Academic Professional Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) PGCert Middlesex University

Overview

The Middlesex University Academic Professional Apprenticeship (APA) is an evidence-based, nationally recognised and highly structured pathway to support and help develop academic professionals across the university sector in all aspects of academic practice. This will include roles that focus on teaching and/or research. Accredited by the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE), the programme is aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF).

The APA will offer a substantial development opportunity to staff across the University and will help continue to support and facilitate ongoing professional learning and best practice. The APA programme will also include the completion of the PGCert HE award. The programme may also be available to collaborative partner and external applicants.

From September 2019, all academic staff who are new to teaching (unless otherwise exempt – please refer to full guidelines) will be required to undertake our APA programme and complete the PGCert HE.

During the period of time as an APA, they are an employee earning a wage (at least the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage) usually working at least 30 hours per week (or 0.8 full time equivalent), but they are also a full student of Middlesex University with the same access and entitlements to services and support as they undertake their programme.

Qualifications

The apprentice will have the opportunity to gain professional status and upon successful completion of their degree apprenticeship they will have gained:

• PGCert HE
• Apprenticeship Certificate demonstrating they have met the national Apprenticeship Standard for full occupational competence as an Academic Professional
• Fellowship of the Higher Education Agency (now Advance HE)

Course highlights

• The APA offers an important grounding in teaching techniques and practices as well as providing support mechanisms for the continuing development of teaching practice beyond the confines of the programme itself
• The apprentice's professional development will take place as part of their integration to the workplace and with support from a mentor
• The apprentice will experience a lively culture of formative and summative teaching observations; previous participants regard these as one of the most valuable parts of the programme.

What skills will the apprentice gain?

• Critical analysis and synthesis of relevant theoretical concepts, paradigms and contemporary drivers within higher education practice
• Critical self-appraisal of practice in relation to the context and learning environment of their subject to propose innovation
• Use continuing critical reflection and evaluation of practice to guide and inform scholarly enquiry and development of new practice
• Foster and support effective, inclusive student centred communities of learning and practice in a wide range of contexts
• Propose, implement and evaluate sophisticated, innovative solutions for learning and support of learning within the context of their subject or discipline.

Careers

This apprenticeship programme will prepare the apprentice to undertake the role of Academic Professional in a higher education or other education context.