100% Online PGCert Higher Education Policy into Practice
Shape global higher education futures
World-class Russell Group university
100% online study
Top-100 Best Global University
Learn more today
Note: * Required field
- Duration 1 year
- Cost per module £780
- Credit hours 60
Degree Benefits
- 100% online*
- World top 100 university
- 4th best university for online learning in the UK (USwitch 2022)
- Interdisciplinary programme
- Pay-per-module and no hidden fees
Imagine unprecedented changes to higher education
Recent research predicts that by 2030, 17% of the global workforce will hold occupations that require higher qualifications.1 Academic organisations and institutions worldwide need innovative leaders to meet this rising demand. Gain the skills to influence higher education policy and change with our postgraduate certificate, Higher Education Policy into Practice.
Expand the scope of your higher education career
Our online PGCert Higher Education Policy into Practice bridges the gap between professional and academic roles. You could aim for senior academic or professional roles—such as director, department head, academic dean, or vice chancellor—or one of many roles in government or for commercial partners.
- In 2021, 220 million students worldwide pursued higher education, doubling the 2000 figure.2
- By 2030, that number will reach 380 million.2
Discover our interdisciplinary programme curriculum
60 credits
6 modules
This PGCert programme emphasises topics in the number and nature of global institutions and students. You’ll study through the lenses of culture, equity, and policy. Differentiate your experience by developing international perspectives on higher education. Ultimately, you can enhance your ability to lead in several institutions and organisations.
Module titles
- Design and Design Thinking
- Applied Data Science for Learning Environments
- Sociotechnical Learning Environments
- Higher Education Futures
- Equity in Education
- Policy into Practice
We welcome applicants from around the world
3 intakes per year
No test scores required
Our online PGCert Higher Education Policy into Practice is ideal for those who want to shape the future of global higher education. Get started today by filling out the online application. You’ll need:
| Completed application |
| An upper second-class degree or equivalent from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution (Alternative entry options are available.) |
| One reference (Depending on your eligibility, this may not be required.) |
| Statement of purpose (optional) |
| Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé |
| Language requirements (international students) |
PGCert tuition details
£780 per module
No hidden fees
Earning your PGCert Higher Education Policy into Practice is an investment in your future success. It’s one of the best ways to accelerate your career and increase your earning potential.
The estimated total cost of this programme is £4,680. You can pay in full or in instalments of £780 per module. All costs are listed to help you make an informed decision.
The tuition fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials, and required digital reading materials. It does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies. A
Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for the academic year 2024-25.
Tuition detailsWhat you’ll learn
Using a comprehensive understanding of higher education administration policy and practice, you can influence the policy-making process, manage policy implementation in your own context more effectively, and shape future policies.
Plus, you can articulate how alternative higher education futures could respond to social, political, and cultural changes.
Programme outcomes
PGCert Higher Education Policy Into Practice graduates are expected to have knowledge and understanding of:
- How policy is formed at different levels and how this impacts practice, but also how practice can impact policy.
- Ways that higher education has grown in the number of institutions and students globally, including current forms of the university and possible futures.
- How equity has been articulated in academic literature, policy, and practice.
- Design, the processes involved, the associated contemporary design theories, and how these ideas and ways of working can be used in context.
- Data tools and frameworks to evaluate teaching, learning, and institutional practice.
- Sociotechnical perspectives of learning environments connecting the social, physical, and digital.
Learn from faculty with higher education expertise
The PGCert Higher Education Policy into Practice has been developed by researchers from the Education Equity Initiative, led by Professor Chris Millward. Professor Millward spent 20 years in the UK Government working on higher education policy and the team have a wide and diverse experience in research and practice. They have collaborated across disciplines to develop this interdisciplinary programme, drawing upon data science and design thinking as well as education studies to look at higher education policy and practice from a range of disciplinary lenses and global perspectives.
Faculty spotlight
Dr Adam Matthews, Programme director
Programme director Dr Adam Matthews is a Senior Research Fellow in education systems and policy. Adam’s work looks at the role universities play as key sites of knowledge production and dissemination in wider society. This includes how technologies and media have and are shaping knowledge, production, and access. He also writes for Wonkhe – the home of UK higher education debate.
As well as providing the highest levels of convenience and flexibility that 100% online learning offers, the programme is full of interactive elements, like video and group activities, which bring the content to life.
Rather than trying to replicate a campus-based setting online, we’ve built this programme from the ground up, drawing on the latest technology to create a truly unique and immersive student experience.
The online learning environment is not only a window to programme materials, it’s an opportunity to connect directly with your lecturers and other professionals like yourself.
Online ExperienceOnline Open Week | 2nd – 6th December 2024
Find out everything you need to know about online postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. Register now to attend your upcoming online information session.
Register nowFrequently asked questions
You may have some questions about the programme, the university or the online environment. It’s always the way when starting something new. Don’t worry; we’re here to answer them.
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.
You can complete the PGCert part-time so that it can fit into your schedule.
The total estimated tuition for this online PGCert is £4,680. Visit the programme tuition page to learn more.
The first step is to visit the admissions page and complete an application form online. You’ll add your CV, optional statement of purpose, and any other supporting documents. Visit the admissions page to learn more.
Unable to commit to the full year programme? We also offer short, 8-week micro-credentials that can be completed online or in-person. Learn more about our micro-credentials.
This PGCert differentiates your experience by developing international perspectives on higher education. Ultimately, you can enhance your ability to lead in several institutions and organisations. Visit the careers page for more information.
The online PGCert Higher Education Policy Into Practice is a 60-credit programme. Visit the curriculum page to learn more.
References
- Statista. “Share of Global Workforce Working in Occupations That Require Higher Education in 2020 and 2030, by Economy.” Retrieved Oct. 11, 2023, from https://statista.com/
- Fortune Business Insights. “Higher Education Technology Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis.” Retrieved Oct. 11, 2023, from https://fortunebusinessinsights.com/