Course Overview
PgCHEP is accredited by Advance HE in line with the Professional Standards framework (PSF), 2023.*
PgCHEP ensures effective professional practice aligned with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF, 2023) at Descriptor 2, through the provision of contemporary and fit-for-purpose curricula and accreditation, that is recognised both internally and across the higher education sector. The PgCHEP is thus designed to develop Ulster educators’ capacity to be effective practitioners.
The programme has the dual purpose to enhance the potential of everyone through education, by delivering both an excellent learning experience for our educators, and also empowering and inspiring them to enhance the learning and social experiences of their own students.
Who can apply for the PgCHEP?
If you already hold Associate Fellowship see Exemptions section below
Ulster staff including academic and other categories of staff who teach and support learning AND meet the minimum professional practice requirements set out below.
Professional Practice Requirements
Prior to making an application, please ensure** that you meet the following minimum professional practice requirements for the available course options (see modules below).
On successful completion of the PgCHEP participants attain Fellowship HEA (FHEA)*.
There are minimum requirements that participants must meet in terms of opportunities for a breadth and depth of learning, teaching and assessment practice in order to undertake the programme and meet the assessment criteria, in line with PSF (2023) at D2, which “is suitable for individuals whose practice with learners has breadth and depth, enabling them to evidence all Dimensions”. Prior to making an application, applicants must ensure, in conjunction with their line manager, that they meet the following minimum requirements:
- A substantive L&T role, which indicates that participants have had, and/or currently have a breadth and depth of higher education teaching, learning and assessment experiences.
- Have at least 25 hours work based experience of teaching/ learning support of higher education-based learners during each of the three modules, and concurrent with their undertaking of modules within the Programme.
**For both the full PgCHEP and standalone module options, you may be required to meet with the PgCHEP Course Director to discuss and ensure that you meet the professional practice requirements before being accepted on to the course.
If your L&T role is more limited than the requirements set out above, then you may wish to apply separately for the course First Steps to Teaching.
We recommend that you attend the Orientation to Learning and Teaching at Ulster session prior to commencing the PgCHEP or Module 1 as a standalone.
*The PgCHEP is currently being redesigned for September 2025 delivery and details above are subject to change. Further information will be shared after the revalidation and accreditation processes have been completed.