PgCert in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership


The AHEP Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) is a self-directed, independent, work-based learning programme for higher education professionals working within UK higher education administration.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON FOR THE APRIL 2024 INTAKE – APPLY BY 18 MARCH. If you have any queries contact pgcert@ahep.ac.uk for further information.

Key information

Programme duration: 12 months
Programme mode: Online, self-directed, blended, part-time, work based learning
Entry requirements: Applicants may be accepted without an UG degree. Please see details below.
Programme fee: £3,180 for 2023/24
Next intake start: April 2024
Application closing date: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 18 MARCH. Email pgcert@ahep.ac.uk for more info.

The programme deepens and tests your knowledge and understanding of the HE sector whilst enhancing your skills as a reflective practitioner, incorporating professional values and behaviours into your working life.

The programme aims

The programme will:

  • Engage you in a process of planned professional development, based on reflection and self-assessment of your approach and performance in professional contexts
  • Develop your understanding and critical awareness of current issues in the sector, through independent learning and research
  • Develop your understanding of leadership and management in the context of HE
  • Enhance your professional practice through critical appraisal of, and reflection on, your knowledge, skills, behaviours and values
  • Develop your reflective skills enabling you to apply your knowledge and understanding to evaluate and analyse your practice and experiences

Programme overview

PgCert students, past and present, share their experiences.

Structure and assessment

The programme is self-directed and delivered as blended learning via an online workspace, webinars and/or contact days, known as intro week or workshop sessions*.

*Please note April 2024 will be delivered online only.

The structure

The programme is delivered over 12 months. During this time you will study two modules with workshop sessions staged throughout the programme alongside the assessments. You are supported by a series of mandatory intro/workshop sessions and an online workspace (NOW). For the next cohort, sessions are delivered online via as series of webinars and online activities/tasks. You will be assigned an AHEP mentor who is a HE professional and works at a UK HE institution or within the sector.

The modules

There are two compulsory level 7 modules that make up the 60 credit PgCert award. These are masters level credits that can be used towards a final MSc award through Nottingham Trent University. These two modules run concurrently over the 12 month period. You must successfully complete both in order to achieve the full award, but credits are awarded for any successful module completion.

The assessment formats are as follows:

*Higher Education in Context module (30 credits)
Formative assessment to aid development
1,500 word blog task (on a choice of topics)
4,000 word knowledge based assessment with a choice of formats and topic areas

*Professional Practice in Higher Education module (30 credits)
Formative assessment to aid development
2,000 word management and leadership reflective assessment
3,500 word professional development and progression assessment

*assessments can be subject to change

More information on the programme structure, expectations of study and the content is available in our prospectus.

Cohorts and webinar sessions

There are two intakes per academic year in October and April.

Our April cohort will be online delivery.

April 2024 workshops – All dates are currently provisional

Intro Workshops 1 to 4 – w/c 22 April 2024 (4 x two hour sessions spread across four days)
Workshop 5 – w/c 15 July 2024
Workshop 6 – w/c 29 July 2024
Workshop 7 – w/c 7 October 2024
Workshop 8 – w/c 14 October 2024
Workshop 9 – w/c 2 December 2024
Workshop 10 – w/c 9 December 2024
Workshop 11 – w/c 3 March 2025
Workshop 12 – w/c 10 March 2025

Session formats vary from one to two hour webinar sessions. Intro week is spread across several days.

Fees

Programme fee for 2023/24 academic year


£3,180 (includes membership of AHEP for two years, existing members will have their membership extended by two years)

Payment

We offer payment and instalment options for both you and your employer. See our AHEP payment terms and conditions for more information.

The full programme fee (or first payment instalment) will be invoiced 30 days before the first day of Intro Week workshops (date of registration).

Where applicants are self-funding fees can be paid in instalments but 25% of the fee must be paid before the first day of Intro Week.

Fee arrangements must be confirmed at the point of accepting your offer of a place. Please refer to the AHEP payment terms and conditions. Invoices can be raised to you, your employer or a third party.

If you would like your fees to be invoiced earlier than the 30 days or need any more information about payment options, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Entry requirements

Due to the nature of the study and assessment for the programme, in order to be eligible for admission to the programme applicants will usually:

a) hold a UK or Republic of Ireland first degree (or equivalent) and
b) have at least 6 months’ experience of working in the higher education sector, preferably at a higher education institution, in an administrative or managerial capacity; and
c) hold a current position within the UK or Republic of Ireland HE sector in an administrative or managerial capacity.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree

Applicants who do not hold a first degree may be admitted to the programme if they can demonstrate their ability to succeed at level 7 study by:

a) holding a current position within the UK or Republic of Ireland HE sector in an administrative or managerial capacity; and
b) having at least 12 months’ experience of working in the HE sector in an administrative or managerial capacity; and/or
c) holding comparable professional qualifications

If English is not your first language

Applicants whose first language is not English must be competent in written and spoken English up to the following standard: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in reading and writing) or TOEFL iBT 83 with at least: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17. More information available here on NTU’s English language requirements and Language Centre.

If applicants do not meet the language entry requirements, they will be directed to the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course provided by Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the programme. A range of language courses are available.

All applications are considered on an individual basis.  Your personal statement, supporting professional reference, qualifications and experience are all taken into account.

The entry requirements are in place to help ensure that you have the experience and background knowledge of the sector to enable you to succeed on the programme. If you are unsure of your suitability, please contact the PgCert team.

If you are not based in the UK or ROI

The programme is based on the UK higher education sector and therefore only eligible for applicants who live and work in the UK or ROI.  Unfortunately it is not possible for anyone outside the UK or ROI to apply. It is a requirement to be a member of the AHEP throughout your registration on the programme.  Applications are open to non-members. Please note, the fee includes two years’ AHEP membership so membership will be automatically applied at the point of registration.

How to apply

You will need:

– A completed application form which includes a 250 – 500 word personal statement on why you’re applying.

– A reference from someone who can comment on your suitability for the programme – this is likely to be from your current line manager and should be submitted on letter headed paper at the point of applying.

– Submit your application form and reference via the PgCert application page.

We recommend that you read the prospectus before you start your application so you understand what the programme entails and the expectations of a self-directed, independent learner.  We also bring your attention to our payment terms and conditions.

Application process

We consider and accept applications in the order that we receive them.  Applications will close six weeks before Intro Week or when the cohort is full.  You will need confirmation of funding at the point of accepting your offer of a place on the programme. We are unable to consider applications until a full application has been received which includes a reference. If you have any queries regarding this process please contact the PgCert Team.

Provided that all required documents are included the outcome of your application will normally be confirmed within 10 working days of receipt.  If your application is successful, we’ll send you an offer and payment schedule form.

As the programme is run collaboratively with Nottingham Trent University, you will be enrolled as a student with NTU and are able to obtain a student ID card.

AHEP is committed to providing equal opportunities for all members. Please contact the PgCert Teaching and Learning Manager to discuss any specific needs or queries relating to disability support.

Contact us

For further information on the PgCert programme please contact us.

Tel: 0161 528 0497
Email: pgcert@ahep.ac.uk

PgCert graduates at the Annual Conference

Further study

On successful completion of the PgCert programme you are eligible to progress your academic study with Nottingham Business School’s PgDip and MSc in HE administration, management and leadership courses. For further information visit NTU’s website (and scroll to the ‘Professional’ course options) or contact NTU’s Executive Education and Corporate Relations Team on +44 (0)115 848 8139, or via email: nbs.business@ntu.ac.uk.

Stage 1 – PgCert in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership. Delivered by AHEP in partnership with NTU
(60 level 7 credits)

Stage 2 – PgDip in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership
(60 level 7 credits, a cumulative total of 120 credits)

Stage 3 – MSc in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership
(60 level 7 credits, a cumulative total of 180 credits)

FAQs

I don’t have an undergraduate degree – can I still apply?

The standard entry requirements are an undergraduate degree and experience of working in the higher education (HE) sector, preferably at a higher education institution (HEI). If you’ve been working within the HE sector for many years but do not have an undergraduate degree then it may be that you meet the entry criteria. All applications are considered on an individual basis; taking your personal statement and supporting professional reference into account as well as your qualifications and experience. If you’re unsure as to your suitability for the programme, please contact us for further information.

Is there any preparation I can do before the intro week starts?

Yes, we have some recommended pre-reading which will help you brush up on your study skills and provide you with some background reading.

Please visit our Pre-course reading page for further information.

I’m new to the HE sector, do you think this programme is suitable?

As part of our entry requirements we ask that applicants have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of six months’ experience working in a professional services role within the UK HE sector. This is to ensure that students have a working base knowledge and understanding of the sector in order to succeed on the programme. Obviously, the longer you have been working in the sector the more experience and knowledge you have to draw on. The programme hasn’t been designed as an introduction to the sector – you may find our ‘Intro to HE’ event useful instead. Through the assessments and your independent study, the PgCert should test your existing knowledge and deepen your understanding of the higher education sector.

Do all the places get filled?

We have two cohorts (intakes) per academic year in October and April. If places are filled before the closing date, we operate a waiting list on a ‘first come, first served’ basis in case any candidate withdraws their place on the programme prior to the start date. For this reason, we recommend that applications are submitted as early as possible during your preferred cohort application period.

When do applications close?

Applications normally close around six weeks before the first workshop/intro week or when all the places on the programme have been filled.

Can my institution pay my fees before the end of this financial year?

Yes. If you would like your fees to be invoiced earlier than one month before the first study day, please contact us to make arrangements.

Related links, news, and documents

October 2021 Member Spotlight – Emma Flight
The October member spotlight is on Emma Flight, Head of Academic Services …
April 2021 Member Spotlight – Loretta Gibson
The April member spotlight is on Loretta Gibson, Director of Administration for …
March 2021 Member Spotlight – Annette Cooke
The March member spotlight is on Annette Cooke from the University of …
October 2020 Member Spotlight – Nikki Elliott
The October member spotlight is on Nikki Elliott, CBASS Project Officer at …
Introduction to the AUA CPD Framework
Introduction to the AUA CPD Framework webinar In this webinar two experts …
June 2020 Member Spotlight – Chiara Singh
The June member spotlight is on Chiara Singh, School Office Manager at …
Engaging with the Wider Context
Engaging with the Wider Context The behaviour ‘engaging with the wider context’ …
Coronavirus: Through the eyes of a postgrad student
Coronavirus: Through the eyes of a postgrad student Kelli Wolfe | University …
Using resources effectively
Using resources effectively Using resources effectively is a behaviour which is all …
Embracing Change
Embracing Change The behaviour ‘embracing change’ is all about being open to …
Celebrating our 2020 PgCert Graduates
Celebrating our 2020 PgCert Graduates One of the highlights of the AUA …
Managing Self and Personal Skills
Managing Self and Personal Skills Managing self and personal skills is a …
Working together
Working together The behaviour 'working together' is all about the skills we …
Achieving results
Achieving results The behaviour 'achieving results' relates being successful to producing high …
PgCert | Our alumni share their experience
Studying the AUA PgCert: Three of our alumni share their experience The …