Postgraduate Diploma

Course Outline

The modules below are available for credit as part of the Postgraduate Diploma, or can be taken on a standalone basis (i.e. you do not have to be taking the complete PgDip and can simply take one or more of these for interest). Each module is rated at 10 ECTS, and has its own assessment requirements.

• CEL263 Learning Technologies‌ (available in Semester 1)
  This module provides a broad ranging overview of technologies and how they can be used to support teaching and learning in higher education. There will be an introduction to some of the underlying and emerging theoretical and critical perspectives, but much of the focus will be on practical implementation and learning from case studies and examples.
  
  Topics to be explored include: digital video and audio production; interactive multimedia for online learning; assessment and feedback tools; open educational resources; learning analytics and the ‘surveillance’ debate; developing students’ digital skills; new and emerging technologies in higher education (eg VR/AR); technologies for creativity and experimentation; ethics, empowerment, and responsibility in educational technology.
  
  The module is organised as a series of stand-alone workshops; including guest lecturers, online resources, demonstrations, discussion, research and reflection.  In particular; students of this modules will be encouraged to apply their learning to teaching and learning in their own subject area and engage actively in debate and discussion on these topics.
  
  
• CEL264 Supporting Student Learning (Semester 2)
  

  This module covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to student academic success. Many of these are contextual factors that can serve as barriers or stressors for students, whilst others might be enablers of success. Participants explore these aspects together as a group and are informed by a number of guest speakers, from across the wide range of support services in the university, as well as by engaging with the literature and current policy debates

  There is scope for discussion, discovery, and analysis, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. All discussions in class, and in the online discussion area, are private, within the group and the course team. This offers a safe space for honest and open discussion, with empathy and respect for one another.

• CEL277 Independent Study (over the course of the academic year)
  This is an independent study module, allowing participants to design and undertake a small-scale enquiry of their own choosing. A variety of topics and approaches is possible, and whilst there are no taught sessions, an information meeting will be held early in the academic year for those interested in pursuing their own project.
  
  Essential information is provided via Canvas. The module runs across the academic year, to allow colleagues to join on a rolling basis to suit workload constraints.
  
  
• CEL6102 Teaching Online‌ (Semester 2)
  Teaching and designing online courses can often be challenging. This course will explore the theory and practical design of blended and online teaching.
  
  The learning activities and the aligned assessments represent a weaving together of two aspects: a personal journey captured in your individual assignments, and a collective endeavour demonstrated through active online discussion.
  
  This second dimension requires that you participate in online tutorial sessions and engage in peer review and online collaboration. In doing so, you will gain a direct perspective on the experience of being an online learner.
  
  
• CEL6103 Developing Postgraduate Supervision and Research Career Development (Semester 1)
  

  This 10 ECTS module is suitable for new and more experienced postgraduate supervisors who wish to enhance their practice. It is organised around online seminars and self-study materials. It is in two parts:

  1. We look at your own research career development, reflecting on where you are now and making an action plan for the next steps in your own research;
  2. We explore the various stages of research degree supervision – getting started, institutional sources of support, developing supervisory relationships, supporting student writing and doctoral assessment processes.  

  There are two assessment tasks for this module, one related to each part of the curriculum.

New to 2024/2025

• CEL6108 Collegiality, Management & Leadership in Education
  An overview and exploration of a number of key dimensions of leading and managing in teaching and learning in higher education.
  
  
• CEL6109 Sustainability in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
  This module aims to unpack the varying definitions and principles of the concept of sustainability and provides a space for participants to embed sustainability into their own teaching and learning practice. Topics to be explored include pedagogical approaches for sustainability; teaching techniques for embedding sustainability into the curriculum; digital tools for embedding the SDGS into university modules; learning how to provide safer spaces for students to voice fears and anxieties about the climate crisis. Participants  of this module will be encouraged to apply their learning in their own subject area.

Should you have any queries please contact celt@universityofgalway.ie

Why Choose this Course?

Who’s suited to this Course?

Course Fees

University of Galway staff do not pay fees for this programme.

 External candidates will normally be required to pay fees.  For more information please contact celt@universityofgalway.ie

Find Out More

Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching
AMB1012, Arts Millennium Building
University of Galway
Tel. 091 492 2924
Email celt@universityofgalway.ie

Applications & Selections

Applications for Academic Year 24/25 are now open

Closing Date for Applications 10th June, 2024.

Successful applicants will be offered a place by end of June 2024.

Who Teaches this Course

TBC