The book is divided into four parts, each exploring a different aspect of designing and delivering a PGCert course.
Part I: Setting the Stage, introduces the importance of inclusive learning design through my ‘roots-to-shoots’ approach (Chapter 1), especially user-friendly for neurodivergent participants, and the critical role of co-creation with alumni. I also discuss related pre-course provisions (Chapter 2) that help to prepare participants for their PGCert learning journey.
Part II: Designing the PGCert Experience delves into the many contextual factors that matter in the design of the course (Chapter 3), in particular how the learning environment is set up, exploring different structures, delivery modes and the needs of participants from various backgrounds. The discussion then moves on to the ‘content’ of the course (Chapter 4) by looking at key ‘learning thresholds’, impactful and creative learning activities and other ways of prompting learning on PGCerts.
In Part III: Assessing and Evaluating PGCert, the focus shifts to the assessment, evaluation and progression. It explores inclusive assessment methods and the role of feedback (Chapter 5), including real examples of ‘authentic’ assessments and enhancements to PGCert assessment briefs as effective tools for participants and for their students. Next, I discuss evaluations (Chapter 6), both as a tool to refine the course for future cohorts and as a qualitative measure of the provision’s impact on participants. The section ends with what happens beyond the PGCert (Chapter 7) – how participants can continue to develop their academic and scholarship identity and pursue further development.
Finally, Part IV: Special Topics in PGCert Development addresses some of the emerging themes and challenges in PGCert delivery today. It looks at the impact of the 2023 PSF on PGCert (Chapter 8), the growing importance of education for sustainability (Chapter 9, hosted on this companion website) and the development of online PGCerts, particularly to support staff across global campuses (Chapter 10, hosted on this companion website).
Citation
Rossi, V. (2026) Designing Impactful PGCert in Higher Education Courses – A Practical Guide for Staff Development. London: Routledge