SPARK (Non-graduating)
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: classes within the programme are accredited by the Advance HE to lead to professional recognition at Associate Fellowship of the HEA (AFHEA) and Fellowship of the HEA (FHEA)
- 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
This is a non-graduating route for Strathclyde Staff who are required to engage with the PgCert Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE) as part of the Academic Career Development Framework (ACDF) but who do not intend to complete a full PGCert. For all other applicants, please apply through the graduating PGCLTHE route.
Why this course
This is a flexible academic development programme ideal for university staff seeking to engage with the Academic Career Development Framework and/or to enhance their understanding and skills relating to learning and teaching in higher education.
The programme examines factors influencing teaching, learning and assessment in higher education and offers a range of intellectual and practical methods to inform, explore, and develop learning and teaching across the disciplines.
You'll be encouraged to draw from your own area or discipline and to explore contemporary issues relating to learning and teaching in these areas throughout the course.
What you'll study
Applicants can register to attend classes upon acceptance into the programme.
If you are required to engage with this programme through the Academic Career Development Framework (ACDF), you must gain 30 credits from the SPARK programme, including the 20 credit module Teaching, Learning & Assessment within the Disciplines.
Course content
To engage with this non-graduating route you can complete any classes from the SPARK programme.
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 flexible, allowing you to make choices based on your personal interests.
Classes involve a face-to-face element in addition to blended learning elements and individual study. Online elements are conducted through Myplace, the University's online learning environment.
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.
Becoming an Effective Learning and Teaching Practitioner in HE
The aim of this class is to provide participants an opportunity to evaluate, develop and enhance their own theoretically-informed approach to becoming an effective higher education practitioner at Strathclyde. The module is valued at 20 Credits at SCQF level 11, leading to Fellowship (FHEA).
Developing a Portfolio of Excellence in Learning and Teaching
The aim of this class is to provide participants an opportunity to evaluate, develop and enhance their own theoretically-informed approach to becoming an effective higher education teacher at Strathclyde. The module is valued at 20 credits at SCQF level 11.
Fees & funding
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Republic of Ireland | If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
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| University of Strathclyde applicants | Staff with contracts totalling 12 months or longer: free of charge Staff employed for less than 12 months at Strathclyde: £861 per 20 credit module |
| External applicants | Bespoke training can be designed for external clients on request for an additional fee. Please contact SPARK@strath.ac.uk. |
Apply
Start date: Sep 2025
SPARK