arts or to exit with a 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma. If you are unsure which pathway is best for you, please reach out to our Admissions team for more information.
Which elements of academic practice are covered on the programme?
As a student, you will use a range of online methods to learn, reflect, and submit assessments. You are encouraged to actively participate in learning and share insights and case studies from your local contexts, to help build a global network of contacts and new perspectives. In early modules, the basics of planning and designing learning outcomes, inclusive learning and assessment activities, and methods to help you reflect on your practice are taught.
As you progress, you will learn more about theory and practice, and how to enhance your teaching and students’ learning in diverse settings. You will also gain insights to enhance careers in higher education, develop academic leadership knowledge and skills, engage with scholarship, and develop an understanding of pedagogic research design that will enable you to conduct your own research through a supervised Academic Practice Project.
What are the benefits of studying for an academic practice qualification?
Our academic practice programmes provide graduates with recognised higher education teaching qualifications and, for those on the accredited pathway, professional recognition as Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). The Liverpool Online Academic Practice programmes transcend borders and equip you with an international outlook on higher education. In addition to the subject-specific knowledge gained, you will also strengthen your educational skills in communication, digital capabilities, and teaching and research, all of which enhance your career prospects and unlock new opportunities.
What career opportunities are available for academic practice graduates?
Our objective is to ensure you are prepared to excel in the higher education sector. Many higher education employers in the UK and beyond require those who teach or support learning to demonstrate effective practice through initial teaching qualifications, like the PGCert and FHEA. What’s more, our programmes enable you to develop employability skills to enhance your teaching career in higher education, both in the UK and across the world. Learning and assessment methods are relevant to higher education and will allow you to elevate your academic practice, leadership, and scholarship.
Why study at the University of Liverpool?
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 of Liverpool was awarded TEF Gold in 2023. We have been pioneers in online learning since 2000 and were awarded Gold in the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024. Also in 2024, Liverpool Online won an Advance HE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE).
Our fully online and part-time programmes are supported by the e-library, as well as academic and student support teams. Modules are delivered through a range of interactive online resources – including discussion forums, readings, case studies, and lecturecasts – opportunities for personal reflection, and collaborative activities that mirror professional higher educational settings.
Where can I find further information?
To learn more, visit the Prospects case study introducing the MA Academic Practice – University of Liverpool Online. Here you will be able to listen to a podcast and read a blog by Dr Sue Bolt, Head of Academic Development at the University of Liverpool and Director of Studies for Liverpool Online Academic Practice programmes. Alternatively, you can learn more about the experiences of students who completed this programme on the testimonials section of the website.
If you are interested in studying one of our online Academic Practice programmes, head to our programme page, where you can download a prospectus and find out more about fees and entry requirements.
