Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching, Learning and Assessment (PCHETL) (30 ECTS) with the option to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching, Learning and Assessment (PDHETL).
The PCHETL is comprised of an introductory module (15 ECTS) and any two other modules from the programme to a maximum of 30 ECTS (See Table 1 for options). You are encouraged to build the programme that meets your specific learning and continuous professional development needs. You may complete the programme within 1 year or spread the modules over 2 years. You are expected to complete the PCHETL within a maximum of two years.
Table 1: PCHETL
| Module |
Designation |
ECTS |
| TL514 - Introduction to Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Higher Education |
Compulsory |
15 |
| TL515 - Curriculum Design, Assessment & Feedback in Higher Education |
Option |
10 |
| TL516 - Professional Practice, Leadership & Scholarship in Higher Education |
Option |
10 |
| TL517 - Digital Technologies in Higher Education |
Option |
10 |
| TL518 - Equality & Diversity in Higher Education |
Option |
5 |
| TL519 - Classroom Management & Microteaching Skills |
Option |
5 |
Suggestions to help with choosing module combinations:
#1 If you are new to teaching or want to refresh your teaching and assessment skills we recommend taking:
- TL514 - Introduction to Teaching Learning and Assessment in Higher (Compulsory) (15 ECTS)
- TL517 - Digital Technologies in Higher Education (10 ECTS)
- TL519 - Classroom Management and Microteaching Skills (5 ECTS)
#2 If you are taking on a module or programme leadership role we recommend taking:
- TL514 - Introduction to Teaching Learning and Assessment in Higher Education (Compulsory) (15 ECTS)
- TL515 - Curriculum Design, Assessment and Feedback in Higher Education (10 ECTS)
- TL518 - Equality and Diversity in Higher Education (5 ECTS)
#3 If you want to focus on influencing and developing practice we recommend taking:
- TL514 - Introduction to Teaching Learning and Assessment in Higher Education (Compulsory) (15 ECTS)
- TL516 - Professional Practice, Leadership and Scholarship in Higher Education (10 ECTS)
- TL518 - Equality and Diversity in Higher Education (5 ECTS)
In line with our goals of flexibility and accessibility, participants may also opt to progress to the PDHETL. There are two pathways for transferring on to the PDHETL.
Pathway 1
Participants who decide to transfer to the PDHETL during the PCHETL (i.e. they have not yet accrued 30 ECTS) will apply to transfer to the PDHETL by completing a “Pathway Change Application Form” in either Year 1 or Year 2 of the programme. Registration will make the “Pathway Change Application Form” available in January each year. The opportunity to apply will be left open for approximately four weeks. No late applications will be accepted.
Pathway 2
Participants who decide to take the PDHETL having completed the PCHETL (i.e., they have been awarded the PCHETL) will be eligible to apply for the PDHETL:
- After a gap of one calendar year after graduation e.g., a candidate who completed the PCHETL in AY2025/2026 and graduated in November 2026 would first be eligible to apply for the PDHETL in AY2028/2029 and
- Up to five years after completing the PCHETL e.g. a candidate who completed the PCHETL in AY2025/2026 will be eligible for exemption until AY2031/2032. Outside of the five-year timeframe candidates will be required to take all of the PDHETL modules.
See the Programme Overview and Workload tab below for the Module Outlines and Indicative Timetable which has indications of delivery days/times and module delivery approach.
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching, Learning and Assessment (PDHETL) (60 ECTS) with the option to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching, Learning and Assessment (PCHETL) on successful completion of 30 ECTS.
The PDHETL offers a flexible way to obtain a qualification in higher education teaching with flexibility to complete in 2, 3 or 4 years.
The PDHETL is bookended by an introductory module (15 ECTS) and a capstone module (5 ECTS) (See Table 1 for an overview of the programme structure). The other modules may be taken in any order that suits you over 2, 3, or 4 years. You are expected to complete the PDHETL within a maximum of four years from the first date of registering for the programme.
Table 1: PDHETL Structure
| Module |
ECTS |
Comment |
| TL514 - Introduction to Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Higher Education |
15 |
Taken Year 1: Semester 1 (Compulsory) |
| TL515 – Curriculum Design, Assessment & Feedback in Higher Education |
10 |
Taken in any order that suits the participant but must be completed within a 4 year timespan of first registering for the programme. |
| TL516 – Professional Practice, Leadership & Scholarship in Higher Education |
10 |
| TL517 – Digital Technologies in Higher Education |
10 |
| TL518 – Equality & Diversity in Higher Education |
5 |
| TL519 – Classroom Management & Microteaching Skills |
5 |
| TL520 – Teaching Learning and Assessment Portfolio |
5 |
Taken once all other modules have been successfully completed (Taken in Summer). |
There is also the option to exit with a PCHETL on successful completion of 30 ECTS within 1 or 2 years. This flexibility allows you to take modules within timeframes that best suit you.
Participants who exit with a PCHETL may opt to complete the PDHETL within 5 years of exiting. See Pathway 2 under the PCHETL tab above for full details.
See the Programme Overview and Workload tab below for the Module Outlines and Indicative Timetable which has indications of delivery days/times and module delivery approach.
These programmes are practice-centred and prioritise the application of learning and scholarship in staffs’ own practice. Broadly, the programme aims to promote and support high quality teaching that enhances MU students learning experience. More specifically these programmes aim to
- Provide flexible opportunities for those who teach in Higher Education to explore the theory, concepts and contemporary discourse of learning, teaching and assessment in higher education and to consider how they impact and influence practice;
- Assist participants to enhance the quality of the student learning experience by supporting them to: develop their professional values and identities; embed critical reflection into their professional practice; enhance their digital capacities in relation to teaching and learning; and identify opportunities to engage in continuous professional development as part of their role within Higher Education and
- Support and encourage participants to engage in evidence based approaches to their practice and to contribute to their discipline and their professional development through the scholarship of teaching and learning.
To learn more about programme and module content download the
Programme Overview and Module Outlines
Note: Modules will run subject to meeting minimum registered numbers.
Programme Workload
If applying for a programme you will be required to commit to your availability to both attend the workshops/webinars of the module(s) you select for the forthcoming academic year and to complete all other work associated with the module.
Modules have different credit weightings but it is assumed that each credit represents 25 hours of work (in line with the MU Teaching and Learning Guidelines 2018). Examples of workload include, attending workshops and webinars, completing assigned readings or learning activities, assignment preparation, application activities, and independent study.
Timetable
Check the
Indicative Timetable 2024-25 Updated December 2024
to make sure that you are available to attend the scheduled sessions. Also carefully consider when selecting modules, the module credit weighting and timing in context of your own workload.
Part of the Application Process (see Tab below) is having a discussion with your Head of Department to gain their support for your taking the programme. It is important to know your total commitment so you can have an informed discussion with your Head of Department on what is involved.
These programmes are open to Maynooth University staff who meet the eligibility criterion below.
The reflective and practical nature of the teaching, learning and assessment approaches of the programmes require a teaching context for participants to learn and apply learning and to meet programme and module learning outcomes. It is essential that those applying for the programme are teaching and assessing in a higher education context for the duration of the programme.
Selection
The Programme Board will review applications that meet the eligibility criterion. All applications require sign off from their Head of Department.
Selection of participants will then be based on:
- A personal statement (500 words).
- Teaching and assessment experience.
- Commitment to being available for the programme’s teaching and independent learning hours as indicated by the indicative timetable and module credit weightings.
- The Programme Board will also be required to select an inter-disciplinary cohort to ensure the quality of the learning experience for participants and equity of representation across the University.
Application Process and Key Dates
- Applicants should complete the relevant application form below (Certificate or Diploma) and submit it by the closing date: 5pm, Wednesday, 31 July 2024
- Application Form - Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching,Learning and Assessment 2024-25
- Application Form - Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching, Learning and Assessment 2024-25
- Applicants should obtain their Head of Department's approval for them to participate in the programme/selected modules.
- Heads of Department should confirm their approval and support by e-mail to [email protected] by 5pm, Wednesday, 7 August, 2024
- The Programme Board will review, prioritise and recommend applicants for offer of places. Selection of participants will include reviewing those meeting the application criterion as well as selecting an inter-disciplinary cohort to ensure the quality of the learning experience for participants and equity of representation across the University.
- The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will notify applicants of the outcome of their application by email on Wednesday, 14 August 2024
- Please note that successful applicants only will subsequently be required to complete a short application via the online PAC system. CTL will provide details on this process to successful applicants at a later date.
Course Fees and Maynooth University Staff Fee Waivers (Final fees to be confirmed for 2024-25)
Fees for the PCHETL (30 ECTS) for AY 2023/2024 were: €2,756
Fees for the PDHETL (60 ECTS) for AY 2023/2024 were: €4,330
Fee waiver eligibility:
If accepted on the programme, staff on Academic or University Tutor contracts are eligible for a fee waiver. For staff who are employed on a temporary contract, the length of their contract must exceed the expected end date of any module they wish to undertake, at any time.
