| AQF Level |
Level 8 Graduate Certificate |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Graduate Certificate of Higher Education is designed for those Academic and Professional staff in institutions of Higher Education who wish to develop their capabilities in the leadership of learning, teaching and organisational development in higher education.
Students develop their capacity to use the most up-to-date sources of research and scholarship in Higher Education, to distil the essence of this sometimes highly technical literature, and to communicate the results effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences. These critical thinking, knowledge management and communicative capacities can serve not only to enhance graduates' contributions to the effectiveness of the institutions in which they work, but also the learning of those they may teach, of other members of their professional community, and their own lifelong learning. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. convey a general understanding of the regulatory, cultural, political and economic structures and imperatives that shape higher education (K)
2. appraise the applicability of theories and principles underpinning academic and professional learning in higher education contexts (T, J)
3. apply principles and practices of quality enhancement to continual renewal and innovation in curricula, teaching, learning and /or organisational practices, in higher education (K, T, P, E, J)
4. reflect on and critically evaluate the scholarship of learning and teaching from several different perspectives (K, T, E, J)
5. analyse and apply research on educational theory, policy and practice to the identification and resolution of a range of teaching, learning and /or organisational issues in higher education (K, T, P, E, J)
6. apply critical thinking to solve problems and generate new ideas and solutions (K, T, P, E, J)
7. lead and leverage opportunities presented by contemporary society and emerging technologies to help to enhance professional practice, engagement and outcomes in higher education (K, T, P, E, J)
8. work both collaboratively and independently to reflectively analyse an educational situation and contribute to the resolution of issues relating to learning, teaching and/or organisational practice (K, T, P, C, E, J)
9. communicate and share knowledge and understanding across different disciplines and cultures (K, C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
You will be encouraged in this program to acquire relevant skills, knowledge and understanding through a range of independent and collaborative activities. You will read widely from documents including scholarly literature, reports and government policy documents, and you will be expected to draw upon your own professional experiences and reflect upon these in the context of relevant theories and scholarship. Based on the theoretical study and your understandings from the literature, as well as your experiences and your particular educational situation, you will participate in discussions (real and/or virtual) where you will be able to challenge and learn from the ideas and views of others.
All students are expected to be active participants in a range of online activities, which may include participating in or leading group discussions; peer review of the work of other students; and presentations to your fellow students. Online activities use a variety of stimuli and approaches that take advantage of the online medium. |
| Assessment |
Assessment is made on the submission of individual coursework and may include components which reflect your participation in online work. Many assessment tasks will encourage you to relate your new learning to your own particular educational and working context.
Clear standards and criteria for coursework, what is assessed, and how it is assessed, are included in each unit guide. The coursework is designed to develop and assess your ability to appraise and apply theory, policy and practice to higher education contexts.
The program incorporates formative and summative feedback. Both forms of feedback are extremely important and provide you with information and guidance on your development and progress. Feedback may be provided in written form or in discussion with peers and teachers. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Graduate Certificate of Higher Education caters to students who work, or plan to work, as professional or academic staff at universities and other higher education providers. It enhances their capability to lead and participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative, evidence-based programs focusing on organisational development, leadership, learning and teaching, and the effective use of Information and Communication Technologies, in Higher Education. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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