Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice
Welcome
Welcome to the Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice course at Birmingham Newman University.
Studying in either blended* or online mode, we are very excited to be welcoming you to the course and look forward to working with you over the academic year.
*Birmingham Newman staff are expected to study in blended mode
Week commencing 29 September 2025
- Online: Monday 29 September
- On campus: Wednesday 1 October
It would be useful to have accessed and taken a look at:
- Phil Race’s 2019 book ‘The lecturers toolkit: A practical guide to Assessment, Learning and Teaching‘
- Glynis Cousin’s ‘Strategies for Researching Learning in Higher Education‘
- Mike Seal’s 2020 edited book ‘Hopeful Pedagogies in Higher Education‘
All are available as a e-book in Birmingham Newman’s library, which you can access once you have completed the enrolment process.
Expertise is drawn from across the University so the teaching team is varied.
You can also expect to be supported by a Course Mentor: these are colleagues with extensive teaching experience and/or have completed the PG Cert in HE Practice at Newman.
The programme leader is Dr. Sarah Parkes.
Sarah is Reader in Collaborative Pedagogies and Practice at Birmingham Newman University, teaching and supporting learners across a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as the Continuing Professional Development route to Fellowship against the 2023 Professional Standards Framework in HE.
She is a 2020 National Teaching Fellow; Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy; Newman Distinguished Teaching Fellow 2018 and an Advance HE CATE 2019 award winner.
The first semester’s module introduces the issues and principles relating to Higher Education Practice. It examines the purposes of Higher Education, relevant adult learning theories, and encourages you to critically reflect on how these interact with your values that shape your teaching and/or practices that support learners in HE.
The practices explored will include session design cognisant of your discipline, support for informal learning, as well as evaluation and enhancement of your own teaching and/or practices that support student learning. You will also be encouraged to start thinking about a small, situated research study into an element of your practice.
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.
We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
- WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
- Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
- Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
- E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
- Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
- International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments
If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.
Key information
Teaching starts
- Week commencing: 29 September 2025
Subject Leader
- Dr. Sarah Parkes
- Reader in Collaborative Pedagogies and Practice
Contact details
- sarah.parkes@staff.newman.ac.uk
- 0121 387 4719
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook
Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)
