PgCert Researcher Development
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Education Academy to lead to professional recognition at Associate Fellow of the HEA (AFHEA) & Fellowship of the HEA (FHEA) categories
- Application deadline: applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis
- Study mode and duration: Part-time; face-to-face and online learning with some independent study
Study with us
- flexible, academic development degree
- ideal for university research staff, academics or any member of staff looking to enhance their understanding and skills relating to academic and related careers
Why this course?
This course is ideal for university research staff, academics or any member of staff looking to enhance their understanding and skills relating to academic and related careers. It normally takes one to two years' part-time study.
It's aimed at two principal audiences:
- university academic professional staff interested in exploring options and opportunities that research roles can provide them to develop their careers, succeed in their current positions to benefit themselves and the university
- any member of staff interested in investigating how research and related skills could further develop their understanding of the HE sector and their role within it
The course examines factors influencing academic careers in higher education (HE) and offers a range of intellectual and practical methods to inform, explore and develop research activities and career development. Throughout the course, you'll be encouraged to draw from your own area or discipline and explore the development of your career and research in these areas.
All classes are delivered in our in-house teaching facilities and use a diverse number of technologies to enhance learning.
Course content
Registration: applicants can register to attend classes upon acceptance into the programme of study
To obtain a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), you'll complete three classes – the core class Building a Successful Research Career, one recommended class, plus one recommended OR optional class.
Recommended Researcher Development classes:
- Supervising Postgraduate Research
- Research Bidding and Design – Getting Started
- Management & Leadership in Higher Education
- Academic Writing
As optional classes, you'll be able take any module delivered through the Strathclyde Programme in Academic practice Researcher development and Knowledge exchange (SPARK) programme, including those from either the or pathways.

We're a 5-star
QS-rated University
Learning & teaching
All classes are taught using experiential and reflective techniques to ensure learning outcomes are applicable, useful and based in authentic activity. Classes are highly flexible, allowing you to make choices based on your own personal interests.
Classes involve a face-to-face element comprising roughly 16 hours, in addition to blended learning elements and individual study. Online elements are conducted through Myplace, the University's virtual learning environment. A fully online version of the course is in development.
Guest lectures
Individual classes make use of a selection of guest lecturers who can provide the best training on specialist topics.
Assessment
Assessment types differ from class-to-class, and align constructively with teaching and learning aims. Essays, presentations, individual projects and other methods are commonly used.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | An Honours degree or an equivalent qualification. |
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Fees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
University of Strathclyde applicants | Staff with contracts totalling 12 months or longer: free of charge |
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External applicants | Bespoke training can be designed for external clients on request for an additional fee. Please contact SPARK@strath.ac.uk. |
Please note: The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Careers
All SPARK programme classes are designed and delivered to help students enhance their current and future practice, providing opportunities for both career and personal development.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
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We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
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Researcher Development
Qualification: PG Certificate
Start Date: Sep 2019
Mode of Delivery: part-time
Researcher Development
Qualification: PG Certificate
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Delivery: part-time
Contact us
SPARK
Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 4058
Email: spark@strath.ac.uk
Graham Hills Building (Level 4), 40 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1QE